Amplify Palestine label announces compilation ‘People of Eternity: BDS Mixtape vol. 1’

Amplify Palestine is releasing a new benefit compilation called ‘People of Eternity: BDS Mixtape vol. 1’. Listen to lead track, ‘Hideouts’ by Anteloper, below.

Curated by Gavilán Rayna Russom and Sanna Almajedi, the compilation is the first release by grassroots organisations Adalah-NY and BDS Houston’s new label. The series concept is inspired by the 1985 ‘Sun City’ compilation by artists boycotting apartheid South Africa. All proceeds will support the groups’ ongoing efforts to connect with musicians in Gaza and provide cultural resources and development for Palestinians. 

The first entry in the ‘BDS Mixtape’ series, out 7th April, features 16 tracks by artists who support the Palestinian call for the cultural boycott of Israel. Speaker Music, Maria Chávez, Mercury Symbol, Baraari, Amir Elsaffar, King Vision Ultra, Dakn, lawd knows and Sunk Heaven count among the contributors, as well as curator Gavilán Rayna Russom. The artwork is designed by Bergsonist and mastering was done by Russell E. L. Butler.

The compilation is dedicated to trumpeter Jaimie Branch, who died last August. She featured on Anteloper’s track ‘Hideouts’, which is out now. 

“The music expresses solidarity through deep and deepening means that transcend categorization or geography,” the liner notes, by Kaye Cain-Nielsen, read. “The musicians sent in work from all over, and many participated for the first time for an album for Palestine. Why did Mercury Symbol, from the Bronx, Rayna asked in reflecting on the album you’re hearing now, want to make a track in support of BDS? She answered that they’re a person with a strong sense of community who believes in liberation. And who, like you, knows music is a way in and forward.”

In September 2022, hundreds of artists like FKA twigs, Arca, UB40, Seun Kuti and more, joined the Musicians for Palestine pledge. 

Check out the compilation on Bandcamp, and listen to ‘Hideouts’. 

Read DJ Mag’s 2021 cover interview with Palestine’s techno champion Sama’ Abdulhadi here.