In the list of "most unstable regions of the world", South Asia inevitably gets ranked near the top. Terrorist groups, civil wars (some recently ended, others just bubbling), nuclear arms, Kashmir and growing inequality make for a volatile mix. Not a day goes by without a seemingly major event somewhere between Kabul and Yangon making international headlines.

True artists, as opposed to mere performers or pop stars, are supposed to reflect the realities of the world they live in. Not surprisingly, when artists in the West turn their attention to South Asia it is usually to explore deep spiritual issues, connections between classical cultures or perhaps some folk traditions.  Few have time or the intelligence to actually comment on the political and social events that make those daily headlines about "unstable South Asia".

This week I point your musical antennae toward a small handful of musicians who have (and continue) to seek inspiration beyond the more easily accessible and tired musical paths and who in very different ways reshape the headlines (sometimes horrific ones) into compelling music.

Steve Earle
John Walker’s Blues



Steve Earle’s background in country music is not the place you’d normally look for an attitude that can only be called uncompromising about the truth. Some of his more patriotic, mainstream critics have labelled him a traitor for the views expressed in some of his lyrics, such as the one above.

A singer who started out as a rowdy boy of alt country way back in the 1980s, Earle has grappled with all sorts of personal demons and come out a changed man.  In this paean to the American Taliban captured in Afghanistan soon after 9/11, Earle tells the human side of the story.  For this song he was heavily vilified by old fans, the American mainstream and political pundits who simply could not find any justification for singing a psalm to a terrorist.  The song though, is a beauty, embellished as it is by some very atmospheric naat’singing in the end.


Vatican Shadow
CIA Contractor Freed Over Pakistan Killings



Dominick Fernow is an American musician who trades under a variety of names, including Vatican Shadow. All his work as VS is highly political and literally lifts song titles from the frantic headlines of the day.  His music is entirely electronic, dark and ambient, nearly industrial grade sounds.  But it is atmospheric and when played loud and when the listener is prepared to let himself go, it can be in a very unexpected way, releasing.  As you listen you can refresh your memory of the actual incident.

Subatomic Sound System featuring Delhi Sultanate
Modern Dayz Slavery



A few years ago the case of Bant Singh, a mazhabi Sikh activist who suffered physical torture and humiliation at the hands of high caste landlords around Mansa, Punjab made international news.  His story is, sadly, as old as the hills, replete with inter-caste violence, dirty politicians, brutal policemen and harsh injustice. But also one of great heroic spirit for Bant Singh never gave in and continues to inspire thousands around the world.

Subatomic Sound System is a  NY-based musical collective that mixes new techno sounds with traditional instruments from across the world. Pioneers in blending European electronic sensibilities and Jamaican dub they’ve worked with Lee Perry, Bill Laswell and a host of others. In this piece remixed for the Bant Singh project they hook up with Delhi-based Taru Dalmia’s dub outfit Delhi Sultanate.

Muslimgauze
Amritsar



AKA Bryn Jones, Muslimgauze is the working name of a British experimental electronic musician with a special mission in life to highlight the conflict affecting millions in the Islamic world. Over the years his sounds, released on small edition vinyl or cassette tapes, took in social causes and issues in Indonesia, Pakistan and India, as this track, Amritsar demonstrates.  Though the exact context of this piece is unclear all of the music of Muslimgauze is imbued with a sense of righteous anger and political advocacy. A truly unique artist who sadly died at the age of 38 in 1999.

Mary Chapin Carpenter
Age of Miracles



We conclude this week’s Sunday Sounds with a song from an artist who is firmly part of the American alt country/folk/singer-songwriter mainstream. Like  the first song in this series, this is not entirely the "natural" environment out of which one would expect an observation about the peoples’ power of Burmese monks to emerge.  But it does!   Compared to most of the dreck that parades as country music these days, full of jingoistic "kick-the world’s-ass" idiocy, this optimistic song is a reassurance.

We can fly through space with the greatest of ease
We can land in the dust of the moon
We can transform our lives with the tap of the keys
Still we can't shake this feeling of doom
But I woke to find monks pouring into the streets
Marching thousands strong into the rain
Now if courage comes dressed in red robes and bare feet
I will never be fearful again


If I'm just standing still
One day I'll get up that hill
In the age of miracles, is one on the way


Listen to these songs as a single playlist on our YouTube channel.