We'll Play till We Die: Journeys across a Decade of Revolutionary Music in the Muslim World

We'll Play till We Die is a sequel to Mark LeVine's Heavy Metal Islam, which explores the revolutionary music cultures of the Middle East and larger Muslim world. It revisits the groundbreaking stories of the post-2010 generation, sharing what has happened to these musicians, their music, their politics, and their societies since then. The book covers a stunning array of developments, including metal, hip-hop, emo, mahraganat, techno, and more, and how artists have used global platforms like YouTube and SoundCloud to achieve unprecedented circulation of their music outside corporate or government control.

Format: Hardback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 13 September 2022
Publisher: University of California Press

In his groundbreaking musical travelogue, "Heavy Metal Islam," Mark LeVine introduced the world to the perspectives and experiences of a youthful generation. In his latest work, "We'll Play till We Die," he collaborates with the foremost voices of this generation to craft a comprehensive history of the era, culminating in a cowritten epilogue that delves into the meanings and futures of youth music across North Africa and Southeast Asia.

"We'll Play till We Die" embarks on a captivating journey into the revolutionary music cultures of the Middle East and the broader Muslim world, encompassing the periods before, during, and after the waves of resistance that resonated across Morocco to Pakistan. This sequel to Mark LeVine's celebrated "Heavy Metal Islam" showcases how some of the world's most extreme music not only served as a catalyst for and a reflection of region-wide protests but also exemplifies the remarkable beauty and diversity of youth cultures throughout the Muslim world.

Two years after the publication of "Heavy Metal Islam" in 2008, uprisings and revolutions erupted across the globe, with young individuals at the forefront of organizing and protesting on the streets. These individuals included the very musicians and fans that LeVine had previously highlighted in his book. "We'll Play till We Die" revisits the groundbreaking stories that LeVine originally explored, providing an update on the lives of these musicians, their music, their politics, and their societies since then. The book covers a wide range of developments, extending beyond the metal and hip-hop scenes to encompass the vibrant emo scene in Baghdad, the enchanting mahraganat music in Egypt, the pulsating techno scene in Beirut, and many more. LeVine also unveils how artists have harnessed global platforms such as YouTube and SoundCloud to achieve unprecedented circulation of their music beyond the control of corporate or governmental entities.

"We'll Play till We Die" stands as the first collective ethnography and biography of the post-2010 generation, offering an insightful and comprehensive account of this transformative era. It delves into the experiences, struggles, and aspirations of young individuals as they navigate the complexities of modern life, often challenged by political unrest, social inequality, and cultural barriers. Through vivid narratives and personal accounts, the book sheds light on the creative expressions and cultural movements that have emerged from this generation, shaping the future of music and society in profound ways.

In conclusion, "We'll Play till We Die" is a remarkable work that not only captures the essence of a youthful generation but also provides a profound understanding of the transformative power of music in shaping societies. Mark LeVine's dedication to exploring the intersection of music, culture, and politics has once again left an indelible mark on our understanding of the world, and this book is a testament to his enduring legacy.

Weight: 660g
Dimension: 161 x 235 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520350762