Myanmar Resistance Compilation
Supporting Food Not Bombs Myanmar
The compilation, which benefits the hands-on, DIY activism of Food Not Bombs in Myanmar, headed by the band Rebel Riot, includes 40 noteworthy, spirited, hardworking bands from around the world. Some include the long-running garage punk giants The Dwarves, the Italian modern hardcore fury of female-led Svetlanas, U.S. political punk firebrands MDC, and Britain’s fierce Restarts. Plus, it features many Southeast Asian local bands who have all donated songs to support the cause – to provide food to the needy, neglected, and down’n’out. Punks in Myanmar are struggling under an oppressive military junta and regime with very little support for impoverished families. This album highlights their struggle for dignity, hope, and community-building.
“Punks from Food Not Bombs in Myanmar have been caring for the elderly homeless population, bringing books to schools, feeding the poorest of the poor while being shot at in the streets by authorities. While the government stands by and lets COVID19 decimate their population, punks are out in the streets and they need our international community to back them up,” says producer and singer Sophie Rousmaniere, whose band Elected Officials forms part of the album’s core. “Finally, people have a way to ask people to help support the cause without having to give cash or even asking people to leave their homes. Just listen to some great revolutionary music,” she argues.
Digital Download Available
In an attempt to shut down Facebook, local news organizations, and media, the Myanmar government announced in February 2021 that a number of news outlets and social media platforms would be unavailable until further notice. This was meant as a repressive measure to stifle dissent and freedom. Jojo, the vocalist of Myanmar’s The Rebel Riot Band, who has been working with communities for years, has often been arrested for speaking out for the people. “We are showing the government how to care for their citizens,” says Jojo. “We can’t force them to govern properly, but we can set an example." Their struggle has been covered in the international press. See links below for Al Jazeera, Vice, Zap, Los Angeles Times, The Guardian, as well as a number of documentary films.
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To support the cause, people can simply listen to the Myanmar Resistance Compilation on Spotify. Due to their ‘stream to donate' system, “Anyone who can listen to the music can support the cause!” says John Hale, Co-founder of Grimace Records. This means that people, anywhere in the world, despite borders and differences, can aid the resistance simply by listening to music, for free, and Spotify will help put that money in the hands of people who, despite mistreatment and violence, have chosen to fend for the rights of everyday people.