Miko Marks: "Black representation in Americana is so important"

On her latest album, Feel Like Coming Home, Miko Marks commands your undivided attention. A soulful body of work brimming with strong, socio-political standpoints, it's a record sure to spark some candid conversations.

Leading a powerful charge within Americana music, Miko represents a growing number of Black artists ready for their stories to be heard. Americana increasingly becomes a 'safe space' for Black musicians; with a history of rebelling against racism and unifying in the face of discrimination.

None so much as the state of Alabama, home of the FAME and Muscle Shoals Studio, where during the racially segregated society of the 1960s, as the US pushed for change and civil rights, Black artists such as Aretha Franklin and Wilson Pickett performed alongside primarily white session singers.

Alabama became a place where music became a safe, interracial space - and this legacy continues to this day. In fact, even one of Miko's new songs, Trouble, is dedicated in part to the legacy of John Lewis - legendary civil rights leader and Alabama native, who was the very forefront of the fight for equality, alongside Dr Martin Luther King Jr.

Today, we speak to Miko on the importance of Black visibility, and how a new wave of artists are creating 'beautiful music for all.'

Image: Amanda Lopez

Miko, congratulations on the release of your new album. This record feels like such a celebration of your individuality, culture and influences...

Feel Like Going Home is a return to myself and my roots. The songs were written alongside my producers, Justin Phipps and Steve Wyreman, so it was a collaborative labour of love.

You recently performed some of the tracks at AmericanaFest. How is it being back on stage?

I really enjoy AmericanaFest as a participant and as a fan.  To be back on stage has been really life saving for me. It is my therapy and where I get to release and emote in a way like no other.

One of the singles from the album - Trouble - is inspired by John Lewis, a leader of the civil rights movement and Alabama native. As a Black artist on the Americana scene, how important is it for you to use such reference points and help educate others on Black history?

Trouble is one of my favourite songs on the album, although each song has a special meaning and place in my heart. I feel like Trouble really speaks to the times we are living in. There is so much work to do as a nation, and John Lewis represented then and now exactly the work we should be doing as a community for the marginalised.

Image: Amanda Lopez

You've returned to the music industry after 15 years out, taking time for family. Have you noticed any progressions in terms of Black representation within Americana?

I noticed there are definitely more people in the genre that look like me and I feel representation is important. Artists like Tre Burt, Allison Russell and Brittany Spencer are making beautiful music for all.

For anybody in the UK who might be a new discoverer of Americana music, how would you define the genre? What does it mean to you personally?

Americana is a melting pot to me that includes so many genres and influences that hark back to traditional music. It means the world to me to have a space where that is not limiting. Americana is a full experience on every level.

Watch Miko Marks & the Resurrectors' This Time music video below:

What does 2023 have in store for you - anything you want to tick off your bucket list?

I will continue to tour and meet more friends along the way. If I can get my first Americana Music Award, that will be an exciting tick of my bucket list!

Can we expect to see you in the UK any time soon? We'd love to have you tour this record...

I look forward to coming to the UK in January for AmericanaFest UK and I look forward to performing, too.

Miko Marks & the Resurrectors' brand-new album Feel Like Going Home is out now via Redtone Records.

With thanks to our Official Americana Chart partners Sweet Home Alabama. For more information, head to Sweet Home Alabama.

See this week's Official Americana Albums Chart powered by Sweet Home Alabama, published Fridays at 5.45pm.