BALKAN BEAT BOX Return with Explosive New Song and Video ‘Political F*ck’

BALKAN BEAT BOX have again lived up to their reputation as an explosive, unique, outspoken, multicultural trio with the release of their latest video for “Political F*ck.” Filmed in Tel Aviv and edited by frontman Tomer Yosef, the song and video reflect the frustrations shared by many at this time of political upheaval and uncertainty in the world. Clips of the band performing are dispersed between real footage from worldwide protests. Watch the video here: http://youtu.be/ZYvg8RetDeg.

The inspiration for the song and video are explained in a statement by BALKAN BEAT BOX:

“Balkan Beat Box expresses our dissatisfaction with the social, economic and political systems which govern our lives and set the tone for what kind of world our children will grow up to live in.

This video shows our support for the various movements and revolutions taking place in the world today and attempts to highlight the fight against corporate greed which has gripped our society and paralyzed or bought off our leaders.”

The video–which has already been viewed over 17,000 times on YouTube–was selected as Arabic-language news network Al Jazeera’s Internet Video of the Week on November 26, 2011. Rolling Stone South Africa also featured the video online and wrote, “The explosive New York-based trio are at their provocative and edgy best again, with their mashup of all things exotic, eclectic and politically sensitive.” (12/6/11)

There has also been support for BALKAN BEAT BOX in the blogosphere:

“…this is BBB going all Beastie boyz vs Sex Pistols in the Balkans…I’m loving this and I’ve been a huge fan of this band since day 1! If you’ve never seen this band live, you won’t believe the energy of their live shows.  So I would suggest that you make sure that you DO NOT miss them when they play…and make sure you grab all of their discography cause you need it…”

–DJ Umb, GENERATIONBASS.COM, 11/22/11

“As a long time fan of Balkan Beat Box, I am always impressed with their fresh productions and political voice.  I will never forget the first time I saw them at Central Park with Antibalas-Afrobeat about 5 years ago. They absolutely killed it.  Considering all the world wide noise that’s going on today, this song is a strong representation of the global movement that needs to occur- putting the power back into the people’s hands.”

–Atropolis, DUTTYARTZ.COM, 11/21/11

“These Times People are called for creating change in the system as we know it!! Proactive and Positive resistance is the way!! Big Ups to Bakan Beat Box!!”

–Caballo, TROPICALBASS.COM, 11/21/11

 
BALKAN BEAT BOX has also asked their fans to get involved by translating the lyrics of “Political F*ck” into their native language and posting it on the BALKAN BEAT BOX Facebook page under http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150962290610627.

People, people, see the rain fall down
U wash yourselves from slavery, U rule this town
I say now, middle, middle, simple man not radical
U free yourselves, u change your luck

It’s a political f*ck
Not an attack…

BALKAN BEAT BOX first burst out of New York City’s underground music scene in 2005, with their self-titled debut that introduced the world to their multikulti musical mashup. Founded by Israeli-born Ori Kaplan (ex-Gogol Bordello, ex-Firewater) and Tamir Muskat (ex-Firewater), the band built their reputation on explosive live shows, becoming an audience favorite and a critic’s darling. The group soon added frequent collaborator Tomer Yosef as frontman, his wild onstage energy galvanizing live audiences ever since. The three emerged as a cohesive songwriting trio on 2007’s Nu Med, and found that each had strengths that complimented the others. Together they created an entirely new sound–equal parts Balkan-Mediterranean tradition, punk intensity, electronic cool, jazz discipline and hip-hop swagger.

Their third album, 2010’s Blue Eyed Black Boy, was recorded in Belgrade and Tel Aviv and had a big impact on the band. “While we were in Belgrade there were anti-Kosovo demonstrations and riots, and mobs tried to burn down the American embassy,” Kaplan explains. “It was a very tense atmosphere, but we were in our studio, away from all that, translating that intense energy into something positive and good.”

BALKAN BEAT BOX is working on a new album to be released early next year. For up-to-date information like them at http://www.facebook.com/balkanbeatbox or follow them at http://twitter.com/BalkanBeatBox.

For more information on BALKAN BEAT BOX, contact MSO:

Angela Villanueva, 818-380-0400 x232, avillanueva@msopr.com

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