Music / fundraiser
Bristol Palestine Sound Alliance blend DIY music culture with action
On April 5, local DIY bands will take to the stage at the Jam Jar for a benefit gig to raise money for Palestinian people affected by the ongoing conflict in the region.
Bands playing at the event encompass punk, hardcore, math, metal and organicore.
The event is being organised by the Bristol Palestine Sound Alliance (BPSA), a collective of artists and musicians that has been building momentum over the past year through a series of gigs blending DIY music culture with direct action.
Their approach is simple: find a venue, book some bands, keep ticket prices accessible and raise awareness and funds.
The collective works closely with the Bristol Palestine Alliance to ensure all proceeds reach individuals and families in need directly.
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“Music is a really important form of political expression for me and my friends, but I got a bit sick of just constantly talking about all the injustices with people who agree with me,” said BPSA founder Eric Turner of math-rock band Stealth Cat.
“It’s gratifying in a self-serving sort of way, but it doesn’t feel like it changes much. I started BPSA as a way to channel that frustration into live music but also to raise money for families who have been displaced in Gaza.
“I’ve worked with the Bristol Palestine Alliance on previous benefit gigs and know how diligent they are with making sure the money gets to the people who need it most, so asked if they’d be interested in making it into a regular thing, and here we are.
Bristol Palestine Sound Alliance launched at the Jam Jar in October last year; this latest gig will feature “a huge lineup showcasing some of Bristol’s finest Punk, Hardcore and weird sludgey goodness” they said
“This is our third official gig as BPSA and it’s going to be a blinder, so if you’re in the area, come down and raise some money for a good cause. The Jam Jar is one of my favourite venues in Bristol and the bands playing are going to blow the roof off with a heavy mix of punk, metal and hardcore filth.”
The lineup includes doom math metallers Iran Iran, post-garage punks Holy Popes and thrash metallers Docile, with low-end organicore from Peace Lily (FKA Swine) and apocalyptic hardcore weirdos Scathing.
Sometimes a gig is just a gig. Sometimes it does a bit more. This is one of the latter.
The Bristol Palestine Alliance’s Palestine Fundraiser takes place at the Jam Jar, Bristol on Sunday, April 5 from 6-10.30pm. Tickets are available at thejamjarbristol.com/events#e150096 or on the door.
All images: Eric Turner
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