Qobuzissime

Nat Myers, the Korean-American blues poet, has unleashed his debut album, Yellow Peril, an audacious fusion of blues and poetry that takes listeners on a spellbinding journey. With a penchant for itinerancy and a restless spirit, Myers weaves a tapestry of introspective and poignant songs that reflect his personal experiences, cultural identity, and the soulful history of the blues.

The album’s title, Yellow Peril, carries significant historical weight. Myers explains that the term originated in the 19th century, fueling a fear that Asian culture and people would somehow corrupt Western values. Through his blues song of the same name, Myers confronts the injustice, including the AAPI (Asian American Pacific Islander) hate embedded in the global COVID-19 pandemic. The lyrics echo admissions controversies sweeping American schools, emphasizing the challenges faced by Asian Americans, even when pursuing education: “Wanna go to college but they saying/ ‘You just a little too smart, Charley.’”

Myers, raised in Kansas, Kentucky, and Tennessee, defies stereotypes and seamlessly melds various influences into his music. Drawing inspiration from hardcore, hip-hop, poetry, and the blues, he creates a unique sonic experience that transcends traditional boundaries. His storytelling lyrics transport listeners to another time, portraying a way of life that still exists on the fringes. Train-hopping tales like “Trixin’” and “75-71″ evoke a sense of adventure and the pursuit of freedom: “Let that train satisfy my mind.”

Collaborating with acclaimed musicians such as Pat McLaughlin, Leroy Troy, and producer Dan Auerbach, Myers infuses his music with urgency and authenticity. His adept dobro work and rhythmic arrangements invite toe-tapping and hoots and hollers, capturing the essence of the jugband-blues sound. The album’s tracks traverse a range of emotions, from the lustful flirtation of “Heart Like a Scroll” to the poignant introspection of “Ramble No More” and the melancholic longing of “Undertaker Blues.”

For Myers, Yellow Peril is more than just an album; it is a declaration of self-discovery and empowerment. He explains that his consciousness as a Korean American artist has evolved, particularly during the pandemic, and he is now driven by “Yellow Power.” Myers aims to raise the voices of his community through his music, offering a sense of solidarity and hope.

With his debut album, Nat Myers delivers a soulful blend of blues and poetry that challenges stereotypes and amplifies Asian American identity. “Yellow Peril” not only pays homage to the struggles of the past but also speaks to the present, capturing the essence of a tumultuous era while paving the way for a more inclusive and harmonious future.