By DONNA BALANCIA
Blood Orange, AKA Devonté Hynes, takes a new approach with electronic-alternative R&B, giving a new voice to some of society’s most persistently oppressive issues.
Hynes, the multi-instrumentalist and producer known as Blood Orange will be play The Roxy on April 11.
The latest album for the UK-born musician is Negro Swan, released late last year. Hynes has collaborated with musicians ranging from Blondie and Charlotte Gainsbourg to A$AP Rocky and fka twigs.
“My newest album is an exploration into my own and many types of black depression, an honest look at the corners of black existence, and the ongoing anxieties of queer/people of color,” he said. “A reach back into childhood and modern traumas, and the things we do to get through it all. The underlying thread through each piece on the album is the idea of hope, and the lights we can try to turn on within ourselves with a hopefully positive outcome of helping others out of their darkness.”
With a jazzy electronic psychedelic style, Hynes puts injustice and diversity center stage. With each song he has an important message. In almost all of his beautifully shot videos it appears as if he always has a devoted group of friends backing him up.
Hynes’ music cuts through the clatter and competing noise of the multitudes of other musicians who all have something to say. The difference is Hynes’ musical statements hit the right notes and feel accessible. He is not afraid to be vulnerable and that makes him even more appealing.
Hynes creates enchanting melodies and uses light tones to carry serious subjects, tackling prejudice and LGBTQ issues with a real and compelling style that draws people in.
Blood Orange – Chewing Gum: