The Future Sound Of Saudi. In partnership with LEVEL, meet Kayan, DJ Viva & DJ Emad by Hatem Alakeel

The impact of high-profile DJs on the cultural landscape of KSA is undeniable at this stage. The ethos is simple: be the architect of your own narrative. And in that spirit, we’re championing the musicians who are currently innovating the way that they create music in a way that ensures a global impact. From combining unusual instruments with mixing, adding violins, and using aerial arts with classical DJing-we’ve sat down with the industry pioneers. In partnership with LEVEL, meet Kayan, DJ Viva and DJ Emad, three prolific musicians that plan on elevating the music scene and taking it to the next level. Whether we’re discussing their creative process or what exactly they want to transpose through their music, here’s an exclusive look at the makers behind the new developments of KSAs core creative ethos.
EMAD
From working with Afrojack to Social Media stardom and western integration of Saudi culture: Introducing EMAD-the DJ taking the KSA musical ethos globally.
What are your thoughts on the music industry in the KSA?
It’s certainly growing, especially with the emergence of new platforms and a new generation listening to new genres. Even Arabian music is in its evolutive state because of new production processes. It’s definitely exploding.
What is your favourite thing about being part of the music industry?
Travelling the world is definitely at the top of my list. Exploring new places, meeting new people and constantly finding new ways to express yourself through your music.
What is the last thing that made you laugh?
I don’t laugh that much laughs. People tell me I’ve got a poker face and nobody can tell when I’m actually amused by something
If you were aa shoe, what shoe would you be?
If I were a shoe, I would definitely be Balenciaga. Bold, sporty and making a statement.
What is your favourite food?
Steaks for sure. Without a doubt.
Describe yourself in 3 words.
Creative, being out there, and spotlights.
What is your favourte memory from your career thus far?
I was in Belgium in Afrojack’s studio. I made a track and he accidentally heard the track from outside the room and he said ‘play that track again’. He loved it and three weeks later he played it at Tomorrowland as part of his closing set.
What does authenticity mean to you?
Being yourself 100%. With music, you have to put yourself and your creativity first and respect your Saudi roots. And you must also learn how to connect with people. When it comes to producing music, I think you have to stay true to the roots of traditional arabic music that we grew up with and mix it with the new sounds and genres that we have now.
What does style mean to you?
Similar to music. Being yourself and being unique in terms of how you present yourself. Being both bold and sharp.
KAYAN
With multitasking at the forefront, Kayan is no stranger to innovation. The DJ/Producer/Musician is blending classical music with the art of mixing. But what exactly makes her tick?
1. How do you plan on innovating the music industry in KSA?
By merging practices and various art forms, integrating sonic and visual art that tells stories about Saudi through it. I also plan on integrating live violin performances with DJ sets mixing eastern tuning of the instrument with western electronic foundations, ultimately reintroducing Saudi music with electronic music.
2. What is your creative ethos?
Do it for you because fame or exposure is there for a specific phase only. Music or any art form you practice should stay with you always and grow with you regardless of the level of exposure, you may get at any phase of your life. Be inspired and pay attention to the mysterious hidden details in life-they guide you to tell your story. And last but not least, be fully present in your performance.
3. If you could describe the way that you produce music in 3 words, what would
they be?
Inner inspiration
Naturally flowing
Intricate
4. What do you think is the future of Sound and DJ in KSA?
The future is that most artists and DJs will have an established platform that will cater
to their specialised field, and people's taste and awareness will expand and specialise
simultaneously. There is a lot of beauty to be discovered in Saudi music, whether presented purely or merged with other forms of music and through the exiting platform of artists.
5. Less is more or more is more?
A bit of both. Sometimes in certain tracks, less is more to take the lister on a journey. More technical shifts and progressive sound will stimulate the listener. For me, less is more when I do my violin. DJ performance. But definitely more is more when I integrate more than six instruments in a live set. Then would want a bigger sound and more varieties
Full details:
authenticite.me/gems-of-arabi...