Amplify Palestine drops cross-genre compilation exploring resistance through sound

Amplify Palestine’s ‘Unboundable: BDS Mixtape Vol. 3’ was released yesterday (July 9), marking 20 years since the launch of the Palestinian BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions) call.

Curated by Sonny Singh, Huda Asfour, and db, the compilation features contributions from over 20 artists, weaving together elements of improvisation, resistance, and deep listening across 13 expansive tracks.

Side A leans toward a traditional acoustic aesthetic, blending Indian classical music, Arabic maqam, and jazz. Rabab virtuoso Qais Essar and violin duo Trina Basu & Arun Ramamurthy offer meditative, richly textured compositions that highlight the emotional depth and cultural roots of their instruments.

Side B then ventures into more experimental territory, with an emphasis on dissonance, electronic textures, and ambient disruptions.

gabby fluke-mogul’s violin on ‘Sadhab’ stretches the instrument to its sonic limits, producing eerie glissandos and spectral overtones. The Dwarfs of East Agouza deliver ‘Broken Apple’, a composition that merges industrial noise with haunting, minimalist motifs.

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On the closer ‘Kite’, Alia & Ziad channel the resilience of Gaza’s children through shimmering synths and delicately crumbling rhythms. “The inspiration for this piece came from those children of Gaza who, even in the face of merciless assault, still fly their kites,” mention the artists.

Launched in 2023, Amplify Palestine’s label continues the legacy of politically engaged music and serves as a grassroots platform for promoting Palestinian liberation through art and sound.

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The BDS Mixtape series (modelled after the anti-apartheid ‘Sun City’ album of 1985) brings together artists from around the world in support of Palestinian rights, using music as a vehicle for cultural and political dialogue.

“As crackdowns on Palestine solidarity activism and speech rapidly increase, it is our responsibility as musicians to get louder,” says co-curator Sonny Singh.

Proceeds from the albums go directly toward cultural initiatives in Palestine, from music education to community arts projects.

Purchase ‘Unboundable: BDS Mixtape Vol. 3’ here, and for more information on Amplify Palestine, head here.

Amira Waworuntu is Mixmag Asia’s Managing Editor, follow her on Instagram.