Music in Exile @ BIGSOUND

A not-for-profit record label and registered charity that supports artists with lived experience of migration or displacement, Music In Exile is thrilled to present 2x free showcases during Bigsound week in Meanjin/Brisbane this September, highlighting a selection of musicians and sounds from across our Artist Accelerator Program cohort.

Iranian songwriter and rubab-player Ashkan Shafiei will be joined by Brazilian guitarist and singer Alcides Neto, along with Eritrean-Australian R&B artist Shewita at the Black Bear Lodge on Tuesday September 1st and at QUIVR on Thursday September 3rd, alongside Music In Exile DJs and a special artist/label Q&A.

Deeply influenced by the golden era of Iranian contemporary music from the 1960s and ’70s, a time when Persian classical traditions met the sounds of Western pop and rock, Ashkan Shafiei arrives in Meanjin following the release of his celebrated debut EP Hunter. Recorded by Jonathan Boulet (Party Dozen, Body Type), the five-track EP features four original tracks arranged for his full live band, alongside a heartfelt solo cover of ‘Chi Begam’ by the legendary Persian singer Marzieh.

Moving fluidly across R&B, pop, funk, soul and dance, Shewita is an artist not defined by any single sound, but by the strength of her voice. On her recently released debut EP Canvas, rich, stacked vocal arrangements sit against productions that shift from warm and funk-inflected to cool and club-ready without ever losing their footing, and all with a gleaming metallic sonic aesthetic.

Drawing inspiration from the folk traditions of his homeland, Alcides Neto offers a fresh perspective on Brazilian music through a warm, percussive blend of jazz, samba and Forró, performed live with his seven-piece band. Released in February this year, his debut record Amú is a nostalgic yet celebratory reflection on cultural traditions and family connections left behind, whilst looking hopefully towards new horizons. 

Music In Exile is proud to have supported the creation, release and promotion of these projects through the Artists Accelerator Program, our flagship initiative that supports musicians in the development of their own creative and professional practice, whilst also providing a platform for their work, fostering community collaboration, and growing industry connections.

Supported by Moshtix.