We all know Mashrou’ Leila, Mika, Massari, and of course Shakira, but as it turns out the Lebanese people’s musical gift to the world is a gift that just keeps on giving. The Lebanese creative genius knows no limit as the music scene is constantly evolving with talented artists, DJ’s, and bands who are making international headlines and selling out shows. Listen, show your support, and share the love to the hand-selected deep house, pop, soul, and alternative electronic tracks below.
#1 Tala Mortada
Catch her spinning the decks at Beirut’s Grand Factory or popping up on set at big clubs in Dubai, Berlin, and Paris. Tala is Lebanon’s female house and electronic music mastermind and full-out activist using music to run clothing drives for refugees and promote recycling. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/201669723″ params=”auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true” width=”100%” height=”300″ iframe=”true” /] [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/289631118″ params=”auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true” width=”100%” height=”300″ iframe=”true” /]
#2 Rami & Jinnio
Los Angeles based musical producer Rami (signed with Sony records) teamed up with Orlando-based Jiinio to produce one of the hottest remixes of last year reaching millions of views. With fans eagerly counting down waiting for their new releases, these two each with their own unique style and sound, are producing beats that are redefining the music and dance scene. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/245596502″ params=”auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true” width=”100%” height=”300″ iframe=”true” /] [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/210896793″ params=”auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true” width=”100%” height=”300″ iframe=”true” /]
#3 Nadine Khouri
London-based songstress belting the blues, Nadine’s impressive latest release was recorded almost entirely live with minimal edits. Fans of Leonard Cohen and Lana del Ray rejoice as Nadine’s vocals will carry you away with soulful songs about love, loss, and everything in between. Catch her on tour promoting “The Salted Air,” available on Cd and vinyl, out now. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/223969753″ params=”auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true” width=”100%” height=”300″ iframe=”true” /] [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/277340744″ params=”auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true” width=”100%” height=”300″ iframe=”true” /]
#4 Imad Royal
Imad Roy El-Amin the Grammy nominated, Quebec-born/Baltimore raised, producer of Panic! at the Disco, has now turned into a Pop solo artist signed on with Atlantic Records. Catch him on tour for his new album Everything Happens where his infectious indie vibes will have you singing along by the end of your first listen. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/243234309″ params=”auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true” width=”100%” height=”300″ iframe=”true” /] [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/269485908″ params=”auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true” width=”100%” height=”300″ iframe=”true” /]
#5 Yasmine Hamdan
To be honest I had never heard of her until I was at a party once and mentioned that I was Lebanese and my foreign-born friends replied that they had heard about Lebanon because of her. Well, Yasmine, I’d take you as our country’s icon any day and every day. Technically not a newcomer as she is already considered an underground cult icon, Paris-based Yasmine is on tour now promoting her new, edgy, Middle-Eastern vibed, solo album Al Jamilat out now [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/190266092″ params=”auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true” width=”100%” height=”300″ iframe=”true” /] [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/306682747″ params=”auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true” width=”100%” height=”300″ iframe=”true” /]
Honorable Mentions
#7 The Wanton Bishops
On their world tour for their latest release Nowhere Everywhere, The Wanton Bishops, upon first glance are a band that sound like they should come from anywhere but Beirut. Throw in some Middle Eastern vibes and you’ve got a Southern, eclectic mix of alternative rock that goes straight to the soul. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/192703115″ params=”auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true” width=”100%” height=”300″ iframe=”true” /]
#8 JARES
Montreal-based DJ duo JARES still fresh to the scene have a loyal, underground following for their deep house and techno music. Proof that music knows no language, age, nor religion their beats take you on a journey through space and time. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/313787855″ params=”auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true” width=”100%” height=”300″ iframe=”true” /] [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/284304756″ params=”auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true” width=”100%” height=”300″ iframe=”true” /]
