Oxymorrons: Melanin Punk

The Oxymorrons may be one of the most trailblazing groups in today’s music landscape. The New York City-based band has made a name for themselves by effectively fusing two musical sounds electrifyingly; blending the lyrical prowess of Hip Hop, with the raw emotive energy of Rock. I spoke with the group weeks before the release of their latest project “Melanin Punk”, to discuss their new music, inspirations, and how they overcome misconceptions and stereotypes in the music industry.

DJ Chalant: The video for ''Look Alive" looks like it was such a dope vibe. Can you talk to me more about what it was like on set?

Oxymorrons: To start, it was one of the hottest days of the summer (laughs). So, the lyrics of the song were more than true. “Block is hot, summertime in a sweater,” was absolutely no joke. We pulled up with a bunch of homies to one of our favorite skate parks in the LES and shot it guerilla-style. In pure NYC fashion, no permits and no fucks were given.

DJ Chalant: Your upcoming debut album "Melanin Punk" is releasing soon. Can you explain what the term Melanin Punk means to you?

Oxymorrons: Melanin Punk is honoring the original architects of rock who often get overlooked for the credits they deserve. Simultaneously, it includes every race, color, and creed that has helped rock evolve to where it is today. Scientifically, every single person alive has melanin in them. This is the intersection of where science and art collide.

DJ Chalant: Question for K.I. & Dee specifically, how did you execute your unique sound and vision, before the additions of Matty Mayz and Jafé Paulino?

Oxymorrons: The Oxymorrons ethos has always been a hybrid of rap, rock, and anything else we felt like. Regardless of any past or present members, our unique sound is the product of that ethos. This question is off-putting to us because, in many situations, there is an attempt to separate the rock and rap qualities of this band and give them to specific members. When in actuality, you can get guitar riffs and drums from K.I. or Dee, or bars from Matty and Jafé. So, the unique sound was always created regardless of who was in the scenario. This separation fuels the misconception that rock musicians are more talented than hip-hop rappers and producers.

DJ Chalant: Knowing you were facing biases about what your music "should' sound like, what kept you motivated to stay the course and define your unique sound?

Oxymorrons: We’re nonconformists. We have never been here to do what music works for other people. There is always resistance when you are creating something unique. Every artist we have looked up to has had hardships and biases. Even though we are influenced by a myriad of artists and bands, we never wanted to be any other band. Being unapologetically ourselves has always kept us motivated.

DJ Chalant: How did the band form?

Oxymorrons: Once upon a time, three pairs of people eloped, did the deed, and created 4 assholes who didn’t believe in genres. After getting drunk at several NYC bars, they stumbled upon each other, found out they all played music, and screamed “Did we just become best friends!?” Thus, Oxymorrons.

DJ Chalant: You stated before that, you all were considered too hip-hop for rock and too rock for hip-hop, and that if people knew the history; they would know where it came from. Who were some of your musical inspirations that motivated you to blend these sounds?

Oxymorrons: N.E.R.D, Bob Marley and the Wailers, Rage Against the Machine, Linkin Park, and Outkast to name a few. Due to whitewashing, rock in Black culture is considered "White music," when in actuality, its origins are Black. Regarding addressing "too hip-hop for rock", hip-hop in the rock world is perceived as a lower art form and gains less respect. So many legendary rock bands rap in their music; the only difference between them and us is our skin tones. It's considered "low frequency" music when we do it, but innovative when they do it.

DJ Chalant: Are there any new singles or videos in the works to support the project?

Oxymorrons: You will be getting some awesome visuals to support the album. “Moon Chasers” will be released in conjunction with the album, and will be going to alternative radio.

DJ Chalant: Your live shows are often described as energetic; what exactly can fans expect when attending an Oxymorrons show?

Oxymorrons: Spin kicks, leg strikes, and hip thrusts. Rock and Roll capoeira!