A groove can move feet and still ask people to stand for something. André Cymone gives All Rise that double purpose, bringing a call for civic participation into the musical world of The Resurrection Of Funk. Its musical premise is the connection between physical movement and independent thought, allowing a protest song to invite participation without surrendering joy. Written, produced and performed by Cymone, the single reflects the multi-instrumentalist’s insistence on making the work himself. The album contains no guest musicians or AI involvement. His approach treats funk as craft, rhythm and intent, with pleasure and protest at the center of his creation. Cymone makes the political purpose explicit:
I know people often say artists and musicians should stay out of politics, but the existence of creative expression is like Kryptonite to authoritarianism. The ability for art and music to nurture independent thought and inspire us to recognize our shared identity holds more power than any corrupt regime could ever dream of having. Their power is dependent on fear and division. Our vote is our voice. With Masked men with immunity grabbing citizens off the streets, remember that today it’s “them,” tomorrow it’s you. I wrote a song for all of us and this moment, I hope it inspires you to go vote and get your kids, your Nieces, Nephews, Grandkids if they’re old enough. This is my call to everyone. All Rise.
“The Resurrection Of Funk” follows a career that helped establish the Minneapolis sound before moving through new wave, production work and later rock records. Writing and producing for artists including Jody Watley and Tina Turner gave Cymone another setting for his ideas to develop, while The Stone and 1969 challenged any expectation that his solo work had to remain in one style. This history gives this return to funk context as an active choice rather than a period costume. Hear “All Rise” below and explore “The Resurrection Of Funk” for the wider statement. Visit Andre Cymone for more music and connect through SPOTIFY, BANDCAMP, and INSTAGRAM. Bandcamp.
