After passing a million Spotify plays on his debut ‘Getaway’ and half that number on ‘Talk’, Imad releases his third single. Nightcry features Getaway’s trumpetist and Talk’s vocalist, making for an emotional warm deep house track. We had a chat with the 18-year old Lebanese producer!
What kind of music did you listen to growing up? How has that influenced you?
Growing up I listened to a variety of Indie/Rock music (Kings Of Leon, Green Day, Blink182 etc) and then my taste developed into EDM, after listening to Levels by Avicii. Both genres heavily influenced the music I make today as I try my best to make my tracks sound as organic as possible (acoustic elements), with an electronic touch.
What made you decide to create music and become an artist?
Listening to music has always been a big part of my daily routine. I really immersed myself in SoundCloud, and discovered so many new artists I’d never heard of before. That’s when I found Kygo. I constantly repeated his tunes, especially his remix 'Wait' by M83. This track inspired me to start creating my own music - it gave me goosebumps, and I wanted to give people the same thing. At the moment, I’d have to say Alok, ZHU, and obviously still Kygo are my favourite artists.
Has your music changed overtime?
It has. When I first started producing, I found myself trying to copy Kygo’s famous tropical sound. I wasn’t really enjoying the music I made and it wasn’t reflective of who I am and my personality, so I started experimenting with different things, trying to develop and discover my own sound. Today, I think I can say that I’ve found my sound, which is what I like to describe as a somewhat unique combination of melodic deep house and Brazilian bass. I try my best to give 100% to all my tracks, as I incorporate a lot of my emotions into them. I’m always trying different things though, tomorrow I might make a little future bass track but then throw it in the trash.
What can you tell us about the new single 'Nightcry'?
I made it while I was still in school. There was so much pressure with work and stuff, regardless, I dove straight into music as an escape from all that. I already had an idea in mind of what kind of vibe I wanted this track to give off. I wanted to make a track that you’d play whilst cruising in your car at 2am. Something that would make you want to be alone with your deepest thoughts. I’m really happy with the way it turned out to be, especially with the meaning behind the vocals - I think it compliments the vibe perfectly. 'Nightcry' is also heavily influenced by ZHU, as I was listening to a lot of his music at that time.
What do you do when you’re not in the studio making music?
"Studio" as in my bedroom? Hahaha! I spend time with friends and family. I think its really important to reconnect with people after isolating yourself for hours straight. Sometimes it gets really uneasy and unhealthy when I spend too much time making music, so its always good to just stop, take a break, and chill out with friends or something. I used to play a lot of football (soccer) but that greatly decreased after I started producing music. I’m trying to get myself into a side hobby such as the gym.
What other artists would you love to collaborate with and why?
I have so many artists in mind, but the first ones that come to my mind right now that could be a possible reach are: Cat Dealers, Dubdogz, Vintage Culture and Evokings - they’re creating a movement that I’d love to be a part of. Their style is definitely my favourite at the moment. They’re super creative and original which is something I admire about them. I would love to have Saavan’s vocals on one of my tracks, or even produce a full track with them. All of their tracks are filled with so much emotion, especially with those crazy vocals by both of them.
What are your upcoming plans for the rest of the year and what can we expect to see?
I have so many tracks in the works, original ones. Some are done already and are being polished! Some collaborations as well, such as with Egyptian producer Ash. Stay tuned! I hope to continue making music for as long as I can, and one day make it my full time profession. I’m also trying to book gigs at venues here in Beirut - so expect to see me DJ-ing at your closest club or beach party soon!
Find Nightcry in our New Feel Good Friday playlist below or here on your favourite platform!
