Blackbird Raum
Blackbird Raum is a folk punk band hailing from Santa Cruz, California, known for their frantic live performances and strong anarchist politics. Since forming in 2004, they have toured extensively throughout Europe and the United States, captivating audiences with their high-energy shows and thought-provoking lyrics.
History
2004–2007: Formation and Demos
The band was established in 2004 by banjoist CPN and accordionist Zack Religious while living in UCSC housing. Initially, their lineup was fluid, often performing with a rotating group of local crustpunk musicians. Early gigs were chaotic, and the band even earned their first money by being paid to leave a performance. After recording a demo and facing frustrations with constant lineup changes, CPN took a hiatus before returning with Zack to solidify the group. They added K.C. on washboard, David on washtub bass, and Mars on musical saw and mandolin, quickly writing new material for their first album Purse-Seine, named after a Robinson Jeffers poem.
2007–2010: “Swidden” Era
Dissatisfied with their debut, Blackbird Raum released Swidden in 2008, followed by Under the Starling Host in 2009. During this time, they founded an anarchist record label called Black Powder to support radical folk projects. After releasing these albums and touring to promote them, the band took a hiatus, playing fewer gigs and experiencing lineup shifts including the departure of member K.C.
2012–2013: “False Weavers”
In 2012, the band regrouped, replacing K.C. on washboard with Allen Degenerate. They signed with Silver Sprocket Bicycle Club and released the album False Weavers in 2013, recorded at Tiny Telephone Studios. The album introduced psychedelic elements inspired by influences like Chumbawamba and Crass, followed by an intense five-month tour across the US and Europe.
2015–2016: “Destroying” and “Nevermind The Ballads”
After False Weavers, Blackbird Raum collaborated with the Dublin-based folk band Lankum on the album Destroying in 2015. The tour promoting this album coincided with the departure of Mars, a key contributor on vocals and multiple instruments. The band then took a brief break before releasing the EP Nevermind The Ballads in 2016.
2023–Present: “come into your power”
Following a long hiatus from new releases, Blackbird Raum returned on July 1, 2023, with the EP come into your power. This record features collaborations with former members and guest appearances from various groups, though the band has not yet embarked on a formal tour to support it.
Lyrical and Ideological Influences
Blackbird Raum’s lyrics often reflect a bleak view of modern society, focusing on environmental degradation, mental health issues, and class conflict. The band identifies as eco-anarchists and draws inspiration from historical events, ancient myths, and cultural icons. Their song titles reference works like Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring, events such as the Lucasville riot, and figures like Australian bushranger Ned Kelly. They also incorporate epigraphs from poets and thinkers including William Blake, Gary Snyder, and Kenneth Rexroth.
Discography
- Purse-Seine – 2007, Quiver Distro
- Swidden – 2008, Quiver Distro
- Under the Starling Host – 2009, Black Powder Records
- Split 7-inch w/ Hail Seizures – 2011, Go Records
- False Weavers – 2013, Silver Sprocket Bicycle Club
- Destroying – 2015, Silver Sprocket Bicycle Club
- Nevermind The Ballads – 2016, No Time Records
- come into your power – 2023, CPNPC
