Sudan Archives
Sudan Archives has always been a champion of self-will and self-belief: a violinist who learned by ear and from YouTube, a gonzo pop artist working outside the mainstream, and a creator of personal mythology. After moving from Cincinnati to Los Angeles, she developed a sound that fuses violin and fiddle music with the contemporary Black underground, all in pursuit of what she calls “Orchestral Black Dance Music.” Brittney Parks embodies the idea that following your own instincts leads to both artistic and personal fulfillment.
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On her third album, THE BPM, Parks fully embraces that philosophy. While her earlier albums looked to the past—Athena (2019) and Natural Brown Prom Queen (2022)—this project imagines a futuristic world where everyone is connected to their own rhythm. As she puts it, “The BPM is the power,” emphasizing that no one can take away your rhythm or self-will. The album centers on the idea that personal power comes from how you channel your own energy.
To reach that place, Parks reflects on her roots. The album draws from her mother’s Michigan background and her father’s Illinois upbringing, with work completed in Chicago and Detroit. It incorporates club sounds from those cities alongside Jersey club, EDM, and experimental beats. Parks executive produced the album with collaborators like Ben Dickey, Eric Terhune, and James McCall IV, along with contributions from family, friends, and the Chicago collective D-Composed. This collaborative process allowed her to experiment freely while relying on a trusted creative circle.
THE BPM presents a more confident and fully realized version of Parks. She describes it as a “homemade” and wholesome project, built with family and rooted in childhood creativity. The album reflects that sense of freedom, with its opener “DEAD” acting as a message from her younger self. The project as a whole explores an ongoing journey of self-discovery.
Throughout her career, Parks has used personas to express different sides of herself. On this album, she introduces “Gadget Girl,” a technologically empowered musician shaped by her early experiences with tools like an iPad and electric violin. This persona reflects her connection to technology as a source of creative freedom, which is especially evident in tracks like “MY TYPE,” where she explores themes of sexuality, playfulness, and identity.
The album also dives into themes like mental health, self-love, romance, and societal pressure. Songs like “A COMPUTER LOVE” explore anxiety around expectations like marriage and life milestones, while others like “MS PAC MAN” embrace humor and irreverence. This balance of introspection and carefree energy defines the album’s tone.
That sense of openness extends to the creative process itself. Tracks like “COME AND FIND YOU” were built collaboratively in real time, with contributions from stylists and international collaborators. Parks embraced a more fluid role as a director and conductor, allowing others to shape the music alongside her.
Ultimately, THE BPM represents a major step forward for Sudan Archives—a project built on trust, collaboration, and self-alignment. It captures the kind of growth that comes from fully embracing your instincts, your community, and your own rhythm.