Astralblak

Minneapolis has a long history of distinctive R&B styles and flavors. Astralblak arrived in 2014 and began to expand on that with an eye on the future but with respect to the past: “I see it as the next chapter of the Minneapolis sound” says guitarist elliott. One of their first shows was playing a Clash tribute; months later landing on First Avenue's Best New Bands 2014, then as ZULUZULUU. After bursting onto the scene the band took a hiatus and gathered to build collectively and contribute to the new vanguard of black music.

Astralblak is made up of five musicians/producers: MMYYKK, Proper-T, Greg Grease, DJ Just Nine & elliott. armed with various synths, drum machines, and instruments set out to bring a new, exploratory modern sound influenced by the greats of funk, soul, and jazz with electronic excursions, hard grooves, Afro-futurism and soulful melodies. Astralblak explores the psyche and searching for Black Excellence: “Astralblak is church, it's therapy, it's family, It's a space where we can express ourselves freely as black men with no limitations”, states multi-instrumentalist/vocalist MMYYKK. The band works in communal fashion and continually seeks a greater a truth. The band see the groups mission as part of a bigger movement “we see Astralblak as a vessel, a spiritual, sonic culmination of our experiences and influences from our ancestors”.

Of their enthusiastic live shows the Walker Art Center says of Astralblak “Fela Kuti jams with Parliament and smokes with the Art Ensemble of Chicago”. Astralblak has shared stages with innovators Thundercat, Shabazz Palaces, Tinariwen , Femi Kuti and Dam-Funk.