Prostitute: From Noise Rock Origins to Navigating a Politically Charged Landscape
Dearborn, Michigan – In a musical landscape often dominated by polished production and predictable themes, the noise rock band Prostitute has carved out a distinct and increasingly resonant space. Formed in 2020, the quintet—vocalist Moe Kazra, drummer Andrew Kaster, guitarists Ross Babinski and Bret Wall, and bassist Dylan Zaranski—initially set out to create a single, definitive album. That album, 2024’s Attempted Martyr, has become far more than a creative statement; it’s a sonic reflection of a world grappling with escalating political turmoil, and a band unexpectedly thrust into the role of cultural commentators. Their recent signing with Mute Records signals a new chapter, including a reissue of Attempted Martyr and their first European tour in spring 2026, but the band remains focused on channeling their intense energy into action, rather than simply articulating the anxieties of the moment.
Prostitute’s origins are rooted in a blend of artistic backgrounds and a shared sense of urgency. Kazra, a former jazz school student, had been exploring horror-themed ambient music, even as Kaster, after a decade away from drumming, rediscovered his passion. The band’s formation was, in some ways, a race against time – a desire to create something meaningful before the pressures of life intervened. Expanding to a five-piece allowed them to fully realize their ambitious vision for Attempted Martyr, a record that would ultimately prove to be both creatively fulfilling and profoundly challenging to create. The band’s name itself, deliberately provocative, is intended as a verb, a critique of the compromises inherent in modern life – whether it’s selling out to capitalism, religion, or intellectual dishonesty.
The Making of Attempted Martyr: A Sonic and Emotional Gauntlet
The creation of Attempted Martyr was, by all accounts, a tumultuous process. Inter-band conflicts were frequent, and both Kazra and Kaster reportedly considered quitting multiple times before ultimately persevering. “It was the worst thing we’ve all ever went through,” Kazra has stated, highlighting the emotional toll of bringing their vision to life. Despite the internal struggles, the album emerged as a sonically vicious and lyrically sophisticated work, earning critical acclaim. Nina Corcoran of Pitchfork praised the album as “remarkably polished,” awarding it a 7.8/10.0, while Devin Birse of POST-TRASH noted the album’s “beautiful dynamic unfolding” born from a “constant reaction against the horrors of the modern world.”
The album’s release in October 2024 coincided with a period of increasing global instability, most notably the October 7th attacks in Israel. While Prostitute’s lyrics addressed broader themes of political and social injustice, their Arab-American perspective resonated deeply in the wake of these events, unexpectedly positioning them as figureheads for a specific moment in time. However, the band is quick to emphasize that their music wasn’t created as a direct response to any single event, but rather as an expression of long-standing concerns about the conditions affecting the Arab world and beyond.
Navigating Political Association and Artistic Intent
The band members acknowledge the complexities of being perceived as a political voice, particularly given the sensitive nature of the issues their music touches upon. “For understandable reasons, I feel like everything we were doing and talking about just got associated exclusively with what’s going on in Israel and Palestine,” Kaster explained in a recent interview. “It’s a mind-meltingly horrifying thing to witness. At the same time, we didn’t come out trying to represent that or be a voice for that. And so it’s kind of a mind fuck.” This sentiment underscores the band’s desire to create art that provokes thought and emotion, rather than offering prescriptive solutions or taking sides in specific conflicts.
Prostitute’s music draws influence from a diverse range of artists, including Black Midi, Swans, and Death Grips, reflecting their experimental approach to noise rock. They also incorporate elements of Arab music, adding another layer of complexity to their sound. This fusion of influences contributes to the “all-pervasive heaviness” and “borderline deranged vocal delivery” that critics have noted, creating a uniquely unsettling and captivating listening experience. The band’s willingness to embrace dissonance and explore uncomfortable themes sets them apart from many of their contemporaries.
Dearborn Roots and a Global Perspective
The band’s hometown of Dearborn, Michigan, holds significant weight in their artistic identity. As the only city in the United States with an Arab-majority population, Dearborn provides a unique cultural context for Prostitute’s music. Formed in 2020, the band’s experiences are deeply ingrained in the city’s atmosphere and the broader political climate. Crack Magazine highlighted this connection, noting that Attempted Martyr was a “bracing response to a nation in freefall” born from the specific realities of life in Dearborn.
However, Prostitute’s concerns extend far beyond the borders of the United States. Their lyrics grapple with universal themes of power, oppression, and resistance, resonating with audiences around the world. The band’s decision to sign with Mute Records in December 2025, and the subsequent announcement of a European tour in spring 2026, demonstrates their ambition to reach a wider audience and share their message with a global community. The reissue of Attempted Martyr on CD and vinyl through Mute Records will further amplify their reach, introducing their music to a new generation of listeners. Accompanying the announcement was the release of a video for their single “Mr. Dada,” offering a glimpse into the band’s visually arresting aesthetic.
Looking Ahead: From Reflection to Action
As Prostitute prepares to release their follow-up album, they are increasingly focused on translating their artistic expression into concrete action. The band recognizes the limitations of simply articulating the problems facing the world and are exploring ways to contribute to positive change. This shift in focus reflects a growing sense of responsibility and a desire to move beyond critique towards constructive engagement. While the specifics of their planned actions remain undisclosed, the band’s commitment to channeling their energy into something “more constructive” suggests a willingness to use their platform to advocate for social justice and political reform.
Prostitute’s journey from a fledgling noise rock band to a politically charged cultural force is a testament to the power of art to reflect and shape the world around us. Their willingness to confront uncomfortable truths, embrace sonic experimentation, and engage with complex political issues has earned them a dedicated following and positioned them as a vital voice in the contemporary music scene. As they embark on their European tour and prepare to release their next album, Prostitute is poised to continue challenging conventions and inspiring audiences with their uncompromising vision.
The band’s story is still unfolding, and their next steps will be closely watched by fans and critics alike. The reissue of Attempted Martyr on March 20, 2026, promises to be a significant moment, offering a renewed opportunity to experience the album that launched Prostitute into the spotlight. Stay tuned to Mute Records for updates on the band’s upcoming releases and tour dates.
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