Over the last few years ( my, how time flies when you're trying to survive a quarantine! ) I started to just kick around a few ideas. I didn't really know where I was headed.
Looking back at my little exploration, I had a few great moments and several misses. But Covid took us to dark, contemplative places. There are many lessons learned here for me. Open your mind... one song at a time!
ARMORED POLAR
WRITTEN AND PERFORMED BY REGINA BYRD SMITH
JUSTIN VENTLING / MUSIC DIRECTOR
This is a world where polar bears are being wiped out due to climate change and the total destruction of their natural habitat. At their wits end they are forced to fight for survival. Losing their hair, unable to breed and starving, they make a decision to take on the human race.
REFER MADNESS
COMPOSED AND PERFORMED BY REGINA BYRD SMITH
I don't smoke ( my voice is my instrument ). I do, however, believe in the legalization of marijuana. You can take this little video two ways:
1. You smoked so much that you went mad.
or
2. The weed was so good it blew your face off.
REFER MADNESS
Mama said there'd be days like this.
You're not high now, can't talk to you.
Mama said there'd be days like this.
I'll hold my breath 'til I turn blue.
Mama said there'd be days like this.
YOU CAN LEAVE YOUR HAT ON
COMPOSED AND PERFORMED BY REGINA BYRD SMITH
I obviously have a thing for hats. There are many different kinds of sexy. This is one of them.
THICK
COMPOSED AND PERFORMED BY REGINA BYRD SMITH
A black woman's body has a few distinct characteristics. It's taken us quite a while to love ourselves and we are now embracing what comes naturally; head to toe. There's no shame in celebrating this unique, strong and proud female goddess.
BABY BUMP ENVY
COMPOSED AND PERFORMED BY REGINA BYRD SMITH
I was in one of these huge corporate buildings in Los Angeles and there were two very pregnant women standing at the top of the stairs. I excused myself and very carefully worked my way around them for fear of toppling them down. They were really enjoying each other; chatting and joking with big guffaws of laughter. As I turned around for one final glance, I could have sworn their bellies touched.
WRITTEN AND PERFORMED BY REGINA BYRD SMITH
JUSTIN VENTLING / MUSIC DIRECTOR
I wrote FEED ME!!! after the death of Trayvon Martin and it's a reaction to the lynching of black men. In short, a grieving mother goes into the bog and summons creatures to avenge the killing of her son.
FEED ME!!!
In a desolate world that's void of vegetation
The pitcher plant lies in the bog awaiting it's new creation.
Once the victim is enticed by sweet nectar smelling hairs
The rapid chomping movement grips and actively
ensnares.
The pang of hunger takes control making stomachs gurgle
and teeth gnash.
Once caught digestive juices turn prey into ash.
JUICY FRUIT / COMPOSED AND PERFORMED BY REGINA BYRD SMITH
One of my favorite songs is Juicy Fruit by Mtume. I take my hat off to the lead singer Tawatha Agee who sings this pop song with soulful precision. My version is light on precision, heavy on vocal-overlay and replete with "juicy" imagery overkill!
QUOTIDIAN
COMPOSED AND PERFORMED BY REGINA BYRD SMITH
QUOTIDIAN
If we can't find a way to reign in climate change, we may find ourselves living like zombies. The human part of us will still want routine and make attempts at normalcy. The monster side of us will make that very challenging. Quotidian isn't a popular word but it's fitting. It means commonplace, ordinary, everyday. Same ol' same ol'. A new normal.
Quotidian
He's on his way
Going to work, coming home
Do it again another day.
She's on her way
Going to work, coming home
Do it again another day.
Skinless faces.
Reptilian skin.
Fake expressions
No feeling within.
Everybody's quotidian.
Quotidian. Quotidian.
He's on his way
Going to work, coming home
Do it again another day.
She's on her way
Going to work, coming home
Do it again another day.
SNAKE CHARMER / THE SERPENT MUST EAT ITSELF
COMPOSED AND PERFORMED BY REGINA BYRD SMITH
There's so much to say about Sir Francis Bacon. In brief, he was a 16th Century English philosopher and is known as the father of the Scientific Method among other extraordinarily brainy achievements. Probably his most accessible quote is "Knowledge is power".
"The serpent if it wants to become the dragon must eat itself." This is one of my favorites and could be interpreted as a sort of phoenix rising or growth requires sacrifice. Enough of that...enjoy the song!
SNAKE CHARMER / THE SERPENT MUST EAT ITSELF
Ouroborus cataphractus.
Tail and head meet to complete the circle.
The serpent must eat itself
To become the great Dra-gon.
The serpent must eat itself
To improve itself, recreate itself.
The serpent's a seducer inspiring your desire.
Eat yourself like the Ouroboros
Rise a little higher.
The serpent must eat itself
To become the great Dra-gon.
The serpent must eat itself
To improve itself, recreate itself.
In order to rule the world!