<learn:themes> this one is a bit of a banger and a frankenstein bouillabaisse without much of a cohesive theme pulling the parts together. that said, a few things to reflect on:

<> <foli> is the malinke word for <rhythm>, which is woven into the very fabric of daily life. everything in life has an inherent cadence. much of the music of <music:amplifier> comes from listening with sensitivity, recording sounds that otherwise would be ignored, and finding the rhythm within that has been present all along. imagine if we had the capacity to observe and exist within life with this level of awareness every moment!

<> since the primary vocal sample is of big joe williams talking about a mean stepfather, let’s give a shout out to the fathers and mothers doing a difficult, but rewarding, job of raising children. let’s give an even bigger shout-out to foster parents, who unselfishly raise children who didn’t start out as their own, solely for the purpose of giving and helping vulnerable children.

<> the primary samples within the song incorporate american blues music, and it’s great-grandfather, african music and culture. what is the relationship between each genre, and how can our understanding and appreciation of each be influenced by viewing each through the other?

<learn: culture> meanstep father is an electronically composed song created by incorporating multiple sounds, including:

<> vocal samples from big joe williams <mean stepfather>

<> johnny winters’ background scream from <> muddy waters’ 1977 rerecording of his classic <mannish boy>

<> vocal sounds and language from a member of the malinke people in guinea as captured in the documentary <foli there is no movement without rhythm)>

<give: culture/health/music/dance/education>: support the impactful work of the charitable organizations we promote:

<> sos children’s villages kankan

<> kissidugu foundation

<> west african cultural arts institute