Bob Holroyd Returns with New Single Highlighting the Plight of Afghan Women and Repressed Voices

"Hidden Voices Unveiled" Brings Cultural Boundaries Together

Ambient electronic composer Bob Holroyd makes a powerful return with his new single "Hidden Voices Unveiled," a poignant tribute to suppressed voices worldwide.

Originally conceived as a project celebrating improvements in Afghan women's lives, particularly their access to education, the work has evolved following the Taliban's resurgence. The two-part composition now stands as a broader symbol of hope for all whose voices are silenced globally, from Hong Kong activists to the Rohingyas and Uighurs.

Part 1 of the single builds from ambient foundations to a triumphant orchestral crescendo, while Part 2 features the haunting vocals of Iranian artist Mahsa Vahdat. A vocal advocate for women's rights, Vahdat's contribution intensifies throughout the piece, repeatedly asking, "When will we be heard?" - a question that resonates deeply with the single's themes of oppression and the yearning for freedom of expression.

Holroyd's reputation for crossing musical and cultural boundaries is evident in this latest work. His extensive travels in Africa and Asia have influenced his diverse portfolio, which ranges from intense percussive rhythms to delicate soundscapes. This cultural fusion has attracted remixes from artists like Coldcut, Four Tet, and Mogwai, while his music has featured in prominent shows including The Dark Knight, Lost, and The Sopranos.

Vahdat, who now resides in America due to oppression in Iran, reflects on her contribution: "When I heard the music, I started to sing like a painter, shaping sound and ornaments. I sang 'my voice in your sky,' perhaps a deep desire to fly back to my homeland."