Manger on McNichols

Boldy James & Sterling Toles

2020

Manger on McNichols took over ten years to produce. Boldy is the epitome of the concept that from adversity and pain can blossom art. A number of recurring themes permeate the record, with one of the most potent being that of childhood, and by extension, parenting and Boldy’s own children. Even the title, with the use of the word “manger” brings to mind the visuals of a nativity scene, highlighting the birth of Jesus in a manger or stable, further emblematic of the record’s focus on birth, childhood, and religion.

“I started seeing these themes of life and birth and death and rebirth. And who were are intrinsically versus who we’ve been conditioned to become. A lot of us are confined to or imprisoned by circumstance, and we’re in dire need of attempting to reclaim who we truly are.” – Sterling Toles