‘Underground Roots’ is the first release by the up-and-coming Alternative/World group called The Beatroot Road. Funky, light and fun, the lyrics carry a deeper meaning for the band.
It’s a song of hope – talking about the strength of
roots to withstand the seasonal changes of the overground world, whether they be in
plants, music or life: “So if you wonder how the underdog can manage a grin, it’s cos the
roots are underground and the blood moves within”
The Beetroot Road is a brand new project spearheaded by Mark Russell with violinist Hazel Fairbairn which operates more like a collective, with established artists coming together to release one track every six weeks, eventually leading to their first album in Spring of 2025. The concept is to explore a varied musical landscape with complex drum beats at the heart of each song. Whilst ‘Underground Roots’ has an African/Latin vibe, fans are put on notice that this is not the only style the group will undertake.
Russell says his style is hard to define, but ‘Underground Roots’ is a good representation of the complexity listeners can expect from the group, the track itself being a true fusion. Kenyan vocalist Lucinda Karrey was recruited for this track along with FukiAnditi on backing vocals, lending her sunny, simple style to the complex drums and production. Russell plays all the percussion in this track, with many traditional African instruments like the conga and cabassa, but adds a surprising twist with the bodhrán, a traditional Irish drum.
The video is also a fusion, with multiple layers going into the finished product, with 3D animation from Griang and Mesut C. from Türkiye, with live footage of Lucinia shot in Kenya by Alfie.
Stay tuned to see what this project comes up with next!