We the People hail from Kansas City, Missouri. The retro-futurist quartet is led by the keyboardist Eddie Moore, and he is joined by a pair of producers, bassist Jason Emmond and turntablist Kethro, with Zach Morrow on drums. The group is currently readying their debut LP Misunderstood for release on September 25th.
In anticipation of the upcoming effort, the crew recently dropped their single “Worst Nights.” On the track, Zach Morrow’s rap lays down some rugged truths. With Moore on Rhodes and synth, the vibe is laid back and future-forward in that retro kind of way, while Emmond’s warm pulsing basslines make the song’s hard realities just a little easier to swallow.
Below, you can watch Mau Quiros‘ video for the track. Additionally, we recently chatted with We the People’s Eddie Moore via email. You can read that conversation after the embed below.
LETV: You guys have an incredible sound, spacey, smooth, futuristic yet retro, all rolled up into one. Who are you most inspired by, where does this coalescence of influences come from?
EM: We are inspired by several different artists from all time periods. Artists like 9th Wonder, Stevie Wonder, Taylor Mcferrin, Madlib, but also Miles Davis, Duke Ellington, Coltrane,and Mars Volta to name a few. Pretty much anything stemmed from Black American Music.
As executive producer there are several albums I just love the sonics and how they are put together. Albums like “Like Water For Chocolate” by Common, “Blackstar” by Mos Def & Talib, and “Sunlight” album by Herbie!
LETV: Eddie you seem to have more of a jazz background, what have you worked on before starting “We The People”?
EM: Yes, for sure. As a leader, my first project was Eddie Moore and the Outer Circle which dates back to 2012. I have three records, the last “Kings & Queens,” which was released under Ropeadope. I had a ton of fun touring and playing in that format. While my roots are in Jazz, I have always worked with artists outside of the genre. From my start way back in Htown with Neon Collars to KC’s Neo Soul icon Miles Bonny.
Since, I have worked with Ozay Moore (Soul/Hiphop), Various Blonde, 77 Jefferson (Rock/ Reggae), and Jametatone (Psych Rock). I’ve also worked in the studio with Bobby Watson, Logan Richardson, Corbin Dooley, and Dominique Sanders who is the man behind the sounds of artists like Jedinna, Nipsey Hussle, Jay- Prince. “Jazz” to me is the art of improvisation so it’s everywhere. Growing up in Houston I had to play everything and fuse it together.
LETV: Your debut album comes out very soon, we’ve gotten a sneak peak of it and love everything we’ve heard. Give the people a little preview, what are the songs about and what message do you want to relate to people with these songs?
These times are so uncertain, and just flat out crazy. The message from our music is to celebrate individualism, freedom, and to live unafraid without fear. This is the soundtrack for protest and believing in ourselves to make change. While you will groove and dance, there is a depth to the message that soaks in through the vibrations. For example, “Misunderstood” & “Freedom Fighter” speak to miseducation of “Jazz” culture and in part American music as a whole. I wrote these two pieces in response to these “Organizations” that sometimes call upon me to share my culture and art as a Black American artist, yet tell me how to play, and what is not accepted.
So messing with the 404, I went digging to find our masters of the culture to speak for me in a way. Our album is also filled with empowering songs like “Enough” which features the amazing Angel Gibson on vocals, and “50th Law.” As well as just chill joints like “The Truth,” which is one of my favorite collabs that features “Rane Raps” out of LA, and our Lo-fi jam “Round Up.” There is something on here for everyone! This is our soundtrack for protest and unity. Hopefully these vibrations help people get back up and fight for their dreams and happiness.
[…] and art as a Black American artist, yet tell me how to play, and what is not accepted,” he told Live Eye TV earlier this year. And he elaborates on the album in “KFC.” “They still tell us what to wear, […]