Author | Cathleen Marie Thérèse Parra
Jogyo, aka Dru Barnes, is an emerging musician based in Brooklyn, NY. His music is often referred to as Nuvo-Frique – or New Africa – as melts within the realms of various music influences such as Jamaican and African. His music is rich with enjoyable rhythm and substance and carries a message of a global collective awareness. He was kind enough to sit down with me to discuss his music, influences and experiences.
Don’t miss his upcoming show at Webster Hall on December 16th!
What was your childhood like and how did that influence you?
“My childhood started in Jamaica where I was born. The last thing I remember was the day my mother sold everything in the house. She bought a ticket to New York, then sent for me and my sister a few years later. We arrived in the thick of winter to the Bronx. I thought that all of America was the Bronx. Then we moved to Connecticut a few months later, where I became the token black Jamaican kid. That theme would continue for years. I spent most of my time in a box of paint creating, drawing, and day dreaming about being an entertainer. One artist in the neighborhood heard about my work, and started placing me in galleries. I was so shy I used art as a way to communicate with other kids and make friends.
All the places I’ve lived can be experienced in my music. My background as a visual artist (that began in childhood) is present in my stage performances today.
My influences are really random at times. I’m a huge fan of musician Arthur Russell, and southern rap. It’s a really random combo but it’s true. Visually I take a lot of inspiration from the Butoh dancer Kazou Onoh, and classical painters like Da Vinci and Descartes for their use of textures and line. Art to me is a way to communicate the mysteries of the universe into a clear language. Music being the most immaterial form of art allows information to get into the deepest form of our mind.”
How have your recent life experiences influenced your music?
“Three months ago I was attacked. I am now fully recovered back on stage performing. This intensive near death experience helped me get a grasp on reality. A lot of what I do see is imagined imagery, color and light. Many of visions for shows are from that experience, of what I‘ve seen in between worlds, my experience of being in a coma.”
You’ve described your music as having an avant-pop, Jamaican African influence. How did your roots influence your music?
“I’m a Maroon. It’s a specific kind of Jamaican. I was raised with a feeling of a strong African foundation.” Jogyo mentions the intertwined connection between the two cultures. He comments on having noticed how our cultures, Western or otherwise, are connected to Africa. He has a strong fascination with the global African connection, or what he calls “global consciousness.” Rather than identifying with continents, Jogyo says he’s searching for a “global individual shift” by the means of the impactful tool of music. “Through music it is possible to have power beyond yourself.”
How do you define yourself as a conceptual artist and musician? Are they one in the same to you?
“Visionary. I create things. Work internally. I get ideas, visions and work from there. The visions and ideas are all linked to the same place.” Jogyo describes himself as the messenger. The message he delivers defines his efforts as a musician.
Could you tell me a little more about your Lincoln Center performance and collaboration on a Grammy nominated album?
Jogyo described working with cellist Dave Eggar as sound artist on his Grammy nominated album “Kingston Morning.” Their collaboration began when Eggar spoke of his desire for the addition of conventional pop on the album. With the knowledge that Jogyo’s music works to bridge the gap between avant-garde sound installations into conventional pop, they naturally developed a powerful artistic relationship. “Kingston Morning” is a melodic mix of Jamaican and Appalachian music, featuring the crew that had worked on the “Brother Where Art Thou” soundtrack. After the album was released Jogyo and Dave Eggar went on to play at the Lincoln Center. And, the lyricist for the album “Kingston Morning” is now the drummer for Jogyo. Eggar and Jogyo still have a great working relationship.
Details on his upcoming show at Webster Hall on December 16th are in the image below. Click here to buy tickets.
Check out Jogyo’s Reverb Nation page for additional information.
