Thinking Inside the Box: “16 Bars” Director Sam Bathrick on Producing in a Jail
A heartfelt OpEd by the director of the music documentary, “16 Bars,” on the challenges, solutions, and revelations of producing in a prison.
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A Harmonic Analysis of Michael Jackson’s Protest Song “They Don’t Care About Us”
Through means of Dancehall rhythms, modal interchange, and ostinato, Michael Jackson gives us glimpses of Black American heritage in his protest song.
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The Story of Rubin “Hurricane” Carter, Wrongly Convicted Boxer and Dylan’s Muse
Today we explore the story of Bob Dylan’s “The Hurricane,” which helped raise awareness and support for wrongly accused boxer Rubin “Hurricane” Carter.
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On Decoda’s ‘Music For Transformation’ – A Collaborative Songwriting Program
Read about an incredible project that pairs a NYC string quartet with inmates at a South Carolina prison, where the results and changes go both ways.
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JoogSzn on Recording Drakeo The Ruler Over the Phone from Jail
Rapper Drakeo The Ruler is currently being held in jail as he awaits a further trial, but while there, he may have created 2020’s best album with JoogSzn.
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Making It in Hell: The Lomax Prison Song Recordings from Parchman Farm, 1933–69
We explore in audio, photo, and text, the history of John and Alan Lomax’s multiple visits to Parchman Farm to record prisoners’ work songs between 1933-69.
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Reflecting on the Impact of a Women’s Prison Choir on Social Harmony
Exploring the impact of the establishment of a multi-vocal choir for women inmates in an Israeli prison by a professional conductor and music educator.
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Speech (Arrested Development) on His Commitment to Recording Artists Behind Bars
We sit down with famed hip-hop MC and producer Speech (of Arrested Development) to talk about his work recording and producing the music of prison inmates.
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A Historical Primer on Prison Music
Music in prisons has long been considered a key device for rehabilitation. Amanda Petrusich examines its history, from Ellington to Cash and The Clash.
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Behind the Bars: A Week Dedicated to Music In, About, and From Prisons
Announcing Behind The Bars, our week of unified, curated content that seeks to spread awareness of and active engagement with music programs in prisons.
