Oakland, CA based label/collective Ratskin Records put a focus on BIPOC LGBTQIA+ and Disabled artists. Two of their most recent releases come from Black Oakland-based queer artists, Dax Pierson and Tyler Holmes, with their first-ever solo LP releases. Dax Pierson’s Nerve Bumps (A Queer Divine Dissatisfaction) is out now, and Tyler Holmes’ Nightmare In Paradise will be released March 26. Photo Credit: Michael Daddona Pierson’s Nerve Bumps combines hip-hop, funk, and jazz with futuristic synth to create his unique electronic sound. Despite the album being mostly instrumental, Pierson manages to convey a complicated, nuanced, and inspiring story. Vocals are used mainly as additional instruments, yet the narrative and timing is never lost, with the emotions of honesty, empathy, and humanity b...
