by Jayden Lawrence
On January 24, 2025, sisters Nyrobi and Chaya Becket-Messam dropped their album, Rave Immortal, which reached #1 on the UK Rock and Metal Charts. I was given the opportunity to virtually interview this British rock band ultimately known as ALT BLK ERA.
It was an honor to talk to the band, especially after they won Best Alternative Act in the 2025 Music of Black Origin awards. Their hit song “My Drummer’s Girlfriend” touches on new friendships and that underlying tension when dynamics shift, and it was featured as new music on FM89 earlier this year.
I love their genre-bending, non-conforming style as it emphasizes the importance of “pushing the envelope” in music, especially when discussing the islander background of the artists and how much inspiration they draw from other artists.
My favorite elements of this conversation were their persistence and overcoming adversity while recognizing the misconceptions behind personal struggles. In general, ALT BLK ERA has accomplished so much by remaining true to the meticulous style of music they enjoy and produce. There’s so much more, though, including the non-factor of writer’s block to the band, the joy they find in meeting their fans, and their views on what an artist is.
If there was a grand theme I picked up on from these sisters, it’s that they’re truly bonded by blood. Despite being young artists breaking out into the international music scene, they made it very clear that as long as they’ve got each other, nothing is realistically stopping them.
Check out the interview for more insights from the band, and tune into FM89 to find more artists who are breaking into the industry.
