NPR has just shared an intimate Tiny Desk Concert by acclaimed violinist, singer, songwriter, and producer Sudan Archives. Recorded at the tail end of her tour in support of her debut full length Athena, which culminated with a sold out show at New York’s Bowery Ballroom just days before shelter in place orders took hold, the session features performances of “Confessions”, “Glorious”, and “Not For Sale” with Sudan accompanied by a string trio in lieu of her usual intricate, electronic-laced production. Athena, whose theme is “black Renaissance”, draws inspiration from R&B, experimental electronic music, hip-hop, Northeast and West African fiddlers and rhythms.
Sudan Archives continues to receive recognition from the independent music industry: last week Athena won the Best R&B Album Libera Award from A2IM, the American Association of Independent Music (other nominees in this category included FKA twigs, Blood Orange, Jamila Woods, and Durand Jones & the Indications). Sudan Archives performed at the awards, which this year went virtual, to celebrate the honor. Last week, the UK’s Association of Independent Music announced the nomination of “Confessions” for a Best Independent Track Award.
