Erika Kulnys courageously speaks out against domestic violence with her metaphorical and moving new single and video Black Swan — showcasing today on Tinnintist.
The folksinger and songwriter’s powerful, revealing new track is aching and melancholy, with introspective guitar and deeply heartfelt vocals that go beyond typical grief or sadness. The song was written after an abusive relationship in which Kulnys suffered physical and emotional abuse. “It’s about reckoning with despair and finding the dawn after the long night,” she says.
“The abuse, and leaving, was incredibly hard. I haven’t been the same since, but I have learned a lot about discernment, boundaries, and I am more prudent in giving my trust and my heart,” she adds, “May all people be respected and may women and trans people find the strength to leave abusive situations and develop good self-esteem and self-respect.”
Kulnys began writing Black Swan at the Belfast Nashville Songwriters Festival, then finished it after finally leaving the relationship while traveling in the north of Ireland. She then recorded it in Cuba at Egrem Studios and Silvio Rodriguez’s Ojalá Studio. The second guitar part is by Manuel Alejandro Vaillant, who she met while living in Cuba.
The song touches on the larger theme of her album Stand Together, which explores empowerment and solidarity. Erika hopes this song raises awareness about same-sex abuse, a subject that’s still taboo and remains largely untouched by the media. Lesbians often do not report abuse to police for fear of prejudice, and in many places, the law fails to protect same-sex partners. Police often assume the abuse is mutual and are more likely to arrest both members of the couple. Similarly, women’s shelters and organizations may not be open to helping lesbians.
Originally from Nova Scotia but based in Berlin, Kulnys is na recipient of the prestigious Watson fellowship. She has played alongside revolutionary bands in Venezuela, performed samba-influenced hip-hop alongside Brazilian youth, taught music to disabled children in India, and researched folk music’s influence on the peace movement in Northern Ireland.
She recently participated in Folk Alliance International Private Showcases, following mainstage performances at the 2019 Copenhagen Geyser Festival, the 2017 Belfast Nashville Songwriters Festival, and the 2016 Copenhagen Pride Mainstage. Her music has been played internationally on the terrestrial and satellite radio.
Check out Black Swan above, hear more from Erika Kulnys below, and find her on her website, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and TikTok.
