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Vancouver duo Earia Music Project share 'The Weight', a song calling for global awareness and action to stop the genocide in Gaza. The track is out now on all digital streaming platforms. Listen here.
The Weight was written with a heavy heart for the people of Gaza by Earia Music Project percussionist Sal Mattar, who is a Palestinian Canadian, in support of the Palestine Emergency Appeal through Islamic Relief Canada. (Donate here.) This is his debut in this capacity, after being driven by the emotional intensity of the current Israel-Gaza conflict to write this song. Sal's family is from Palestine and this crisis that has been progressing for decades has affected him and his family throughout the years and continues to do so.
"Our generation and many before us have seen devastating cultural demise throughout the world," says Sal. "This song was written as a catalyst for conversation, reflection and acknowledgement. As humans, we all deserve the right to live. Human rights belong to every culture, every race, every age, every geographical location. 'The Weight' was created to shed light on critical global issues and to unite our collaborative global community to stand up for all HUMAN KIND."
The video for 'The Weight' was produced using video clips gathered via TikTok, Instagram and other social media feeds of Palestinians on the ground in Gaza from October to December 2023. Says Sal: "Unfortunately the amount of content available is overwhelming and these are just a few clips of the devastation."
Earia, an Arabic word meaning ‘to be naked’, defines both the power and the process that is Earia Music Project. Their approach to songwriting is the result of countless hours of focusing on the rebirth of musical roots - keeping themselves open, unrestricted, and free of limitations. Naked.
Earia Music Project’s foundation is an acoustic, folk, roots, and Americana duo featuring Matthew Landry (guitar/vocals) and Sal Mattar (percussion), often performing as a 3-piece with James Miller (keys). With soulful lyrics and skillful musicianship, they have already made a mark in the local music scene as they share their original songs about life, love, connection and world events. Their energetic and mesmerizing live performances, undeniable chemistry and genuine love for music are palpable on stage, captivating audiences and leaving long-lasting impressions. It’s no surprise that soon after forming in 2022, they won North Vancouver’s Shipyards Got Talent and have since begun working on their debut album scheduled for release later this year.
'The Weight' is available now on Spotify, Apple Music/iTunes, and other digital retailers and streaming services worldwide. For more information, please visit eariamusic.ca.
