First generation Syrian-American artist dj listen to ur heart’s event series “Heartcore” investigates “emotional hardcore abuse recovery music” and the cathartic quality of sound. “I believe all music is Heartcore, if you know how to listen,” DJLTUH explains. The February event at HEARTCORE put the focus on “the way creatives respond to the terrifying impending doom we’re all made to feel, living and breathing in the world today, with so many natural disasters, climate change, and threats to democracy and our human rights,” DJLTUH elaborates. dj listen to ur heart’s response to this dynamic exists within the “power of music, sound, and community.”
Aiming “to create therapeutic soundscapes against the abuse and misuse of power in all its forms: to grieve, heal, rage, and rave—to feel your power,“ DJLTYH describes their sound “as being purgative and drawing from sound-design-driven hardcore and experimental melodic compositions.” Collaborations have included producers from around the world, pulling from orchestral, operatic, dubstep, lento violento, hardcore and deconstructed club.
“This night was filled with friendship, love and the transformative power of music. It was an extra special Heartcore refuge, especially during Thoom’s commanding performance. I believe that speaking from a place of sincerity is a kind of precious battle cry. I always ask: if you’re not listening to your heart, then what are you listening to?” – Sandra, aka, dj listen to ur heart
“I find it super important to work and support other femmes who have their own projects,” Sandra, aka, dj listen to your heart proclaims. The lineup included Lebanese NY-based electronic pop artist Thoom (live set), a dj set by experimental producer Europa by way of Berlin, NYC’s Pushpin debuting a hardware set after a two year hiatus, and local producers Die Mercer and Utkina. The event took place at the Lower East Side’s Retail Pharmacy’s pop-up for graphic clothing designer Camila Frater and airbrush artist Coldf33t.
All images courtesy of Matt Weinberger.
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