Tag: music in exile

Gordon Koang Shares Brand New Single

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Okay, so the title of the brand new Double A-side Single from Gordon Koang seems a bit on the nose, but don’t dismiss on title alone. The track has this infectious bob and weave from the percussive elements, which are always an omni-present feature in Koang’s music. But, central to his work is his unique four string instrument, the thom; it has this unique ability to give his work this slight little jump, like a spiritual lift amidst the textural elements behind in the mix. I think that works wonders for Gordon as his theme here is to send out condolences to folks who’ve suffered due to the pandemic, as well as vibes of healing; this truly is world music, at its very very best. The new 12″ single will be out via Music in Exile on August 4th.

Music in Exile Shares Yelena Single from Ausecuma Beats

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Admittedly, the majority of the music coverage on the Australian scene is predominantly white (including our own), but what’s great are the various projects giving voice to the diverse population of the country/continent, like Music in Exile. Earlier this year, they brought us new music from Gordon Koang, and today I’m super stoked to share this really great tune from Ausecuma Beats. The band is made up of 9 individuals, all with different experiences and backgrounds, united in trying to create a new brand of music with its own voice. Just in the lyrical content alone, you get the switch between Spanish and English, as the various musical influences swirl all around. This tune praises a Pulla African woman who is seen as beautiful and sought after, but she escapes the expectations to seek out a life of her own. Something a little different, but something worthy of our time today. Their debut self-titled album drops on November 20th.

Another Gordon Koang Tune

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Sometimes it takes awhile for music to reach your ears, but I’m really glad that the last year has turned me onto the work of Gordon Koang. The South Sudanese songwriter (currently living in Australia) shares another track from his forthcoming LP, this time singing in Nuer, his native tongue. This is one of those tracks, however, where language barriers are surpassed by the uplifting music itself. Koang says the song refers to an aid worker he knew back in Sudan that helped save his community from poverty. The video features he and his cousin Paul Biel sharing some of their favorite local spots. Unity, the new LP, will be out via Music in Exile/Light in the Attic on August 14th.

Gordon Koang Announces Unity

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Admittedly, I wasn’t entirely aware of Gordon Koang until earlier last year when Music in Exile began to work with him in Australia while he sought to secure permanent residence. Today he announces his new 11th studio album, Unity, doing so with the release of “Tiel e Nei NYwal Ke Ran (We Don’t Have a Problem with Anyone).” He crafts the song using his own modified string instrument, combing his voice with the strummed notes and dripping them atop the percussive element. What’s drawn me to Gordon is the positivity in his voice; it seems like its always been there, even as he’s fought to find a permanent home outside of his native Sudan the last six years. Give a listen; it drops on August 14th.

DyspOra Drops AustraAlien Video

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We tend to focus on what’s in front of us, and in the US, it’s very clear changes need to be made. But, this new track from DyspOra reminds me that the African community has long been the subject of discrimination world-wide…even now in Australia…a scene we cover a lot here.

Gabriel Akon had this to say about the inspiration for his tune:Theres a generation of, I call them, Australiens. They are the ones that want to be Australian, but they get treated like aliens, so theyre somehow on the fringes. They are the biggest potential this country could ever have because of what they could add to this country. All the nation has to do is invest in them. And the investment is so tiny. The investment is literally just accepting them.”

The tune is the title track from his latest album, out now via Music in Exile (a label you should really look into right now).