Jun 22, 2021

Black Note Graffiti Takes Us Behind the Meaning of "Knights"

Black Note Graffiti is back with eye-catching visuals for their ultra-catchy, and hard-driving, melodic single, “Knights.” Black Note Graffiti is composed of Gabrielle Bryant (vocals/keys), Kris Keller (guitar/vocals), Kurt Keller (drums), Ricardo Ortiz (vocals/guitar), and Adam Nine (bass).

Giving listeners a taste of their latest EP, ‘Volume lll Rise,’ the Ann Arbor, Michigan rock band displays their passion and drive to bring their strong message to the masses.

Collaborating on the intensified production with super-producer Chuck Alkazian, “Knights,” delivers us heavy-hitting energy that we personally think is hard to replicate. The filmic component comes to us through a blend of cyanotype exposure and black and white footage, where the reflections that are illustrated show the band performing from a place of deep passion.

As we delve into the liveliness that is exposed through a high octane performance, we listen carefully to the narrative that is being reiterated to us. The raw and boisterous vocal delivery, courtesy of Gabrielle Bryant, shines a light on a narrative that addresses the need for change in a systematically oppressive society through empathy and progressive change. As the cinema conveyed in the visuals gives each member their respective time to shine, we appreciate the finer details that take place in the editing as we are showered with an array of edgy effects that transition between each scene.

Pairing this with the bolstered quintessence of “Knights,” we sit here perceiving the fury that runs through the veins of Black Note Graffiti, as we embrace this messaging with an open mind, and the drive to change what we can in our reach.

Welcome to BuzzMusic Black Note Graffiti, and huge congratulations on the release of your music video and single for, “Knights.” With such a deep message navigating the vision of this song, was there a particular moment or story that shaped the narrative? Ortiz: Growing up in an affluent area without being affluent meant hearing many unrequested opinions of what was “right” based on their narrow worldview. Although this never ceased to invoke my ire, I couldn’t help but see a parallel when trying to convince a friend to leave an abusive relationship/report this to the police. I realized that I couldn’t dictate what was “right” but instead should be listening to determine the best course of action. Too often we are talking when we should be listening, which is the thesis of this song. Could you please share a glimpse into what the creative process looked like when bringing this song to life? How did everyone contribute to the final product? Ortiz: There is always this magic moment when one takes a song idea from out the bedroom and into the practice space. As each person learns their individual part, then reinterprets it into their style, it never loses the impact of hearing it come together for the first time. For me, as the song was originally written for my vocals, it was the moment that Gabby put her smooth spin on the vocals, taking it outside of my realm of limited thought, and infused such transcendental power. Her vocals matched and complicated the sonic punch I weaved throughout the guitars. What was it like filming the music video for “Knights?" Could you take us into how the visuals came together? Keller: The video for "Knights" was shot in one long day with three cameras at Pearl Sound Studio in Canton, MI. Our vocalist Gabrielle Bryant produced and edited the entire video. She just took it and ran with the theme Ricardo intended for the track. Kurt our drummer does all the artwork and website for the band so he had a few ideas as well. But overall Gabrielle just tackled it and it was hell ya THAT'S IT! We are lucky to have so many talented people in this band. Very cool... What was your favorite part about the process for your dynamic EP, ‘Volume III Rise?' Keller: Ricardo nailed this pretty close for me on the answer to your second question. When you have an idea for a song and then you have the other four members of the band add their talent and ideas onto that song, it becomes magic. That original song would never be the same if there were different members participating in the writing. So the original track comes to life and becomes a part of you. My absolute favorite part of making an album is going into the studio and recording it. It is very hard work. Very long days and can be very stressful, emotional, and rewarding. But in the end, you have actual intellectual property that could be heard by someone 100 years from now! I love that.