This week, a political listening exercise. Too often when we discuss Iran today or even the Persian Empire that preceded it, homegrown classical music does not come to mind. But for how many years before the first notes were written down in Europe, were the Mesopotamians and their neighbours stringing the early versions of the … Continue reading
Who were the first Christians and where were they? The Maronite and other denominations of Christians in Palestine and Jordan explained, with Arab songs of the Christian tradition. Numbers have dwindled in Occupied Palestine, with many Christians moving to Lebanon or nearby. But how did Christianity start as a “thing’? “The earliest followers of Jesus … Continue reading
The London Palestine Film Festival (LPFF) returns after a two year haitus, with diverse, rare and popular shorts, features and documentaries, working to connect audiences with international filmmakers focusing on Palestine-related issues. Joining the likes of Bella Freud and Eyal Weizman for the festival are this week’s Six Pillars’ guests (bios below): Mai Masri with … Continue reading
Dutch musician and producer Michel Banabila selects a distinct playlist of his favourite West Asian (Middle East) and North African tracks for Six Pillars. Continue reading
A bespoke show from Iran, 23 year old talent Noisetrappy takes over with 30 minutes of Tehran Trap. This show was produced entirely over Instagram between Six Pillars producer Fari Bradley and Noisetrappy. Recorded in Tehran, where Noisetrappy (aka Amir) collaborates with other musicians his age to create a specific danceable sound between … Continue reading
Sounds from Iran and the wider Gulf: when Iran seems increasingly cut off, and with attitudes to music in general in the Middle East making a career in experimental music even harder than usual, what digital messages are being sent by budding audio producers to the web for us to hear? Building on an article … Continue reading
From Monday 10th September we are now on 6pm Mondays, repeating Wednesdays 1pm. Have an idea you’d like to submit for the season? Continue reading
