Catch the Rhythm: Sudan Archives’ “A BUG’S LIFE” Ushers in the Era of The BPM
The ever-evolving sound of Sudan Archives (Brittney Parks) has once again taken a thrilling leap forward with the release of the dynamic new single, “A BUG’S LIFE.” This infectious, house-inspired track is a brilliant teaser for her third album, The BPM, a project that is set to redefine her unique blend of genres and solidify her place as one of contemporary music’s most inventive forces.
From Avant-Garde Violinist to Club-Forward Innovator
Since her explosive 2017 debut with “Come Meh Way,” Sudan Archives has consistently shattered expectations. Initially emerging as a self-taught, avant-garde violinist, Parks expertly wove left-field strains of R&B, hip-hop, and experimental electronic music with hypnotic string loops and the distinct fiddling style of West Africa. Her debut album, Athena, was a powerful exploration of Black feminine divinity, while her acclaimed second LP, Natural Brown Prom Queen, offered her most personal project to date, delving into themes of race, womanhood, and the fierce loyalty found in her relationships.
Now, with singles like the ecstatic “DEAD” and the latest, “A BUG’S LIFE,” Sudan Archives is charting a bold, club-forward direction.
“A BUG’S LIFE”: High-Energy House with a Midwestern Soul
“A BUG’S LIFE” is a propulsive, energetic track that showcases Parks’ newfound embrace of dancefloor rhythms. It’s a joyous celebration of freedom and impulse, with Sudan Archives describing the feeling of “flying to the moon” and embodying a chaotic, runaway persona.
Crucially, this track is deeply rooted in the rich culture of Black dance music from the Midwestern cities of Chicago and Detroit, reflecting Parks’ own family history in Michigan and Illinois. The house rhythm pulses with a raw, exhilarating energy, proving that Sudan Archives can seamlessly integrate her classical training and avant-garde sensibilities into straight-up dance music. This is the sound she’s coined: “Orchestral Black Dance Music.”
Enter The BPM: A Chrome-Plated Future
“A BUG’S LIFE” serves as one of the final singles before the release of the highly anticipated new album, The BPM. The title itself suggests a focus on rhythm as a fundamental source of power. On the album, Sudan Archives introduces her latest persona: Gadget Girl, a technologically advanced musician who inhabits a dazzling, chrome-plated future.
Parks explains her new mantra, “No one can take away your rhythm from you – no one can take away your self-will,” positioning the album’s blend of global club rhythms, futuristic production, and her signature violin as an affirmation of personal power and liberation.
Released via Stones Throw Records, The BPM promises to be Sudan Archives’ most expressive and extroverted work yet. Fans of innovative electronic music, contemporary R&B, and artists who blend the classical with the club should mark their calendars.
Get ready to tap into your own rhythm – the BPM is about to drop!
Listen to “A BUG’S LIFE” now and pre-order the album The BPM, available soon on Stones Throw Records.
