Archpalatine rolls with the punches on “Riding and Rolling”

In the past, we’ve described Archpalatine as a mix of “theatrical rock with futuristic funk and self-described ‘soul glam.'” On their latest single, “Riding and Rolling,” the Philly five-piece leans face-first into funk and neo-soul. The result is a soulful, groovy track with a glorious vocal performance from frontman and keyboardist Derek Anthony Wilson.

The track opens with a dramatic a dramatic piano cadence as Wilson’s voice fades in. “At this point in our lives, we’ve just got to ride,” he joyously sings, before the drum machine kicks in. Instantly, the groove picks up, and the catchy melody kicks in.

Wilson says Bandcamp sales this week will be split between Code2040 and Opportunity Hub, two organizations that help black and brown individuals create small businesses specifically in the tech world.

“A light is shining on America and the world, exposing all the deep set darkness in racial inequality for Black and Brown people. Now is the time to take action to make a lasting change. One way to spark this change is for individuals to take initiative in creating multi-generational wealth. This has me not only thinking about myself but also thinking about my thirteen nieces and nephews, and all the young and/or aspirational black and brown people across our country. How can we help both ourselves and others in achieving this goal? I came to learn about two charitable organizations whose missions are to do just that. And with the purchase of my new single ‘Riding and Rolling,’ proceeds will go to supporting these community programs. 

Code2040 is a program for black and brown people who ‘activates, connects, and mobilizes the largest racial equity in tech to dismantle structural barriers that prevent the full participation and leadership in the innovative community.’ 

We will also be donating to Opportunity Hub, who is ‘the definitive inclusive ecosystem building platform to ensure that everyone, everywhere has early exposure, skills, careers, startup opportunities, early stage capital and investment opportunities to ensure shared prosperity and multi-generational wealth creation in the future.’ I am more hopeful than ever that a change is happening. The entire world sees the opportunity in the change. Now we have to focus on being the change we want to see!” 

Stream Archapalatine’s “Riding and Rolling” below.

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