Issue Two of SEEN focuses on decolonising electronic music and features photography from Alina Akbar and writing from Iyunoluwanimi Yemi-Shodimu, Amelia Fearon, Dhruva Balram, Jessica Rogers, Jad Ghazali, Dr Zakiya Mckenzie, Sashwati Mira Sengupta and Stephanie Ewurama (aka SCAPA). Articles include a project linking Mancunian and Palestinian artists, an interview with AFRODEUTSCHE, the ethics of sampling and a reggae orchestra led by a visually impaired Jamaican. Long reads include a look at a Ghanaian festival, a thinkpiece on solidarity and protest sounds in South Asia and the diaspora and the role of social media platforms in framing beauty standards in electronic music. A review of our panel at WOMEX in October 2024 is featured too. For the launch contributors Amelia Fearon, Jessica Rogers, Sashwati Mira Sengupta and Iyunoluwanimi Yemi-Shodimu will be in conversation with the SEEN founders, exploring the themes of the latest issue. The night will feature a DJ set from Taxi Cab Industries (who also designed the issue) with the magazine on sale to the public. No tickets are required for the launch at 7:30pm. Learn More
Strike the Balance is another standout Dub Syndicate set featuring vocal contributions from reggae legend Bim Sherman on a cover of Lloyd & Devon's 'Cuss Cuss' and Shara Nelson, whose work with Massive Attack on Blue Lines was soon to make her a household name, but here offers her rendition of Serge Gainsbourg's 'Je T'aime.' Released in 1989, this album marked a significant moment in the evolution of Dub Syndicate and coincided with the group's emergence as a touring unit. The album blends reggae, dub and experimental sounds into a distinctive, genre-defying style. A welcome reissue.
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