An electrifying journey that effortlessly blends introspection with danceable beats tends to be a strong suit for Roger Kuhn. His latest single, "The Future," from his album Running With This Dream, is a melodic techno track that showcases Kuhn's knack for creating music that's as thought-provoking as it is infectious, making it a standout on an already impressive album.
"The Future" starts with a hypnotic beat, immediately grabbing your attention. Kuhn's ethereal vocals glide over the track, drawing you into a world where love, liberation, and empathy reign supreme. From the first listen, it's clear that this isn't just a song; it's a manifesto for a better world, wrapped in a soundscape perfect for the dance floor.
Inspired by a visit to his traditional homelands, Kuhn infuses "The Future" with a sense of place and purpose. Reflecting on capitalism's impact on Native, Two-Spirit, and LGBTQIA+ communities, he crafts a deeply personal and universally resonant narrative. The lyrics challenge listeners to think critically about the societal structures that shape our lives while the pulsating rhythm keeps you moving.
One of the most striking aspects of "The Future" is its ability to balance heavy themes with an uplifting sound. Kuhn's production skills shine here, layering shimmering synths and driving basslines that create an engaging and immersive listening experience. The song's crescendo is pure magic, building to a euphoric high that inspires and prepares you to take on the world.
Kuhn's artistry is evident in every aspect of this track. His ability to blend activism with art is a testament to his vision and talent. "The Future" is not just a call to action; it's a jubilant celebration of diversity, creativity, and the unbreakable human spirit, making everyone feel included and appreciated.
In "The Future," Roger Kuhn has crafted a song that is both a dance anthem and a rallying cry for change. It's a bold, beautiful declaration of hope and resilience and will leave a lasting impression on anyone who listens. If this track is any indication, Kuhn's future is one we should all run towards.
Welcome to BUZZ, Roger Kuhn! It's great to have you here chatting about your new album and, of course, "The Future." This song is such a powerful track that is blended in your versatility. Can you please tell us more about the inspiration behind the song and what message you hope to convey to listeners?
The Future examines the relationship between connecting with and prioritizing community versus living an individualistic and capitalist life. The message that I hope to convey to listeners is recognizing that we must take action immediately to heal ourselves, our communities, and the planet. We are living in unprecedented times where the tragedies of our past continue to impact our current lives and cloud our future. Love, liberation, and empathy are the keys to unlocking life’s mysteries.
Your music often blends personal experiences with broader social issues. How do you balance these elements in your songwriting, particularly through the full album "Running With This Dream"?
My life is inherently political because of my identities as a mixed-race Native American and a Two-Spirit gay person. Because I exist within the confines of a system that has laws about my identities, I feel compelled to include personal and political commentary issues. My role as an artist is to trust my vulnerability and allow myself to be witnessed, trying to make sense of the world around me.
You mentioned that "The Future" was inspired by your visit to your traditional homelands. How did this experience shape the song's themes and sound?
I wrote the song after visiting my tribe’s casino near the Poarch Creek reservation. I was walking around thinking about how money, greed, individualism, and excess have become a staple of our larger society and something my tribe and many other tribal nations struggle with. When we remove community from our lives, we lose connection with what matters. I sing “The future is in the now” because what we do now in this moment is the future because it impacts the next seven generations.
Music and activism often intersect in your work. How do you see your role as an artist in promoting social change, and how does your art fit into this vision?
There is a song on my new album called Rise Up that is a call to action for all of us to unite and fight for the liberation of all people. One of my favorite artists, Madonna, says that the artist’s role is to disturb the peace. I agree with this because I question how any of us can have or feel peace when we know that there are people around the world who are suffering due to the brutality of others. I use music as an activism tool to bring attention and awareness to causes and concerns I deeply feel about. I also think it is important that I stand firm and proud in my identities as a Two Spirit person, a queer person, a Native American person, and a mixed race person and do my best to represent the communities that I am a part of and let others know they are not alone.
What do you hope your audience can take away from this release?
I hope my audience and listeners feel a sense of joy and liberation when they listen to this album. I hope they get up and dance and feel called to follow their heart, go after their dreams, and live their life with pride and celebration. Finally, I hope my audience always remembers the message that can be found in my song Kaleidoscope: “Rainbows are possible if we make it through the rain."