Because the show must go on, Sound + Fiction is going digital this month.

Melophiles across Bahrain welcomed the debut of music festival Sound + Fiction last year, but of course, the pandemic managed to hamper its second installment. But if you’re looking for a silver lining, it’s this: the 2019 edition took place across three days, the 2020 edition will take place across 30. Featuring a stellar line-up, it will bring together some of the region’s finest talents and most prominent voices in music at the first-of-its-kind digital music festival that will take place from November 1 to 30.

We quickly realised that a virtual version won’t get in the way of just how much is on offer. The line-up will be headlined by Osiris, which released its first studio album in over a decade earlier this year. The legendary Bahraini progressive rock band will perform a unique, instrumental-only set of tracks not previously performed for the public. “We’re quite thrilled and honoured to have Osiris as part of our line-up this year,” said programme director Ali Al Saeed. “They are one of the most influential bands to emerge from the region, whose music reached a global audience. And as one of the longest active bands going on 40 years, it’s incredible to have them alongside a range of other established and young, upcoming artists.”

As for the exact artists joining Osiris at the 2020 edition of Sound + Fiction? Bahraini folk-fusion band Majaz, Dubai-based singer-songwriter Hamdan Al Abri, Filipino dream pop duo WYWY and Kuwaiti-American band Kuwaisiana alongside electronic artists Kayan, Desertfish, Tarik Omar, and many more. Each week, a full show each featuring three to four artists will be streamed online, free to view. These shows will also include music videos and visual art. In addition to the main weekly shows, the programme will introduce a series of podcasts with prominent artists and experts in music, a series of panel discussions, and a number of workshops. ✤

GO: VISIT WWW.MUSELAND.ME FOR MORE DETAILS.