MIDEAST.ROCKS is an independent editorial platform dedicated to rock, metal and alternative music from across the Middle East.
The region includes countries and territories with very different political systems, histories, religions, languages and social realities. Some are currently involved in armed conflict. Others maintain hostile political relations or have no diplomatic relations at all. These circumstances inevitably affect artists, audiences and local music scenes.
Our editorial policy is based on a simple principle: musicians are assessed through their work, their public statements and their actions. Nationality alone is not a reason for inclusion or exclusion.
For this reason, MIDEAST.ROCKS covers artists from all countries and territories within its geographical scope, including Israel and Palestine, as well as Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Jordan, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen.
The publication of an artist from a particular country does not represent support for that country’s government, military, political system or foreign policy. People living under a state cannot automatically be considered responsible for the actions carried out in its name.
Political subjects are part of the music covered by this platform. Artists may address war, occupation, religion, nationalism, repression, colonialism, discrimination, economic inequality or government policy. These subjects are relevant to the region and frequently appear in rock and metal.
MIDEAST.ROCKS distinguishes between criticism directed at political institutions, governments, ideologies and military actions, and hostility directed at people because of their nationality, ethnicity or religion.
The platform will therefore not provide space for material advocating hatred or violence against entire populations. The same editorial standard applies regardless of the nationality, religion or political position involved.
We are aware that some musicians may choose not to participate in a publication that also covers artists from certain countries. We respect that decision. Participation in interviews and other editorial material is voluntary. It does not, however, determine which other artists MIDEAST.ROCKS may cover.
The purpose of the platform is also archival. Many music scenes in the Middle East operate with limited infrastructure, restricted access to venues, censorship, economic pressure, migration and political instability. Bands may exist for short periods, release music independently or continue their work from another country. A significant part of that activity receives little international documentation.
MIDEAST.ROCKS aims to record these scenes as accurately as possible through news, interviews, reviews, features and historical documentation.
Artists from the region do not need to share the same political views in order to be documented by the same publication. The editorial responsibility of MIDEAST.ROCKS is to cover the music fairly, apply the same standards to everyone and avoid reducing individual musicians to the governments or conflicts associated with the places where they were born.
We are always open to conversations about music, the scenes we cover and the work being done across the region. You can reach us at joelcosta@mideast.rocks
