Black Alley / Smile
“From the Heart of Go-Go to the Soul of Armenia “
Recently, as part of the American Music Abroad program, Vibes partnered and produced a music tour to Armenia for the Washington D.C.-based Go-Go band Black Alley.
We became a part of a week-long captivating music journey. We witnessed a bright fusion of African-American traditions of Go-Go music and local Armenian culture, audiences, and rhythms. New creative bonds were activated through immersive jam sessions with local musicians, masterclasses, workshops with aspiring musicians of Yerevan and Gyumri, intensive recording sessions, and many other magical moments.
For you to feel the mood and impact of this remarkable exchange, Vibes produced a documentary music video featuring Black Alley’s song “Smile” and the band’s experiences in Armenia. It was jointly remixed and recorded here in Armenia together with remarkable Armenian artists Artyom Manukyan and Miqayel Voskanyan as a tribute to co-creation, artistic unity, and universal peace no matter what.
Special gratitude to all institutions, partners, and artists who became part of this mesmerizing musical ride. We hope this song makes you smile, as a true testament to the power of music to transcend borders and bring people together.
Yerevan Wine Days Festival
TUMO Center for Creative Technologies
NVAK Foundation
Yerevan State Conservatory
Meeting Point Studios
Vibes Artists Community
OWS Foundation
Emili Aregak Center in Gyumri
Garage Club in Gyumri
And of course, none of this would be possible without the extensive support of the U.S. Embassy in Yerevan.