Cleo Reed on Ancestry, Hustlin', and Reimagining Black Folk Tradition

Brooklyn-based songwriter, sculptor, and instrument builder Cleo Reed joins host Steve Roby to discuss their ambitious double album Cuntry, a project that blurs the lines between American folk traditions and dystopian electronic soundscapes. Named one of Pitchfork's 21 breakout artists to watch, Reed explores themes of ancestry, labor, capitalism, and black history through a deeply personal lens.

In This Episode

Roots and Origins: How Cleo Reed honors their great-grandmother and blues bassist grandfather through their artistic practice

The Making of Cuntry: Why the double album splits between organic folk and electronic dystopia—and what that division reveals about modern American life

"I've Been Out Here Hustling": A field song for the digital age that connects historical labor exploitation to contemporary capitalism and phone culture

"No Borders": The story behind this collaborative track, recorded with international artists following a residency and created in response to global conflict

Performance as Ritual: How Reed translates large-scale installations and custom instruments into intimate live settings

SF Jazz Debut: What to expect from Reed's upcoming performance at the Joe Henderson Lab

Featured Tracks:

"I've Been Out Here Hustling"

"No Borders"

All music and photos featured on this episode were supplied by the musician and used with permission.

Upcoming Show:

Cleo Reed performs at SF Jazz Center's Joe Henderson Lab

Wednesday, February 25th | 7:00 PM & 8:30 PM

Tickets: sfjazz.org

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