Maruja Releases ‘Saoirse’: A Powerful Song for Peace Supporting Palestine

An emotional call for peace, Maruja’s ‘Saoirse’ urges listeners to remember Palestine’s resilience and resist indifference.

Introducing ‘Saoirse’: Maruja’s Anthem for Peace

Manchester’s dynamic jazz-punk band, Maruja, has unveiled their new track ‘Saoirse’, a moving and powerful “song for peace” that stands in solidarity with the people of Palestine. Following up on their earlier singles ‘Break the Tension’ and ‘Look Down On Us’, this latest release offers a poignant message accompanied by Maruja’s signature energetic sound.

The song marks another insightful glimpse into their upcoming debut album Pain to Power, scheduled for release on September 12 via Music For Nations. Fans can pre-order or pre-save the album.

Maruja in full force, blending jazz and punk energy

The Meaning Behind ‘Saoirse’

‘Saoirse’ translates to “freedom” — a concept that Maruja highlights as being violently denied to Palestinians. The band passionately calls on listeners to “hold space in your mind for Palestine” and not to turn away from what they describe as the “attempted erasure of a people.”

This is a song for peace, an outpouring of grief and a refusal to be numb to what we are seeing. Genocide. Man-made famine. An attempted erasure of a people.

— Maruja

The five-minute track captures the resilience of the Palestinian people, likening their strength to the deep roots of the olive tree despite facing decades of forced displacement, military occupation, and enforced starvation.

Context of the Conflict

The band touches on historic and ongoing struggles, referencing the 1948 Nakba when over 700,000 Palestinians were expelled from their homes. Since then, violence has persisted relentlessly.

The situation has escalated over nearly two years of full-scale military operations in Gaza. Following the tragic October 2023 Hamas attack on the Israeli Supernova music festival, which claimed 1,195 lives, the conflict spiraled into devastating consequences for civilians.

A United Nations special committee has found Israel’s military tactics in Gaza to be consistent with genocide. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, over 56,000 Palestinians have been killed amid the ongoing hostilities. Despite these findings, Israel continues to deny allegations of genocide and war crimes after the October 7 events.

Maruja’s Call to Action

The band’s statement emphasizes that ‘Saoirse’ is about resistance and the shared roots that connect humanity.

We don’t choose where we are born, but we can choose to act. It’s our decisions that define us.

— Maruja

They urge fans to stand with Palestine, to raise their fists, and to not look away from the harsh realities faced by Palestinians. The band sees their gigs and music as a platform to amplify these vital messages.

You can watch the official video for ‘Saoirse’ below:

Upcoming Tour Dates

July

• 11: Pohoda Festival, Slovakia
• 20: TvSpenta Festival, Italy
• 26: Deer Shed Festival, Yorkshire

August

• 7: Ypsigrock Festival, Italy
• 8: Haldern Pop Festival, Germany
• 9: Winterthurer Musikfestwochen, Switzerland
• 14: Paredes de Coura Festival, Portugal
• 16: Lowlands Festival, Netherlands
• 17: Pukkelpop Festival, Belgium
• 21: Canela Party, Spain
• 23: Shambala Festival, UK

September

• 22: Foundry, Philadelphia
• 23: Sinclair, Boston
• 25: Elsewhere, Brooklyn
• 27: Concert Hall, Toronto
• 28: Thalia Hall, Chicago

October

• 1: El Rey, Los Angeles
• 2: Constellation Room, Santa Ana
• 3: Independent, San Francisco
• 4: Harlows Starlet Room, Sacramento
• 25: Electric Bristol, Bristol
• 29: The Garage, Glasgow
• 31: Whelan’s, Dublin

November

• 1: The Limelight 2, Belfast
• 5: The Castle & Falcon, Birmingham
• 7: The Wardrobe, Leeds
• 8: Rescue Rooms, Nottingham
• 12: CHALK, Brighton
• 13: Electric Ballroom, London
• 14: O2 Ritz, Manchester
• 19: Botanique Orangerie, Brussels
• 20: LUXOR, Cologne
• 21: Paradiso Tolhuistuin, Amsterdam
• 22: Bahnhof Pauli, Hamburg
• 26: Hole44, Berlin
• 28: Bogen F, Zurich
• 29: Santeria Toscana 31, Milan

December

• 3: M.OU.CO., Porto
• 4: LAV, Lisbon
• 5: Copernico, Madrid
• 6: Sala Apolo, Barcelona
• 10: Pannonica, Nantes
• 11: Le Tetris, Le Havre
• 12: Trabendo, Paris

To grab tickets and details, head over to Ticketmaster.

Tour Experiences and Political Engagement

Bassist Matt Buonaccorsi reflected on their recent North American tour, calling the crowds “some of the most energetic and frightening” they’ve ever encountered. He fondly remembered New York as possibly his favorite show ever.

Buonaccorsi also touched on the politically charged atmosphere surrounding artists supporting Palestine, pointing out how their fanbase relates to their messages amid sensitive political times, especially in the US.

For the fans coming to our shows in the States, they understood that our message is to be wary of authoritarianism and its dangerous paths.

— Matt Buonaccorsi

He described the connection with fans as open-armed and welcoming — a mutual embrace of energy and political awareness.

Join Maruja’s Movement for Peace

Maruja’s ‘Saoirse’ is more than a song — it’s a rallying cry for justice, remembrance, and action. As they continue to tour globally, their music and message encourage everyone to stand up, speak out, and hold space for those struggling for freedom.

FAQs

• What does ‘Saoirse’ mean?
  ‘Saoirse’ is an Irish word meaning “freedom,” central to Maruja’s message of solidarity with Palestine.
• When is Maruja’s debut album ‘Pain to Power’ releasing?
  The album is set to release on September 12 via Music For Nations.
• Where can I watch the ‘Saoirse’ music video?
  The official video is available on YouTube and embedded above for easy access.
• What kind of music does Maruja play?
  Maruja combines jazz and punk elements, crafting an energetic, unique sound.
• Are Maruja touring outside the UK?
  Yes, their 2025 tour includes dates across Europe, China, Japan, and the US.

Looking to bring the spirit of Maruja’s powerful messages into your own space? Shop your favorite album cover posters at our store here and let the music inspire your walls!