Jad Saliba’s project during the residency marks the beginning of a long-term research initiative exploring concepts of sonic resistance, solidarity, and sonic identity, using drum machines as a primary medium. The research raises key questions: What characteristics define sound as resistant to current political struggles, and is there an urgency to draw from sonic traditions of the MEASA region (to which he belongs) in order to challenge dominant, hegemonic perceptions of sound? He asks: How can we, as a community from the Levant and beyond, organize ourselves for such actions?

Jad Saliba (born 1984, Beirut) works primarily in sound. A former Oud player, he co-founded the ensemble ‘Mayal’ in 2010, performing renaissance music of early 20th century Egypt. Saliba was also part of ‘Irtijal’, Beirut’s collective of artists, playing alongside prominent members and other international experimental musicians. He graduated with a master’s from the Institute of Sonology in 2020. His current work explores experimental drum machines, contemplating on alternative club music and online community radio broadcasts.