Image A Nation, by V

Image A Nation

by V

supported by

	/

Streaming + Download

Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.

Purchasable with gift card

£7 GBP or more

1.	Break It Down 02:57	info	buy track
2.	Image a Nation 03:31	info	buy track
3.	Power to the People 03:44	info	buy track
4.	The Beginning 02:42	info	buy track
5.	It's True 03:26	info	buy track
6.	Bon Voyage 01:34	info	buy track
7.	Into the Light 03:20	info	buy track
8.	Hell No Won't Go 02:56	info	buy track
9.	Stuck in Your World 01:26	info	buy track
10.	In the Zone 02:56	info	buy track
11.	Words and Sentences 03:50	info	buy track
12.	We Shall Overcome 02:39	info	buy track
13.	Love Conquers All 02:45	info	buy track

about

Philadelphia soul artist Valvin “V” Roane makes a welcome return to BBE Music with new album ‘Image A Nation’, his first full-length project on the label since 2005 underground classic ‘The Revelation Is Now Televised’.

Independently releasing several albums and EPs in the almost 15 years since his BBE debut, we are delighted to join forces with V once again for another timeless soul classic. Working with such luminaries as Justin Timberlake, Musiq Soulchild and Will Smith during a storied career, V also toured for many years as backing vocalist for Jill Scott.

Created with trailblazers and teachers like Quincy Jones and Marvin Gaye firmly in mind, ‘Image A Nation’ paints a vivid picture of a people and culture on the move.

“Synchronicity played a major factor in the themes and tone of both lyrics and music. We found ourselves telling a magical story of life as a voyage or trip, learning to avoid the pitfalls- forever reaching to find that ”utopia” but being tested as you go through a maze of obstacles. This was real life to a lot of us so it was easy to create from that theme.”

A collaborative effort from inception onwards, the core writing team behind ‘Image A Nation’comprised his production partners Jontae Slade, Andre Capers and Philly music scene stalwart (also occasional Questlove hype man) Yameen Allworld working closely alongside V.

“Every day for a month when I arrived to the studio, Yameen or Jontae would play me a new track they just did that day. The music was so good and perfectly in the realm I was looking for, that we would write and record it on the spot. A lot of this album happened like that.”

Once the songs had been sketched out, Wiz Khalifa and Jay Z’s former tour drummer Eric “Boots” Greene adroitly manifested V’s ambitious concept for the album from behind the studio desk, guiding the final arrangements, providing live instrumentation and lovingly refining ‘Image A Nation’ into something truly ageless.

In the grand tradition of social commentary personified by Marvin Gaye and Curtis Mayfield, songs like “Hell No Wont Go”, “Power To The People” and “Into The Light” offer the comfort of solidarity through dark and difficult times. Manifestations of hope and positive affirmations abound in “We Shall Overcome”, “Love Conquers All” and title track “Image A Nation”, adding up to an album which both acknowledges the struggles of yesterday and today, while constantly communicating a sense of openness and optimism for the future.

credits

released October 2, 2020

Executive produced by Peter Adarkwah and Valvin Roane II.
Co-executive produced by Yameen Allworld.
A&R assistance by Andre Capers.
Studio Engineering assistance by Jontae Slade.
Mixing and Co-production by Eric “boots” Greene.
Mastering by Shawn Joseph.
Photography by Joey Adarkwah.
Album concept by Valvin Roane II.

license

about

BBE London, UK

Come say hello at our Record Store in London
-----------------------
The BBE Store
Arch 376, 10 Helmsley Pl, London E8 3SB
-Open Tuesday - Saturday 12-5pm
-----------------------

contact / help

Contact BBE

Streaming and
Download help

Shipping and returns

Redeem code

Report this album or account

If you like Image A Nation, you may also like:

UNTITLED (Rise)
by SAULT

supported by 9 fans who also own “Image A Nation”

Like so many others, this came like a bolt out of the blue and, even though it's well before payday, I had to have this astonishing album on vinyl to prove it exists. The feel of the tunes makes me feel like the Impressions do, Curtis Mayfield, the big spaces and instinctive horns and stuff drifting in and out. Great grooves and I can see lots of ghosts nodding along to this with big smiles on their faces. At last! Anthony Cottrell
go to album
Sankofa Season
by Andrew Ashong & Kaidi Tatham

supported by 9 fans who also own “Image A Nation”

Killer collab. Future Classic. motorcyclehelmet
go to album
An Insight To All Minds
by Kaidi Tatham

supported by 9 fans who also own “Image A Nation”

over looked banger from 2021 Tal
go to album
MS.ONE FANTASTIC VOYAGE
by Ms. One

Georgia Anne Muldrow drops album of solo tracks and collabs feat. Kendrick Lamar, Blu, Ian Kamau, & Wild Child. Bandcamp New & Notable Jun 5, 2015
go to album
In My Life
by Kaidi Tatham

featured on Bandcamp Radio Oct 30, 2018
go to album
The Visitor
by Kadhja Bonet

Awe-inspiring soul with orchestral tinges; nuanced R&B full of serene, transformative vocals. Bandcamp New & Notable Oct 18, 2016
go to album
TAKEN AWAY
by Moodymann

supported by 9 fans who also own “Image A Nation”

Moodymann creates innovative soul funky music with deep 70s inspiration. The vocals are simply outstanding. A step back in time, 50 years ago! Superb. jef37
go to album