With influences ranging from Prince to Depeche Mode, The Illustrious Blacks have a mission to create music that combines futuristic funk, house, and synth-pop into pulsating positivity. The duo have released several successful singles, including “Blast Off,” “Red Light,” and “Black Like Jesus.” And have performed at major music festivals around the world and have opened for respected artists like Lalah Hathaway and Cupcakke.
The duo’s 2020 EP, Technegrocolor, was met with critical acclaim, and their lead single “Step Back” was hailed as one of the most unapologetically queer anthems of the year. They have since released two synth-pop singles, “Gravitational” and “Love Is Love Is Love,” and have collaborated with popular singer/songwriter Bright Light, Bright Light.
As individuals, Monstah Black and Manchildblack are equally captivating, but together as The Illustrious Blacks, they create music that inspires listeners to live their best lives and spread positivity. Broke Magazine chats with the duo about music, creativity and their overall sense of being artists.
Hey guys, can you tell us more about your musical journey and how you two came together to form The Illustrious Blacks?
Manchildblack: Our musical journey really began when we first met, which was under a disco ball in a nightclub in DC many years ago. We met on the dance floor and danced to House and Disco until the lights came up and the night ended. It was serendipitous that we would end up years later forming The Illustrious Blacks and performing to House and Disco Music.
What inspired you to fuse futuristic funk, hypnotic house, space disco, and synth-pop into your music?
Monstah Black: It comes from an obsession of 70s Funk as well as the 80s New Wave. Also, of course, the outlandish fashions. We both grew up on those sounds added to the soundtrack of our lives.
We love your debut EP, “Neo Afro Futuristic Psychedelic Surrealistic Hippy.” Can you share with us the story behind the making of the EP?
Manchildblack: The intent was to fuse fun with what we stand for as humans. That EP has socio/political content like ‘Black Like Jesus’ and ‘Delusions of Grandeur’, but also fuses moments of fun like ‘Blast Off.’
Your music videos are visually stunning and so entertaining. Can you tell us more about your creative process when making them?
Monstah Black: Thank you! When we formed The Illustrious Blacks, we knew that we wanted to have a very strong visual element in our
videos and our shows. The artists we admire most like Prince, Grace Jones and David Bowie all had this and we wanted to carry on this tradition in our work. Music and fashion go hand in hand.
Your previous single, “Cloud 9,” has a catchy beat and an uplifting message. Can you share with us the inspiration behind the song?
Manchildblack: ‘Cloud 9’ is the place we want to create on Earth, but it starts with creating that space within our hearts–a place of love and empathy.
Monstah Black: The song also is a tribute to those dance floors that have been created for us to come together, fellowship, dance and celebrate life.
You’ve had the opportunity to perform in major music festivals and respected venues all over the world. Do you have a favourite performance or location that stands out to you?
Manchildblack: There isn’t necessarily a favorite venue, but we absolutely love going places around the world and seeing the love people have for the music.
Monstah Black: Our favorite places have been Bali, Fiji and Hawaii. In other words, we enjoy a tropical environment.
Your music is known for its infectious energy and positivity. Can you share with us how you hope your music impacts and inspires your listeners?
Manchildblack: Our music tends to be about liberation. We know that liberation means different things to different people, but as long as your liberation doesn’t harm anyone else, we’re in support.
Monstah Black: As we often say in our shows ‘be bold, be brave, be love, be you!’
Who are some of your musical inspirations, and how have they influenced your sound and style?
Monstah Black: With this latest EP, Pandemonium, we were able to work with one of our favorite producers, Seven Davis Jr., who was able to fuse our love of the Prince, P Funk and House Music into what we do naturally.