Interview by Helena Markos
We spoke to Magdalena from Kashev Tapes (Switzerland) about the freshly announced release “Sonic Resistance”, a campaign for the women and LGBTQIA community of Rojava. For this sacred purpose, 90 artists from all over the world have joined forces and supported the initiative. We also premiere the track “Alone with Everybody” by the Greek project V.V.I.A., included in the release.
T.O.P: Hi Magdalena, tell us few things about this release and the purpose behind it?
Magdalena: Sonic Resistance is a solidarity compilation for Rojava, released on Kashev Tapes from Zurich in cooperation with Oramics collective. Two months ago, we organized a squat party where we already raised money for the cause and we came to the idea to make this compilation happen in order to reach more people. Through this publication we want to support the feminist and ecological movement in this autonomous area of Northern Syria, we want to honour the resistance and the risk people take to defend their autonomy.
The Kurdish resistance is advocating for women’s equality, LGBTQIA rights, ecology, sustainability, and direct democracy. Even though “Sonic Resistance” may sound naive and utopistic for some, like making tracks opposed to the ongoing war, we believe that generating awareness about the situation there and supporting their woman organizations makes the difference.
T.O.P: How do you feel about the result?
Magdalena: The release contains over 90 tracks from all over the world. It’s very diverse, you can find there many different genres and moods, tracks from locals as well as big names. I’m very moved that we were able to feature so many amazing artists on our release, all united for the cause.
T.O.P: What are your hopes, visions for the future?
Magdalena: Regarding the release I wish that more people will hear about Rojava and that we will be able to provide a real support for them. I also hope to see more initiatives like this in the music scene. What I find really uplifting, is that we as a music community can unite in front of events like this and support important issues. It was the case also with Total Solidarity by Oramics, a compilation for LGBTQIA+ people in Poland, released after attacks on Bialystok’s Pride. Or on the local level, like the solidarity party we did with my friend Nitrate in Zürich or squat raves we throw, where you can feel political awareness of the people coming there. Apart from this I don’t have many visions, I’m a doomer.
T.O.P: Do you feel the scene is political enough nowadays? or we need to push more towards that direction?
Magdalena: Underground music scene has always been political, in its roots connected to freedom movements and emancipation, a protest against any repressions with its enormous potential to unite people together. If we are talking in a wider sense, considering commercialised‚ underground stuff – I mean especially in times like this being‚ neutral is actually a statement, because it’s a yes to the system.
Music is always played in certain spaces. One should ask themselves, what kind of space it is, what kind of crowd comes there, what is the atmosphere? I believe it’s not only about music, but it’s also about being a part of community and positioning yourself. Anyway, everyone should obviously do what they like. My friends an I feel this way and so we will continue.
Tales of Psychofonia 