There are some musicians you talk to who make it known right from the beginning that they’re dead serious about their art. Tyondai Braxton, lead singer of NYC-based Battles and producer/writer/composer behind the new solo album Central Market is undeniably one of those serious ones.
“My brother Donari is a brilliant writer and a big influence on my own work,” he begins.” We bounce ideas off of each other and he’s one of the most creative and insightful people I’ve ever met. His newest novel The Invisible Alphabet has just been completed. My sister Keayr is a television producer for a slew of major networks. She’s brilliant and has the most unyielding work ethic I’ve ever seen. My mother Nickie Braxton is a glass blower, costume designer and violinist herself. Don’t know what to say about the woman other than she’s the most amazing person in my life. And then there is my father, Anthony. He is everything that people say he is, a genius, a virtuoso and an incredible human being.”
His father, Anthony Braxton is a prolific jazz composer, saxophonist and philosopher and his many accolades would take too many pages to list. Listening to his new solo music, it’s apparent Tyondai took more musical direction from Dad, rather than siphoning inspiration from the math-rock of his day band, Battles. The music on his new opus is mostly instrumental electronica and could even be called orchestral in scope. It is music that would be amazing as the score for a brain-twisting David Lynch flick or even as a soundtrack for a Hollywood, golden-age, Carey Grant movie.
“It’s very narrative-based music and I hope people will be able to feel the momentum of what feels like some kind of story in the record,” Tyondai says. “I chose the album title for a couple of reasons. On one hand, I wanted to reference Stravinsky’s 2nd major ballet ‘Petrushka’ of which I’m a big fan. The scene starts at the ‘Shrovetide Fair’ in the center of town in St. Petersburg Russia. It’s full of whimsy and fantasy, and puppet’s come to life and begin to dance … it’s magic. Also, on the other hand when we think of the word “market” these days, the first thing that comes to mind is the state of the global economy, which is a total catastrophe. For me the title could fit in to these two plains – or could not. The reference to both situations is funny though. Overall, the music has a sense of direction and, in my opinion at least, it’s fun!”
The people at Warp Records always seem to pick those special artists who push boundaries and envision new pockets of creative artistry. Tyondai’s Central Market is another certified winner.
Words by Geo Hagan, photos by Gracia Villamil
