Alif’s oud player Khyam Allami on the band’s new single, Holako, and changing perceptions of Arabian music

After enthralling international crowds with their heady blend of eastern and western sounds, not to mention a heavy dose of modern Arabic poetry, the Alif have released Holako, the first single from their eagerly awaited debut album Aynama-Rtama, out on September 4 through Nawa Recordings.

Despite clocking in at a relatively lean four minutes, the track is bursting with ideas as the oud, buzuq, bass, modern keyboards and percussion mix together in one arresting sonic brew. Oud player Khyam Allami says it is the sound of today. “There is this growing movement of artists who are not doing just the same love songs and nationalistic songs that are around at the moment,” he says. “With time, people will have a hard time defining Arab music, not as just that but so much more.”

Holako is the lead single of your upcoming album Aynama-Rtama, which is due out in September. What made the band choose it?

This is our debut album so we are conscious that for many people this will be the first time they would have been introduced to our sound. We feel that Holako can capture people’s imagination.It also defines our intent with the album and what we are trying to do with it. It is also a great way to introduce people to the sound of the record and the energy that is within it. You also get all the elements of the band in this record as different instruments come in after each other.

The album showcases Alif’s varied influences, from electronic music to rock and traditional Arab folk. How do you blend together these disparate elements?

Most of it is developed as we go along and the songs come together in different ways. Some of them start with a clear idea. Holako, for example, began with a main oud riff and then the percussion came and it slowly grew from there. We normally have an idea and see where it goes. Then we sit down together and the cerebral process starts where we ask questions about why do we want to take this particular song in this direction.

Original article by Saeed Saeed

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Alif’s oud player Khyam Allami on the band’s new single, Holako, and changing perceptions of Arabian music