Beyond Noise Team
Piers James unleashes his hotly anticipated project Voyage To Reverie, alongside an instantly iconic video for lead track “DISNEY S**T & WAR” via Payday Records.
Showcasing a significant lyrical integrity that portrays the perils of Black creatives navigating their creative and lived experiences, the London-based artist, rapper and producer has delivered an impactful, socially conscious project that flourishes within the ever-evolving space of the UK’s rap landscape. The nine-track body of work underlines Piers’ own growth over the course of his career so far, themes of development, resilience and integrity fuelling some of the most powerful and progressive bars we’ve heard from him to date.
Opening with his acclaimed track “BOOP” which gained key placement across Apple TV’s global campaign, Voyage To Reverie manoeuvrers through Piers’ diverse musical makeup, rooted in potent grime and hip-hop while his Caribbean heritage dazzles front and centre. From the jazzy, guitar-laden “CIGARETTE BURNS” to the sultry, dancehall cut “IF THIS AIN’T REAL”, we reach the apex of his artistic output with lead track “DISNEY S**T & WAR”.
Speaking on the video, Piers mentions: “”DISNEY S**T & WAR” is a concept that tackles the intricacies of the showbiz industry as a Black figure, what is seen on TV and glamorised to the public eye isn’t how it always seems, with perspectives blurred into Fantasia and reality.”
He adds: “The film shot on 16mm goes through different mediums that showcase the struggles of an artist within the industry as a Black warrior and the fight they must have for independence, as well as the influences this industry and culture can have on children depicted by what’s glorified. This includes animations around Black communities and how they were promoted with the stereotypical characteristics within Black men and women.”
Opening with experimental movement by Theophilus Bailey, the highly acclaimed performer is seen crumping ferociously in animalistic fashion in black and white, signifying the vital fight for independence as a Black man in a white world.
A woman sporting a bow and arrow then takes centre stage, representing the female warrior’s essence of protection – a role that has become synonymous with maternal figures in Black culture. Starring model and activist Miss Akauc, the metaphor of her running into her reflection, facing war within herself and the identity which has been conditioned upon her, is profound.
Taking inspiration from Jay-Z’s “The Story Of OJ”, the video breaks down into animation and recreates the powerful racial stereotypes broadcasted through the 1920s, only with new scenes of Grenfell Tower in the background servicing to address the issue of racism and neglect on communities here in the UK.
Flashes of animated fight scenes portray Piers fighting off the affiliates and negative connotations around him, before closing out with imagery depicting the Windrush Generation – a line of Caribbean ancestors who emigrated to Britain only to be stripped of access, knowledge and opportunity by the same government who invited them. An inspired lightning rod for Black culture and beyond, Piers James continues to challenge cultural and political boundaries set in his way whilst showcasing authentic Black narrative at the highest level.
With critical attention coming swiftly across the spectrum from BRITISH GQ, CLASH, UPROXX and WONDERLAND amongst others, the rising star’s ability to interweave sharp, intelligent wordplay over a multitude of genres has seen notable co-signs with Adidas, Stella McCartney and Flannels via his own creative collective Born Artistic To Achieve (BATA) – which aims to develop relationships within the creative industry by bringing together industry figures and emerging artists.
Boasting a clear artistic vision and aesthetic, a growing picture forms of a UK talent with the songwriting ability, creative talent and authenticity to cross traditional lines. With Voyage To Reverie finally at our fingertips, mark Piers James as a key voice in 2024.
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