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Running on a Flame feat. Brother Portrait

by Neue Grafik Ensemble

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about

South London based producer and multi-instrumentalist Neue Grafik announces his new single ‘Running On A Flame’ from his Neue Grafik Ensemble band, released 24th November on Total Refreshment Centre. ‘Running On A Flame’ features long-time collaborator Brother Portrait and comes with a video directed by Robin Watine.

Speaking about the track and video Neue Grafik explains “'Running On A Flame' is the result of a collaboration that we've woven for a few years with Brother Portrait, and a good introduction to the next Neue Grafik Ensemble EP, ‘Foulden Road Part II’, which will come out early next year. This unreal and odd situation painted by Robin Watine faces us up to the irony of an unacceptable death and how we need to move forward despite the grief, despite the anger. On the new project, which will be dedicated to Adama Traore (a Black man who died in Parisian police custody in contentious circumstances in 2016, sparking protests against police brutality in France), this song got a distinctive flavour, turning an unfair situation into a positive future for the next generations''.

Director Robin Watine adds "This music video is about a soul ascending to the sky, and the painful grief arising from this mysterious death, with no apparent reason besides the sad and absurd cruelty of this world”.

Released on the Total Refreshment Centre label, based out of Stoke Newington’s Foulden Road, this new single is a testament to the artist’s versatility as an ever-shifting figurehead. Having played a DJ set at TRC in 2017, he was convinced by its founder Lex Blondin to start a band after he was heard playing some compositions on the communal piano. After spending a couple of sleepless nights on the living room couch, his first gig was booked in the venue space downstairs a week later. The ensemble was established and he has remained in London ever since.

Neue Grafik Ensemble’s musicians include; Matt Gedrych, Benjamin ‘Chief’ Appiah, Jack Banjo Courtney, Chelsea Carmichael, Dougal Taylor, Yahael Camara-Onono, Xvngo, Rebekah Reid, Dan-Iulian Drutac, Jamie-lee Glinsman and Zara Hudson-Kozdój.

Neue Grafik also hosts the Orii Jam Sessions, an energising weekly jam night at Hackney Wick’s Colour Factory, which has become a pivotal weekly gathering, inspired by the likes of Unit 31 and Steam Down.

lyrics

Lyrics:

now the debris settled from the blast of rage
body built back from a scribble in ash
now the black gold gilted the lonesome grey
see a man in the mirror of a certain age

certain man did never make it this far
give thanks and praise
here we are

in love and rage
here we are

mind been a medley of men
been a garrison for demons
cacophony of long lost friends
on return to forgotten ends
finding seasons passed had them treason
the whiles and whens
betray them essence
hollow in presence
puff chest but aint nothing
but air when i'm ere
air when i'm ere
just air

ring a cypher of sharers for to practice care
what if man up was a hand up?
let me hold you til
the suffer suffocate
and the beast we kill
what if

fly fly my friend
your memory still running on a flame
beloved if they ever come again
leave em low and looking ashy where they stand
your tail feathers and wing span
beating against the pain
rise rise majestic in skies
guardian to our hearts as we try
when us here living feeling spent
and through that empty still gotta make rent
lift us to ease as we cry as we breathe
between you and me
this hope brought a hardship to knees
put a fist in their palm
led a march under feet
was a voice ripped hoarse
resignation, disbelief
blind rage
all the stages of grief

evening time bloodied the horizon
clouds bruised purple
and sirens
had us all with hearts in our throats
under tongues a well of
promises and prayers for our yolk
like be free to be
be free

may our children's children never have to pray
to no white god for protection on their way
never hide inside from somebody else's fear
forced to bend words to a disregarding ear
let us know now and never once forget
we the seed of survival so honour and respect
all life givers through our living and our joy
rage against a bad heart and Babylon destroy

credits

released November 24, 2021
Composition/production/arrangements — Neue Grafik
Poem — Brother Portrait
Double bass — Neue Grafik & Matt Gedrych
Trumpet — Jack Banjo Courtney
Mix — Marcus Linon at Greasy Masters
Mastering — Guy Davie at Electric Mastering

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about

Neue Grafik London, UK

Composer, producer and multi-instrumentalist, Neue Grafik has been building a strong rep for himself over the past few years, releasing records on labels such as Rhythm Section and 22a. His sound is a hybrid of jazz, house and hip hop, all with his unique geographical flavors of African ethnicity, Parisian roots and a love for London sounds like broken beat & grime thrown into the mix. ... more

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