NEWS, REVIEWS AND ACTIVISM

US Gov. launches global music and peace initiative sponsored by arms manufacturers

Secretary of State, Antony J. Blinken, playing the guitar at the initiative launch event. Photo retrieved from US government website. On September 27, 2023, the US government launched the Global ...
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Iranian protest singer arrested after releasing a song dedicated to Iranian women’s movement

The arrest comes in the wake of the anniversary of Mahsa Amini's death in custody and the following protests that shook Iranian society. Mehdi Yarrahi protesting for Karun river by ...
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This Saturday, artist’s will march to the UN and demand a seat at the decision-making table

The creative sector is considered to be one of the fastest growing economies around the world, yet it remains, according to some, an "untapped source" when it comes to solving ...
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A rapper in Uzbekistan is challenging widespread social issues through his songs

Social and political problems are on full display Uzbek rapper Konsta in the music video of his song “Sariq jiletka.” Screenshot from Konsta Uz YouTube channel. This article was written ...
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Zere’s new album is a continuation of her fight against gender inequality in Kyrgyzstan

Her songs provide solace and strength to women and girls Zere performing songs from her new album. Screenshot from Zere Asylbek‘s YouTube channel. Fair use. This article was written by ...
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Music in times of war: Song as a form of Ukrainian resistance

Okean Elzy band's lyrics speak to resistance and perseverance A screenshot from Okean Elzy YouTube channel with the title of the song “Misto Vesny” (The City of Spring). In the ...
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Hip hop in Sudan

At the start of the 1960s, Sudanese musicians began incorporating Western influences in their compositions. Brass instruments, accordions, electric guitars, violins, synths and pianos, accentuated by drum kits, produced a ...
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Can music and feminism help heal border conflicts in Central Asia?

Hockey has changed my life forever Screenshot from Manizha's YouTube channel showing her latest song, “Now or Never” about a young rural Kyrgyz woman learning to play ice-hockey This article ...
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A Story Of A Young Afghan Musician

After NATO Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg, announced on April 14 2021 that the alliance had decided to withdraw its troops from Afghanistan, Taliban forces almost immediately launched an aggressive offensive ...
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PROTEST MUSIC INTERVIEWS

Taking on the role of the animal: An interview with LoonRise (Arnaud Delannoy)

Searching the tags of the internet for new music can lead you into some exciting rabbit holes. This time I was in search of artists who use their talents to ...
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Transcending Politics: Interview With Magna Zero And Exclusive Premiere

Lifelong friendships, a longing to inspire a kind of oneness among all creatures and some good 'ol basement jamming is some of what makes up Magna Zero. Three friends who, ...
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Dread in the Air: A Conversation with Kyrylo Brener of Ukrainian post-hardcore band, KAT

In my attempts to connect with Ukrainian bands since the full-scale Russian invasion began on February 24th, several things have become clear. Many of these bands are well-connected to one ...
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