Jul 23, 2015
While conducting research on cracked media, I came across a website that had been hacked by Islamic State. The page espoused some kind of violent jihad rhetoric and was accompanied by a nasheed (a cappella music that often references Islamic history and beliefs). The contradictions inherent within the song's sonic eloquence and its application as a propaganda tool struck me as particularly interesting. The idea behind the piece is to try and subvert the IS message by burying it behind randomised radio static and collected field recording, while at the same time throwing light on a musical tradition that stretches back centuries. Performed live at New River Studios as part of Sonica Found Music's Open Jack event series.
