"Quinton Barnes Unveils 'Black Noise' Album and Single"
Montreal-based artist Quinton Barnes has officially announced the release of his highly anticipated album Black Noise, slated for June 6th via Watch That Ends The Night. This milestone, occurring on Barnes’ 28th birthday, showcases his evolution as an artist and his commitment to pushing the boundaries of experimental music, particularly within the context of Black cultural expression. To accompany this announcement, he also shares the album’s first single, “Movement 7,” offering fans a striking glimpse into the ambitious soundscapes of the forthcoming project.
Black Noise serves as the culmination of Barnes’ explorations of identity and sound over the course of his discography. Following his previous albums, Code Noir and Have Mercy On Me, which delved into themes of Black and queer identity alongside raw songwriting, this new work further examines the complex relationship between Black sound and an anti-Black world. Recorded at the revered Hotel2Tango studios, Black Noise reflects a collaborative approach, with notable contributions from an ensemble of experimental musicians, including members of the Egyptian Cotton Arkestra and other notable artists from Montreal’s vibrant music scene.
Produced by acclaimed Ontario producer Michael Cloud Duguay, the album departs from Barnes’ earlier DIY production methods, focusing instead on the innovative integration of classical piano compositions by Edward Enman. The collaborative process involved deconstructing these foundational pieces to create a unique hybrid of noise, hip-hop, avant-jazz, and other genres, all while maintaining Barnes’ distinctive lyrical style and vocal techniques.
“Movement 7” stands out as the album’s emotionally charged centerpiece, merging rap and singing over a classical piano backdrop that showcases Barnes’ evolving vocal capabilities. Initially hesitant to craft a ballad, he ultimately embraced the challenge, resulting in a track that captures the essence of personal and political tension. In Barnes’ words, the song encapsulates themes of precarity, frustration, and heartbreak, marking a deeply introspective moment within the album.
Lyrically, Black Noise confronts significant issues such as overlooked Black genius, the struggles of poverty, and the delicate interplay between destruction and creation. Written in response to societal tensions following Donald Trump’s re-election, the album channels Afro-pessimist thought and emphasizes the power of sound as a form of resistance.
Fans can pre-order Black Noise now and listen to “Movement 7,” as Barnes looks to redefine contemporary Black music and challenge established norms within hip-hop and experimental genres. His bold vision promises to make Black Noise a landmark release, showcasing the dynamic interplay of collaborative artistry and innovative sound design.
As Quinton Barnes prepares for the release of this groundbreaking project, he continues to establish himself as a formidable voice in the music industry. With a series of performances planned for summer music festivals across Canada, Black Noise is set to leave a significant mark on the musical landscape, prompting listeners to engage with its profound themes and exploratory sound. This album is not just a collection of tracks; it’s an audacious statement of identity and artistic resilience, solidifying Barnes’ position at the vanguard of experimental music.
