A People’s History of Music

Local music promoters Divine Schism presents this special event with Eric Isaacson (Mississippi Records founder) telling the story of global music scenes that struggled and endeavoured during periods of authoritarianism. This is a timely and compelling interweaving of people and places, of past and present, of making and sharing music in very troubling times. It’s the story of how the powerful interests try to control music and how people fight back, nimbly evading systemic repressions by puritans, corporations and tech lords alike. Making wide, bold swings, this show covers music from Ethiopia, North Korea, Kenya, the USA and beyond, while drawing on Eric’s colourfully described, personal experiences of the fascist creep.

The presentation covers these subjects and more:

– The ongoing worldwide DIY music scenes forging connections between endangered communities. – Underground music’s resistance to censorship and propaganda – The secret revolutionary messages hidden in pop music – Unintentionally hilarious musical forays by fascists, authoritarian systems and states – The insidious relationship between New Age music and fascism

This whirlwind presentation of archival film, sound clips and images avoids political grandstanding, instead emphasising vital anti-authoritarian stories of resistance through samizdat music distribution.