Displaced families stuck in traffic, March 2026 -- photo Ahmad Badr/NRC

Here are community-led efforts in Lebanon supporting the displaced

With an unprecedented minimum of 450,000 people displaced in Lebanon, community-led efforts are again working to provide basic aid. These often overlap with the very music and creative communities I’ve written about here, in the country and internationally. And they can benefit from your support.

OHYUNG’s IOWA on Trans Music Archive is as powerful as a glacier

Take a moment for the arresting stillness of “all dolls go to heaven.” IOWA, the full-length opus by film composer Lia Ouyang Rusli (“OHYUNG”), hits you deep in the gut. The first 2026 release by must-follow label Trans Music Archive is both an essential meditation and a call to arms.

Peter Kirn - February 11, 2026

Support Filipino music and relief for Northern Cebu earthquake – let’s go

There are two things we should be doing more of: cramming independent music into our minds and embracing grassroots aid. Last week, Northern Cebu in the Philippines was hit by a devastating earthquake. Local outlet Pawn Records has some beautiful music to support and not nearly enough people supporting it. Let’s change that, CDM readers. I’m curious to see how many people we can get onboard.

Peter Kirn - October 8, 2025