Music / News
Bristol folk band release charity single
Ushti Baba, the seven piece folk outfit, have released their brand new single, Pas de Passport which is dedicated to the cause of refugee hospitality.
The doom-folk anthem was conceived after two band members forgot their passports on a trip to play in France and were struck with feelings of vulnerability, ‘luck-of-the-draw’ and compassion.
The track’s artwork was produced by Shula Soleman, a Bristol-based fine artist and member of the Bristol Refugee Artist Collective.
Shula uses art to explore social issues, and to illustrate the profound loss of her northern Iraqi heritage and identity as a Kurdish woman now exiled in England.
Pas de Passeport is the first of a series of four singles that will be released by the band over winter 2023-2024.
The single’s artwork was produced by Shula Soleman, a member of the Bristol Refugee Artist Collective. photo: Shula Soleman
The brand new single will raise money for the charity, Refugee Action.
On the song, guitarist and lyricist Sam Ford said: “Political and ecological crises are forcing millions around the planet away from the places they know as home.
Music is a universal language of pain, hope and celebration. Ushti Baba’s tunes and songs are influenced by, or learned from, lots of different cultures.
“As well as raising money for Refugee Action through Pas de Passeport sales, we want to take this opportunity to highlight the amazing work of local groups like Borderlands, Bristol Refugee Rights, Bristol Hospitality Network, Bristol Churches Winter Night Shelter and Bristol Refugee Festival, all actively helping people feel safe and welcome in communities locally.”
The single can be purchased via Bandcamp before being available on other streaming platform later this month.
You can buy the track at https://ushti-baba.bandcamp.com/track/pas-de-passeport
Ushti Baba will be playing a string of live shows ahead of the New Year, including a hometown show at The Exchange on December 9.
Tickets are on sale now and can be found at https://hdfst.uk/e93723
Main photo: Sam Cavender
Read next:
- IDLES announce release date for upcoming fifth album
- Brand new single and homemade video released from musician with long Covid
- Bristol artists featured on compliation for Palestinian charities
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