It looks like Solo and the BETR Gang couldn't contain their excitement over their Des Dates De Tournee Ep and decided to release it earlier.
Solo gave a breakdown of what to expect on the project and what inspired them to choose the "Little Dancer of 14 Years" sculpture by Edgar Degas as the project's point of departure. He spoke about how Edgar inspired the French edition of Tour Dates and how controversial his work was. He went on to explain the strength perceived from the Little Dancer of 14 Years sculpture and what it represents in today's society.
#desDatesdeTournee EP by Solo and The BETR Gang, explained in a thread. ???????????????? pic.twitter.com/sIOfIGYIIS
— Solo (@ThisIsSoloSA) June 7, 2018
The 5 track EP is inspired by French artist and impressionist, Edgar Degas. More specifically, one of his earlier works entitled "Little Dancer of 14 Years".
— Solo (@ThisIsSoloSA) June 7, 2018
This sculpture by Degas was quite controversial in its time, as some views on it were unfavourable.#desDatesdeTournee
Although Degas received credit for the piece being deemed one of the more true modern attempts of early sculpture, many people believed "the Little Dancer of 14 Years" lacked conventional beauty. Often described it as ugly and depraved. #desDatesdeTournee
— Solo (@ThisIsSoloSA) June 7, 2018
Another major critique was that the young girl seemed to not have a delicate stance in her pose. Almost as if she was being forced to do something she did not want to do. As a result, the piece was never sold.#desDatesdeTournee
— Solo (@ThisIsSoloSA) June 7, 2018
It should also be explained that at the time, Edgar Degas' works reflected the changing social and economic environment in France. Particularly the widespread entrance of women in the work place. #desDatesdeTournee
— Solo (@ThisIsSoloSA) June 7, 2018
The artwork for the EP in an adaptation of the "Little Dancer of 14 Years". We made her distinctly black. I highlight the similarities between the sculpture and the narrative of a young black girl who lacks "conventional beauty" in a world that is insulted by any stance she takes pic.twitter.com/nzGn4pZzWk
— Solo (@ThisIsSoloSA) June 7, 2018
#desDatesdeTournee is threaded by echoes from the little dancer of Fourteen Years. She is presented as a grown woman in this project. She stood her ground and stopped doing what was expected of her.
— Solo (@ThisIsSoloSA) June 7, 2018
One of the songs (Dieties), is written from the perspective of a man who is in a relationship with her. He battles with the strength she has learned to automatically presents in every situation.
— Solo (@ThisIsSoloSA) June 7, 2018
The track titled "Little Dancer of 14 Years" is written as an ode to her.
Solo later followed up with sharing a link to the lead single of the project, Enter Yellow, which was posted on the BETR Gang website. Without a moment to spare, the crew finally shared their new work of art for supporters to listen to and enjoy. From the first to the last song you get to hear the impressive work the BETR Gang put into their project. You almost feel spoiled with the artistry they put in for you, along with the unmatched skill they equally possess. Purchase the project below to understand why our gang is betr than yours!
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