Music as a form of Liberation Technology
This instrument is not just a musical tool; it represents a spirit of resistance—an embodiment of Palestine’s ongoing fight for self-determination and liberation. Through the fusion of music and technology, intentional design choices, and my deep personal connection to this instrument, I found a way to raise collective awareness from its very inception. What started as a means of resistance and truth-telling has grown into an instrument with profound conceptual significance, one that could ultimately be regarded as a historical artifact.
The Palestine Drum Liberator stands as a "S.L.D" (Sonic Liberation Device), imagining a future where musical instruments are extensions of our thoughts, emotions, and beliefs—tools that reflect our political and social climate. Through intentional, ethics-driven design, it serves as a speculative model for other musical technologies, from control surfaces and DAWs to software instruments and generative AI tools. It is also an exploration of liberation technology.
Liberation Technology refers to the use of digital tools, platforms, and strategies to advance social change, empower marginalized communities, and promote human rights and freedom. This broad field encompasses technologies applied in service of liberation, and this musical device is a clear example of that. By creating the Palestine Drum Liberator, I am developing a tool that not only speaks to resistance but also serves as a model for other technologies that can be used for social justice.
Musical devices, as forms of Liberation Technology, offer a powerful way for people to reclaim their narratives, challenge oppressive systems, and express themselves in ways that were once impossible. These devices create pathways to creative freedom and social change, empowering communities to use music as a means of resistance, solidarity, and empowerment. By removing the barriers to music creation and distribution, they help cultivate a more inclusive and equitable space for both artistic and political expression. Through continued development, I aim to expand on this idea, creating multiple SLDs that can serve as tools for social justice and collective liberation.
I’m excited to continue delving deeper into the concept of Liberation Technology and exploring how its principles can be applied to my work. As I further investigate how technology can empower marginalized communities and drive social change, I’m eager to integrate these ideas into my creative process. By embracing the intersection of technology, art, and activism, I hope to create work that not only challenges existing systems of power but also fosters greater accessibility, inclusion, and empowerment for all.