Jessica Care Moore, a Detroit-born poet, author, and cultural activist, is bringing poetry to the dance floor with her new house music album, The House That Poems Built. In a discussion on Hard Knock Radio with host Davey D, Moore shared insights about the album’s development, its tribute to Detroit's musical pioneers, and the significance of preserving Black cultural history.
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Moore explained that this project has been in the making for nearly 20 years. After exploring genres like jazz, soul, and rock, she aimed to create music that allows audiences to dance to her poetry while maintaining its political and cultural essence.
A key aspect of the album is honoring Detroit's often-overlooked musical architects. Moore reminisced about the late Amp Fiddler, whose mentorship was crucial in launching J Dilla's career and who impacted numerous musicians. Her son, King Moore, produced a tribute track for Fiddler, who played a vital role in his musical growth.
The conversation highlighted techno pioneer Juan Atkins and addressed the ongoing erasure of Black contributions to electronic dance music. Moore stated that techno originated from Detroit’s Black working-class communities, embodying the city's industrial landscape, creativity, and resilience. Her track “Detroit Is the Old Black” reflects this history.
Moore also underscored the collaborative nature of the album, featuring contributions from DJ Remarkable, Stacey “Hotwaxx” Hale, John Dixon, and activist Nobuko Miyamoto. King Moore added four tracks, making it a family project.
Beyond music, Moore emphasized the necessity for artists to preserve their archives while they are still alive. Inspired by an exhibition dedicated to Amp Fiddler, she created her own interactive show documenting three decades of her artistic endeavors.
The interview concluded with Moore urging artists to revisit their past works, recognizing that older poems can acquire new meanings in different musical contexts.
To celebrate the album, Moore will host a free listening party on Sunday, November 8, at San Francisco’s Madrone Art Bar, featuring a performance by King Moore and music by Davey D. Moore's mission remains clear: to preserve culture, honor its pioneers, and continue creating.