Hard Knock Radio | KPFA 94.1 FM | Davey D
Detroit-born poet, author, and cultural activist Jessica Care Moore has spent decades pushing the boundaries of spoken word. Now she’s bringing poetry to the dance floor with her new house music album, The House That Poems Built. During a lively conversation on Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D explored the album’s creative origins, its celebration of Detroit’s musical pioneers, and the importance of preserving Black cultural history.
Moore explained that the project had been brewing for nearly 20 years. Having previously explored jazz, soul, and rock, she wanted to create music that would allow audiences to dance to her poetry without sacrificing its political and cultural substance.
A central theme was honoring Detroit’s often-overlooked musical architects. Moore reflected on the late Amp Fiddler, whose mentorship helped launch J Dilla‘s career and influenced countless musicians. Her son, King Moore, produced the album’s tribute to Fiddler, who had personally helped nurture King’s musical development.
The conversation also celebrated techno pioneer Juan Atkins and challenged the persistent erasure of Black contributions to electronic dance music. Moore emphasized that techno emerged from Detroit’s Black working-class communities, reflecting the city’s industrial landscape, creativity, and resilience. Her track “Detroit Is the Old Black” serves as a declaration of that history.
Moore also discussed the album’s collaborative spirit, highlighting contributions from DJ Remarkable, Stacey “Hotwaxx” Hale, John Dixon, and Japanese American activist and performer Nobuko Miyamoto. King Moore contributed four tracks, making the project a family affair.
Beyond music, Moore stressed the importance of artists preserving their archives while they’re alive. Inspired by an exhibition honoring Amp Fiddler, she created her own interactive exhibition documenting three decades of artistic work.
The interview concluded with Moore encouraging artists to continually revisit their writing, recognizing that older poems can find new meaning through different musical settings.
Moore will celebrate the album with a free listening party Sunday, November 8, at San Francisco’s Madrone Art Bar, featuring a performance by King Moore and music presented by Davey D.
For Moore, the mission remains clear: preserve the culture, honor its pioneers, and keep creating.
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