THEY ARE HERE
Beginning in August 2024, I got connected through SNS with Gazans in Palestine and started to donate. Our friendships deepened as we continued to correspond—they are now a very important part of me. One of them told me, “we want you to deliver our voices to the world,” and at the same time to “forgive us if we are martyred.”
I had the idea one time to make music from sounds received from them. This allows payment for the sound materials, and I thought the format may construct a relationship that is different from that of a donor/recipient. Composing with field recordings as I have done in my practice, I will make music together with the sounds emitted by and from around them, inscribing it in this world, to affirm a humanity and a culture that exists with certitude.
Everyday, civilians including children around the world are murdered by military power. I believe the theft of life and dignity is never justified. They were a child to, and important to, someone. May all of them be able to eat, and sleep through the night quietly and without worry. May they have the freedom and hope to pursue their dreams.
All proceeds made from the sales of these works will be sent to the contributors of the images and sounds.
THEY ARE HERE Bandcamp
https://they-are-here.bandcamp.com
Marihiko Hara (THEY ARE HERE Founder, Musician)
They / Are / Here
Truth / Act / Humanity
Testimony / Archive / Hope