By Keith Walsh
Since forming in 2020, electronic trio BlakLight brings their passion for creating electronic music to the masses. Composer Adam Collier creates the beats and melodies, while Brian Belknap adds vocal melodies and lyrics, with always satisfying results. In 2022 Omar Quiñones joined, adding synths and vocals as well. (My BlakChristmas review is at Synthbeat.com)
From their debut album Music In A Time Of Uncertainty and the following albums, BlakLight has specialized in presenting darker themes about the afflictive emotions, usually in minor keys. It’s no surprise then, that BlakLight’s gift to their fans this Christmas is somewhat gloomy. I got the chance to ask synthesist Adam Collier about the release, BlakChristmas, and its two tunes, “Mercy, Lies, Poison, Stain” and “You Will Never Be Alone.”
Popular Culture Beat: What inspired you to go dark musically on Christmas? Why are you tethered to your brand identity even on this holiest of days?
Adam Collier: We had a thought a couple of weeks ago to to give a gift to our friends and fans for all of their support. I started on an instrumental tentatively called BlakChristmas. When I presented it to the guys, we all could start hearing vocal melodies for it on our own. Brian came back with the title, “You Will Never Be Alone.” I always think more is better and never give up the chance to write new music so I came up with a few ideas for “MercyLiesPoisonStain.” Originally the music was different from the final version. When I started to place the vocals, the music took over and I followed along for the ride. So, BlakChristmas became the title of the mini EP.
Popular Culture Beat: With the addition of Omar how has your workflow changed, for these songs specifically?
Adam Collier: The work flow for these two songs has stayed the same. I wrote the music and presented them to Brian and Omar approval.
Popular Culture Beat: There’s more of an EDM influence here as it stays on one pattern mostly. Why this deviation from the pop song formula that you usually follow?
Adam Collier: I have always been a fan of dance music and this song just became what it was going to be.
Popular Culture Beat: Thanks Adam!
(Santa self portrait by John Gluth. Blaklight cover image by Kevin Collier.)
John Gluth On Instagram
BlakLight Band dot com
BlakLight at Bandcamp dot com
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