In an intimate conversation that feels more like catching up with an old friend than a formal interview, Sudan Archives – the visionary violinist and singer born Brittney Parks – reveals the creative journey behind her highly anticipated new album 'BPM'. The artist, known for her genre-defying sound that blends electronic beats with classical instrumentation, opens up about the pressures of creation and the musical secrets that fuel her innovative approach.
The Art of Musical Alchemy
Parks describes her creative process as a form of alchemy, transforming the classical violin – an instrument often confined to orchestral settings – into something entirely contemporary and unexpected. "People hear violin and think classical or folk," she explains, "but I'm showing them it can be the centrepiece of the coolest electronic track you've ever heard."
Embracing Musical Guilty Pleasures
One of the most revealing aspects of the conversation centres around what Parks calls her "musical guilty pleasures" – those seemingly contradictory influences that have secretly shaped her sound. Rather than hiding these eclectic tastes, she's learned to celebrate them, recognising that innovation often emerges from unexpected combinations.
"There's this pressure to only reference 'cool' influences," Parks admits. "But some of my best ideas come from embracing what genuinely moves me, even if it's not what people expect from an alternative artist."
BPM: A New Rhythm of Expression
The new album 'BPM' represents a significant evolution in Parks' artistic journey. While maintaining her signature violin-driven sound, she's pushed further into electronic experimentation, creating what she describes as "a conversation between ancient strings and modern beats."
Each track serves as a testament to her growing confidence as both a musician and producer, weaving together complex arrangements with accessible melodies that challenge conventional genre boundaries.
Breaking Boundaries and Building Legacy
As one of the few prominent artists using violin as a primary instrument in contemporary music, Sudan Archives acknowledges the weight of her position. "I feel a responsibility to show young musicians, especially young Black women, that they don't have to fit into predefined boxes," she reflects.
Her journey from self-taught violinist to critically acclaimed artist serves as inspiration for those looking to carve their own path in the music industry, proving that authenticity and innovation can coexist beautifully.
With 'BPM' poised to reach new audiences and critical acclaim, Sudan Archives stands as a powerful reminder that the most compelling art often comes from embracing all parts of oneself – even the so-called guilty pleasures that make each artist uniquely compelling.
