BeatRoute Magazine [AB] print e-edition - [May 2018]

STUYEDEYED
with love from New York’s forgotten hood
Bedford-Stuyvesant, commonly known as Bed-Stuy, is a
neighbourhood located in Brooklyn, NY that’s predominately
black and Hispanic. Nelson Hernandez-Espinal, singer-songwriter
who fronts the band Stuyedeyed (pronounced
tie-dyed with an S in front), was born, raised and still resides
in Bed-Stuy which he refers to as “lower-class”. Living on the
peripheral of New York’s affluent, Hernandez-Espinal and
all the other member of the band, who are also Latinos, are
driven by a punk ethos that embraces equality and opportunity
for those on the lower end of the economic scale – the
“disenfranchised” says Hernandez-Espinal.
Their music is a fusion of
garage, fuzz, furious rhythms
and free-flowing feedback that
subsides into trippy, ‘60s/70s
melody and a Latino mood at
times. It’s angry, forceful and
political, but also soothing and
seductive… Bed-Stuy raising its
voice.
Obviously, you’re not part of
the cocktail sippin’ hipster
scene. The goal isn’t to look
pretty and play pretty.
Stuyedeyed is a defiant statement.
Where from Bed-Stuy
does that stem from?
People telling you “no” your
entire life. Black, brown, and Indigenous
people are often made to carry the weight of their people
and fit this mold, these stereotypes are so toxic, more specifically
in America. NYC is the #1 monument to decadence. We’re trying
to sift through the noise and find a place to talk about this. That’s
always an uphill battle and that’s where the intensity in our music
and performance comes in. I’d say less angry, angst. Freak yourself
out. Be uncomfortable. Music isn’t a fucking fashion show.
You’re also very attached to Bed-Stuy. It’s your community
you’re fighting for, not running away from. What’s great about
it, what goes on there that makes you want to dig in?
BY B.S IMM
Bed-Stuy is always a home for me, but I’d say my connection is
with resilient people. Bed-Stuy was a forgotten neighbourhood
to NYC, in relationship to local government. Bed-Stuy is a very
proud neighbourhood and extremely real. The people reflect
that. There’s love in the hood, and while that has been exploited,
there ain’t nothing like it. Community is powerful when you
tend to your people.
Fuzzed-out garage rock. Yes it is! It’s got teeth and some soul
driving it. Where do you trace that back to?
As for the fuzz, it’s definitely cliche for a reason, but Black Sabbath
for sure. That’s definitely my first exposure to such ‘abrasive’
sounds like that... All local New York garage rock bands (and) I
listen to a lot of soul, R&B, tropicalia, and Latin music.
There’s also some really seductive riffs and sweet spot soloing,
the notes very round and warm within this wall of chaos
coming down.
To put it simply, I think of the sounds we make as taking up a certain
amount of space. Subtly highlighting parts and instruments
with tone and dynamics in mind is what shapes the song. Chaos
can be a really good base when you give it a voice and spotlight
when needed.
The vocal delivery. It roams from aggressive chanting to tender
spoken word, definitely switches up garage!
Not every story needs to be told screaming. Some perspectives
need to be shared patiently, quietly, and with love.
Stuyedyed is at the Palomino on Sat., May 26.
ROCKPILE BEATROUTE • MAY 2018 | 37