2023 Films Now Streaming
PBS Short Film Festival 2023
Bmore club mainstay Ducky Dynamo (Meagan B) sits down with Director Amy Oden to discuss the short film, "The Dig: Bmore Club," and the vibrant Baltimore musical scene it spotlights.
Amy Oden: When I first reached out to you about filming for MPT, one of the things that came up in our conversation was the fact that most media "get it wrong" when it comes to Bmore Club. Can you talk about that and why it's important to change the narrative?
Meagan B/Ducky Dynamo: In short, it's important to change the narrative and push the truth for the same reason it's important that any of the history we teach in school is accurate. This isn't just about a genre of music being mislabeled or wrongly named: this genre (at least to me, and some others) is an intrinsic and notable part of not just Baltimore culture, but the culture of Black Baltimoreans. We are living in a time where elements of our history are being eliminated and erased.
While it may not seem like that big of a deal to some, culture is what defines all of us, and with this being such a widely known and embraced element of our culture, to watch it fade out through misinformation is something I can't allow or feel okay with. There are so many talented individuals in our city that contribute to the Baltimore club music culture and community, and their work should be accepted and celebrated.
Amy: One of the things I always think about subculture and music is just the dedication it takes to keep a community going, even when it's small, and even when things are hard. Can you talk about what keeps you motivated to participate and facilitate in the Bmore Club scene?
Ducky: The Baltimore club scene has held my interest, love, and involvement for almost 20 years (yikes!). I've seen a community and at many times a family grow out of this scene; I've seen families created, small economies formed, and at its simplest form, [there’s] just something that keeps people coming back. [It’s] a scene where people feel like they're home. It IS the Charm that makes up the Charm City name, in part, and in a city that faces such turmoil and negativity, something like this [needs] to be protected and loved. I'm honored to be a part of this community and blessed that I am embraced, because to be among and participate in everyone's movements is SO fun and so rewarding... I get to watch folk come together and celebrate US.
Amy: How have things moved forward in the Bmore Club community since our interview? How's the (hopeful) ebb of the pandemic treating everyone?
Ducky: Without saying too much, and things I can't discuss on record yet, there are record labels being revived and many producers have def turned the engines on and started creating content (myself included!). On July 2nd, [we actually had] one of the first in-person town hall meetings, hosted by me, to get together and strategize on how we are going to move forward through the rest of this year and [head] into 2023 with the revitalized energy we have.
The ebb of the pandemic has allowed me and others freer reign to host events that showcase Baltimore club music. It's still hard, but it definitely feels hopeful for the near future in terms of people coming back outside again, especially as we're headed into the heart of summer. The pandemic ebb has also made traveling easier than the past few years; so many djs and producers have begun to move around the country again with their talents, further spreading our great Baltimore club lore.
Amy: Can you talk about what you hope people take away from the film, and from learning a little bit about Bmore Club music?
Ducky: When people are watching Baltimore club content, I want them to take away the knowledge that there's more than guns, drugs, and “The Wire” here; there is actual good talent and positivity and FUN here that shouldn't be ignored or overlooked. There's something worth investing in and something worth protecting, from the legacy that our greats have provided down to the light in our children and nieces and nephews who are growing up here, [who are] excited to be part of the culture as well.
Amy: What other projects are you getting involved in right now? Anything else you want to rep?
Ducky: I'm currently working on my second EP which should be out before the summer. The Walking Down The Avenue podcast took a small accidental break but will be back EXTREMELY SOON for the second “season,” [with] more interviews with members of our community. I am excited for the Baltimore Club Town Hall coming up in a couple of weeks to get everyone together for what sounds like an awesome moment. And my pseudo-residency in The Crown continues, with monthly-ish club parties hosted and sonically supported by me.
