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Confronting Right-Wing Populism – SENTIENCE MACHINE – Release New Track [UK]

By on February 15, 2025

We typically don’t write about “alt-rock” bands as we’re a strictly hardcore, punk, metal website, but this was too important to pass up. Ever since we moved to London, we have noticed how mainly white the audience is at “rock” shows and so when we come across events like DECOLONISE FEST or bands that feature POC’s (our own London-based hardcore band KING STREET is one of very few UK hardcore bands whose lineup is majority POC), we get STOKED.

So, when London-based alt rock band SENTIENCE MACHINE sent in some info about their new single ‘Human Stigma’, it was more the message of the song that got us excited. The band states, “The track was written in the wake of Brexit, and confronts right-wing populism and its role in triggering racist, intolerant, anti-immigrant attitudes in the UK. The track, which calls for equality and an end to the stigmatisation faced by marginalised communities–is as relevant today, if not more so–as it was back in January 2020.”

The band also announced that they’re taking part in a special women-led anti-racism event taking place in Camden on March 7th.

“The event, entitled ROCK FOR UNITY, will take place on International Women’s Day, celebrating multiculturalism and inclusivity–and embracing diversity on Holi–the Indian festival of colour.

Taking place at the Camden Club on March 7th, the event features a heavy Asian influence on the event’s all-female lineup. The event is a nod to the Asian underground’s contribution to the diverse landscape of the UK music scene. DJ Ritu has been instrumental to this. “When I was asked to get involved with Rock for Unity, I was thrilled,” She said. “I mixed with many veterans of the feminist revolution in the ’80s and was often the only woman of colour on the lineups of IWD events. So for me, as a catalyst of the ’90s Asian underground scene, Rock for Unity is a dream come true, enhancing the voices of Brown women and standing strong against the growing tide of racism and right wing populism in the UK. We need this now, more than ever.”

The event itself is the brainchild of Indian-Pakistani producer and Sentience Machine lead vocalist, Rena Biring aka PSIBINDI. The artist, who is also the founder of gender diverse music platform Psy-Sisters, says: “Rock for Unity is more than just a music event–it’s a bold statement dedicated to raising awareness about racism, fostering equality and promoting unity. It’s why we curated a lineup that represents this–and of course, which epitomises all that our new single, Human Stigma, is about.”

Grab tickets for the fest HERE.

https://www.instagram.com/sentiencemachine/

UniteAsia.org is an underground Asian music news website created for the sole purpose of supporting our own world. We support all bands and genres HOWEVER we do not support nor have any sympathy for homophobic, racist, sexist rhetoric in lyrical content or band material. UNITE ASIA!
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