I will never forget the first time I heard Sarah Al-Shaybani (Shébani) sing. It did not take too long for me to become a fan. The Iraqi singer/songwriter is based in Dubai, UAE and she is about to take off! She has just released her debut single “Ocean On Fire” from her upcoming EP ‘Alter Ego’. The EP is produced by Mohammad Rayan Bailouni who somehow is responsible for the shift in Sarah’s direction from playing indie/alternative to the R&B/pop sound she has now. The combination of Sarah and Bailouni is incredible, they feed off each other’s energy and the passion that they both put in their work is obvious!
Arab News sat down with Sarah and Rayan and had the below in-depth discussion:
SARAH ANSWERS:
Arab News: You have an incredible voice and a great talent. When did you realize you have that talent?
Shébani: I’ve always had the determination and the curiosity to see where music might take me, but it wasn’t until a year ago where I began exploring the possibilities of becoming an artist. When you’re young and just starting to discover what your interests are, you’re filled with doubt at first, you don’t really know if you’re discovering a talent within yourself or you’re just trying to follow one of your idols. But I think once you put it to the test, the result and the feedback says it all. That for me is very important, you have to keep trying and pushing yourself. Say yes to opportunities because they don’t come often. Which is why I decided to give myself the push of a lifetime because I knew that I would’ve continued to wonder what it is that keeps me going back to music had I not seen it through. I didn’t want to give up or quit on the big dream, so my only option was to somehow make it a reality.
AN: When it comes to songwriting, what are the topics that you highlight in your music? What inspires you?
Shébani: The way I used to approach songwriting when I first started, and the way I approach it now is like two different sides of a spectrum. I’ve had a little difficulty trying to send certain emotions and ideas across at first. I wasn’t entirely honest and sure about what I was writing because I was slightly afraid to expose my real emotions and access that part of me. So with Alter Ego (EP), I honestly just accepted the fact that I had to write about what I really feel rather than what I wanted people to think I feel. Without a doubt, the amount of help and knowledge I got from Rayan is tremendous. The topics are mainly about different experiences I went through, they’re a little dimmer than usual so they’re things that not many know about me and emotions that I don’t necessarily speak of on a daily basis, but can definitely be relatable by others.
B. My inspiration is derived from so many different factors around me. The support I continuously receive from my family and friends plays a huge role for sure. But there are times when I am certain that the more patience and hard work I put into this, the closer it takes me to the next step. So I challenge myself and I look up to many artists (local and international) who are working just as hard and even more. Other times it could be an emotion that drives me to want to express myself, and what other way to do that than music.
AN: You’re about to launch your first EP “Alter Ego” produced by Rayan; how did this collaboration see the light?
Shébani: It was probably the most fun and life changing collaboration. I’ve known Rayan for quite some time now and he’s been around witnessing all the phases I went through as an artist. I started playing the guitar and singing acoustic sets around various venues in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, it was a step that had to be taken because that built my confidence and gave me a boost to practice and learn more about what I wanted to do with music. I think the most interesting part about this collaboration is that Rayan saw my potential as an artist and heard my sound long before I did. And so just like he always says, I plateaued at some point with music and that’s when he approached me with the idea of maybe trying to take a different direction. I learned new techniques from him, new sounds, new terms and new ways to write lyrics, write a melody and to even present myself as an artist. He helped create a newer version of who I already was and who I’ve always wanted to become as a singer/songwriter. You could say that I got a pretty incredible crash course on everything music related! It’s been humbling, fun and extremely informative working alongside Rayan. I definitely look forward to future projects with him!
AN: Why “Alter Ego“?
Shébani: We all have one! There’s always two sides of who you are, one that you’re comfortable showing to the world, and another which you constantly hide. That’s what Alter Ego represents, it focuses on emotions and thoughts that I don’t normally bring out in the open. And that’s why it’s really interesting to challenge yourself and think outside the box because you never know how you could benefit from it. Funny enough, I learned that everything I’ve been hiding is everything I’ve wanted to write about and embrace because I was holding back another side of me for so long. My Alter Ego was exactly the direction I needed to take.
AN: During the making of the EP, was there any moment of doubt? With that said, what were the highlights?
Shébani: A. I think doubt is always going to be there whether you like it or not, it might even be one of the elements which helps with creating any project. Just as long as you learn how to control it and not let it bring you down, the challenge becomes worth your while, because once you overcome it, you realize that you’ve crossed a milestone.
B. Watching something grow from complete nothingness and seeing the power of what two people can create together. That’s the ultimate highlight for me. You never know how much you can accomplish unless you really push through. The amount of things I got to learn during the process, and the things I picked up from working with Rayan, that’s the highlight of my experience. Alter Ego was at first just an idea, before it was even given a title, and now it’s something almost tangible. That’s irreplaceable.
AN: You studied filmmaking in University. Has it helped you in your singing journey?
Shébani: Anything you know how to do by yourself comes in handy. Any sort of information or skill you learn along the way will always come in handy because going into music as an independent artist is more than just vocals or live performances. It’s knowing how to manage your time, get things done, learn technical things, learn artistic things, know how to carry yourself and present yourself, and most importantly, in my case, it’s being my own personal photographer, videographer and editor when necessary. So it is all connected somehow.
AN: Being a local artist is not easy. What would you say are the challenges you had to face to keep going?
Shébani: Any artistic path is hardly a stable and a constant one at first, so it automatically becomes a challenge for you to maintain a stable lifestyle. Your whole world shifts into this struggle between wanting to follow your passion, and making sure that you’re able to pick yourself up career wise. An artist is more than able to support himself/herself, but the route to that is harder than expected. I think that’s the main challenge for me. You’re never prepared when you decide to pursue something like music, you just jump right in and hope for the best.
AN: How has the support been from the local media?
Shébani: It’s been very supportive. I don’t think I had any expectations regarding how the local media would react. But Rayan and I have had a few approaches and it’s been really great to be able to share this with everyone. I think the most satisfying thing about releasing a single or an album is the fact that you get to stir up some excitement around everyone, and that excitement is sort of a reflection of how we feel when we’re just working in the studio and we realize that today, we finished an entire song. To be able to finally put that out there is extremely humbling.
AN: What are your thoughts on the local scene in Dubai?
Shébani: I have a very special attachment to the local scene in Dubai, it’s basically where I started everything. This is the place that helped grow/launch my musical path, and the same applies to many Dubai-based artists I’m sure! My very first performance was at a Freshly Ground Sounds gig and I was so terrified yet extremely excited. The local scene has definitely started to bloom and open doors for local artists here, it’s become a great platform and we owe it to all the support that we get from various initiatives and communities who provided that.
AN: What was your family’s reaction when they found out that you want to pursue singing professionally?
Shébani: I was lucky enough to have my family stand right by me once I decided to pursue music. They were very supportive and to be honest, I think because I grew up watching my family delve into all types of arts, I found it a little easier to express my passion for music. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree I guess!
AN: Who are some of the artists that we might find on your MP3 player?
Shébani: I always say, if the song makes me feel something, then it’s going on my playlist. Even if it just means a good song to dance to or sing along to while driving around. My taste in music varies and I’ve had a lot of phases where I listened to different genres and different artists. You’ll be able to find some old school hip-hop and R&B mixed with a little Alternative Rock and maybe even a few YouTube artists; 112, Aaliyah, Usher, Sia, Justin Timberlake, Blackstreet, Lifehouse, Craig David, Daniela Andrade, SoMo and Travis Garland are only a few!
AN: After you shot the video of “Ocean On Fire,” which track from the EP you would like to do next?
Shébani: I love every song included in this EP equally. I can’t seem to pick a favorite, so it was a little tough to choose because the process of writing all 6 tracks leaves you with a very special connection to your work. However, there’s definitely a couple that are lined up! The next track will be a more accurate representation of what the title ‘Alter Ego’ really implies, so definitely picking it up a notch! I’m crazy excited for everyone to hear it!
AN: Tell us something not a lot of people know about Sarah Al-Shaybani ?
Shébani: The fact that not many knew that I grew up listening to all sorts of old school hip-hop and R&B might be one. I’ll have to admit, it’s definitely my go-to everyday. I might’ve focused too much on the indie-folk feel that I almost forgot about what I really like to vibe to. This EP is a statement of a few things not everyone knows about me.
AN: What is the future for you? What are your goals?
Shébani: I’m always eager to learn more about music, and because of that, I plan on moving to London to pursue a one year course in songwriting. I’m extremely excited about this step, and I look forward to constantly developing myself as an artist and seeing what the world has to offer. Maybe even bring back some of the inspiration to Dubai and create more music here! Alter Ego opened up a lot of possibilities and doors for me to carry on with music and keep writing and creating as much as I can. I believe that it’ll always be the only constant that I hold on to.
As for now, Rayan and I are celebrating the release of the single ‘Ocean on Fire,’ yet impatiently waiting and working toward the official release of the Alter Ego EP, which is only a few weeks away! We’re giving it our last final push to send it off to the world for everyone to listen to and enjoy the work and the craft we’ve put together.
RAYAN ANSWERS:
AN: Was there one moment that inspired you to start producing?
Rayan: I can’t say there was any one specific moment because I’ve been doing it since I was 15 years old, producing the bands I was in while growing up. However, I probably started taking it a lot more seriously after I finished my master’s degree and started a job. I’d spend all day at work, come home, and spend all night trying to record and produce as much as I could. Eventually night took over, and became my day job.
AN: What was it that caught your attention in Sarah’s talent?
Rayan: I think what caught my attention was how much of her talent was unexplored, rather than what she was exhibiting at the time. It only took me watching her play once to know she was an extremely gifted singer. The issue for me were her songs and the delivery, and I knew how I could help her do that. The most contributing factor to her talent is her emotional and social awareness. I genuinely believed that with all her ability and potential, if she could be steered into a new direction, she’d change everything about the way music is perceived here.
AN: Was “Alter Ego” EP , produced from scratch for Sarah?
Rayan: Totally from scratch. So much of the music we listen to is vocal-driven. I don’t understand how some producers write entire libraries of beats without ever knowing who or what voice is going to be singing on it. I have folders of written music, sure, but all of them with a specific individual or artist-type in mind. Tailoring the music to suit a vocalist is a far easier path to achieving truly novel music. For Sarah’s stuff, everything was written entirely and solely with her in mind. It had to be perfect, the music had to sing to her as much as she sang to it. At the end of the day, a good singer can make weak music stronger, but strong music can’t make a singer sound any better.
AN: Who are your favorite producers?
Rayan: They may not be the most orthodox, but It would be a three-horse race between Rick Rubin, Terry Date, and Noah ‘40’ Shebib. Rick Rubin is essentially the greatest of all time purely because he’s defined the direction of music for the last 30 years. Terry Date is extremely underrated for the incredible work he has done redeveloping established artists. Noah ‘40’ is simply a mastermind of the modern era. Some other producers that would make the list are Nineteen85, Ross Robinson, and Chris Lord Alge for similar reasons.
AN: Could we see another EP, maybe an album in the future?
Rayan: I would be lying if I said I didn’t think that wasn’t going to happen soon.
AN: You’re originally from Syria but lived between UK and the UAE. Do you think we will ever see Syrian sampled music in your production?
Rayan: I can’t ever rule out anything, but considering my mom is from the UK, it’s more likely you’d see me sample music from that part of the world because of my time living there. Having said that, I think it’s just a case of me not finding the right sample from Syrian music, that has inspired me to use it for anything yet.
AN: How long did it take you guys to finalize the EP?
Rayan: It probably took about a couple of months to assemble the basic skeletons of all the tracks, to get through the whole pre-production phase. Then it maybe took another month to track and mix everything for final release.
AN: If you had one advise to share with the producers reading this, what would it be?
Rayan: Don’t complicate things. Always remember that your job is to produce people, to produce the artists. The music will always find a way of working itself out if you’re doing that job properly. Musicians above all else are meant to inspire, help them do that.
Follow their journey here:
Follow Shébani:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shebanimusic
Twitter: https://twitter.com/shebanimusic
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/shebanimusic
Follow Rayan:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rayanproducer
Soundcloud: https://www.soundcloud.com/rayanproducer
Watch the video of “Ocean on Fire”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Io_WobxvLSY
— [email protected]
Arab News sat down with Sarah and Rayan and had the below in-depth discussion:
SARAH ANSWERS:
Arab News: You have an incredible voice and a great talent. When did you realize you have that talent?
Shébani: I’ve always had the determination and the curiosity to see where music might take me, but it wasn’t until a year ago where I began exploring the possibilities of becoming an artist. When you’re young and just starting to discover what your interests are, you’re filled with doubt at first, you don’t really know if you’re discovering a talent within yourself or you’re just trying to follow one of your idols. But I think once you put it to the test, the result and the feedback says it all. That for me is very important, you have to keep trying and pushing yourself. Say yes to opportunities because they don’t come often. Which is why I decided to give myself the push of a lifetime because I knew that I would’ve continued to wonder what it is that keeps me going back to music had I not seen it through. I didn’t want to give up or quit on the big dream, so my only option was to somehow make it a reality.
AN: When it comes to songwriting, what are the topics that you highlight in your music? What inspires you?
Shébani: The way I used to approach songwriting when I first started, and the way I approach it now is like two different sides of a spectrum. I’ve had a little difficulty trying to send certain emotions and ideas across at first. I wasn’t entirely honest and sure about what I was writing because I was slightly afraid to expose my real emotions and access that part of me. So with Alter Ego (EP), I honestly just accepted the fact that I had to write about what I really feel rather than what I wanted people to think I feel. Without a doubt, the amount of help and knowledge I got from Rayan is tremendous. The topics are mainly about different experiences I went through, they’re a little dimmer than usual so they’re things that not many know about me and emotions that I don’t necessarily speak of on a daily basis, but can definitely be relatable by others.
B. My inspiration is derived from so many different factors around me. The support I continuously receive from my family and friends plays a huge role for sure. But there are times when I am certain that the more patience and hard work I put into this, the closer it takes me to the next step. So I challenge myself and I look up to many artists (local and international) who are working just as hard and even more. Other times it could be an emotion that drives me to want to express myself, and what other way to do that than music.
AN: You’re about to launch your first EP “Alter Ego” produced by Rayan; how did this collaboration see the light?
Shébani: It was probably the most fun and life changing collaboration. I’ve known Rayan for quite some time now and he’s been around witnessing all the phases I went through as an artist. I started playing the guitar and singing acoustic sets around various venues in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, it was a step that had to be taken because that built my confidence and gave me a boost to practice and learn more about what I wanted to do with music. I think the most interesting part about this collaboration is that Rayan saw my potential as an artist and heard my sound long before I did. And so just like he always says, I plateaued at some point with music and that’s when he approached me with the idea of maybe trying to take a different direction. I learned new techniques from him, new sounds, new terms and new ways to write lyrics, write a melody and to even present myself as an artist. He helped create a newer version of who I already was and who I’ve always wanted to become as a singer/songwriter. You could say that I got a pretty incredible crash course on everything music related! It’s been humbling, fun and extremely informative working alongside Rayan. I definitely look forward to future projects with him!
AN: Why “Alter Ego“?
Shébani: We all have one! There’s always two sides of who you are, one that you’re comfortable showing to the world, and another which you constantly hide. That’s what Alter Ego represents, it focuses on emotions and thoughts that I don’t normally bring out in the open. And that’s why it’s really interesting to challenge yourself and think outside the box because you never know how you could benefit from it. Funny enough, I learned that everything I’ve been hiding is everything I’ve wanted to write about and embrace because I was holding back another side of me for so long. My Alter Ego was exactly the direction I needed to take.
AN: During the making of the EP, was there any moment of doubt? With that said, what were the highlights?
Shébani: A. I think doubt is always going to be there whether you like it or not, it might even be one of the elements which helps with creating any project. Just as long as you learn how to control it and not let it bring you down, the challenge becomes worth your while, because once you overcome it, you realize that you’ve crossed a milestone.
B. Watching something grow from complete nothingness and seeing the power of what two people can create together. That’s the ultimate highlight for me. You never know how much you can accomplish unless you really push through. The amount of things I got to learn during the process, and the things I picked up from working with Rayan, that’s the highlight of my experience. Alter Ego was at first just an idea, before it was even given a title, and now it’s something almost tangible. That’s irreplaceable.
AN: You studied filmmaking in University. Has it helped you in your singing journey?
Shébani: Anything you know how to do by yourself comes in handy. Any sort of information or skill you learn along the way will always come in handy because going into music as an independent artist is more than just vocals or live performances. It’s knowing how to manage your time, get things done, learn technical things, learn artistic things, know how to carry yourself and present yourself, and most importantly, in my case, it’s being my own personal photographer, videographer and editor when necessary. So it is all connected somehow.
AN: Being a local artist is not easy. What would you say are the challenges you had to face to keep going?
Shébani: Any artistic path is hardly a stable and a constant one at first, so it automatically becomes a challenge for you to maintain a stable lifestyle. Your whole world shifts into this struggle between wanting to follow your passion, and making sure that you’re able to pick yourself up career wise. An artist is more than able to support himself/herself, but the route to that is harder than expected. I think that’s the main challenge for me. You’re never prepared when you decide to pursue something like music, you just jump right in and hope for the best.
AN: How has the support been from the local media?
Shébani: It’s been very supportive. I don’t think I had any expectations regarding how the local media would react. But Rayan and I have had a few approaches and it’s been really great to be able to share this with everyone. I think the most satisfying thing about releasing a single or an album is the fact that you get to stir up some excitement around everyone, and that excitement is sort of a reflection of how we feel when we’re just working in the studio and we realize that today, we finished an entire song. To be able to finally put that out there is extremely humbling.
AN: What are your thoughts on the local scene in Dubai?
Shébani: I have a very special attachment to the local scene in Dubai, it’s basically where I started everything. This is the place that helped grow/launch my musical path, and the same applies to many Dubai-based artists I’m sure! My very first performance was at a Freshly Ground Sounds gig and I was so terrified yet extremely excited. The local scene has definitely started to bloom and open doors for local artists here, it’s become a great platform and we owe it to all the support that we get from various initiatives and communities who provided that.
AN: What was your family’s reaction when they found out that you want to pursue singing professionally?
Shébani: I was lucky enough to have my family stand right by me once I decided to pursue music. They were very supportive and to be honest, I think because I grew up watching my family delve into all types of arts, I found it a little easier to express my passion for music. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree I guess!
AN: Who are some of the artists that we might find on your MP3 player?
Shébani: I always say, if the song makes me feel something, then it’s going on my playlist. Even if it just means a good song to dance to or sing along to while driving around. My taste in music varies and I’ve had a lot of phases where I listened to different genres and different artists. You’ll be able to find some old school hip-hop and R&B mixed with a little Alternative Rock and maybe even a few YouTube artists; 112, Aaliyah, Usher, Sia, Justin Timberlake, Blackstreet, Lifehouse, Craig David, Daniela Andrade, SoMo and Travis Garland are only a few!
AN: After you shot the video of “Ocean On Fire,” which track from the EP you would like to do next?
Shébani: I love every song included in this EP equally. I can’t seem to pick a favorite, so it was a little tough to choose because the process of writing all 6 tracks leaves you with a very special connection to your work. However, there’s definitely a couple that are lined up! The next track will be a more accurate representation of what the title ‘Alter Ego’ really implies, so definitely picking it up a notch! I’m crazy excited for everyone to hear it!
AN: Tell us something not a lot of people know about Sarah Al-Shaybani ?
Shébani: The fact that not many knew that I grew up listening to all sorts of old school hip-hop and R&B might be one. I’ll have to admit, it’s definitely my go-to everyday. I might’ve focused too much on the indie-folk feel that I almost forgot about what I really like to vibe to. This EP is a statement of a few things not everyone knows about me.
AN: What is the future for you? What are your goals?
Shébani: I’m always eager to learn more about music, and because of that, I plan on moving to London to pursue a one year course in songwriting. I’m extremely excited about this step, and I look forward to constantly developing myself as an artist and seeing what the world has to offer. Maybe even bring back some of the inspiration to Dubai and create more music here! Alter Ego opened up a lot of possibilities and doors for me to carry on with music and keep writing and creating as much as I can. I believe that it’ll always be the only constant that I hold on to.
As for now, Rayan and I are celebrating the release of the single ‘Ocean on Fire,’ yet impatiently waiting and working toward the official release of the Alter Ego EP, which is only a few weeks away! We’re giving it our last final push to send it off to the world for everyone to listen to and enjoy the work and the craft we’ve put together.
RAYAN ANSWERS:
AN: Was there one moment that inspired you to start producing?
Rayan: I can’t say there was any one specific moment because I’ve been doing it since I was 15 years old, producing the bands I was in while growing up. However, I probably started taking it a lot more seriously after I finished my master’s degree and started a job. I’d spend all day at work, come home, and spend all night trying to record and produce as much as I could. Eventually night took over, and became my day job.
AN: What was it that caught your attention in Sarah’s talent?
Rayan: I think what caught my attention was how much of her talent was unexplored, rather than what she was exhibiting at the time. It only took me watching her play once to know she was an extremely gifted singer. The issue for me were her songs and the delivery, and I knew how I could help her do that. The most contributing factor to her talent is her emotional and social awareness. I genuinely believed that with all her ability and potential, if she could be steered into a new direction, she’d change everything about the way music is perceived here.
AN: Was “Alter Ego” EP , produced from scratch for Sarah?
Rayan: Totally from scratch. So much of the music we listen to is vocal-driven. I don’t understand how some producers write entire libraries of beats without ever knowing who or what voice is going to be singing on it. I have folders of written music, sure, but all of them with a specific individual or artist-type in mind. Tailoring the music to suit a vocalist is a far easier path to achieving truly novel music. For Sarah’s stuff, everything was written entirely and solely with her in mind. It had to be perfect, the music had to sing to her as much as she sang to it. At the end of the day, a good singer can make weak music stronger, but strong music can’t make a singer sound any better.
AN: Who are your favorite producers?
Rayan: They may not be the most orthodox, but It would be a three-horse race between Rick Rubin, Terry Date, and Noah ‘40’ Shebib. Rick Rubin is essentially the greatest of all time purely because he’s defined the direction of music for the last 30 years. Terry Date is extremely underrated for the incredible work he has done redeveloping established artists. Noah ‘40’ is simply a mastermind of the modern era. Some other producers that would make the list are Nineteen85, Ross Robinson, and Chris Lord Alge for similar reasons.
AN: Could we see another EP, maybe an album in the future?
Rayan: I would be lying if I said I didn’t think that wasn’t going to happen soon.
AN: You’re originally from Syria but lived between UK and the UAE. Do you think we will ever see Syrian sampled music in your production?
Rayan: I can’t ever rule out anything, but considering my mom is from the UK, it’s more likely you’d see me sample music from that part of the world because of my time living there. Having said that, I think it’s just a case of me not finding the right sample from Syrian music, that has inspired me to use it for anything yet.
AN: How long did it take you guys to finalize the EP?
Rayan: It probably took about a couple of months to assemble the basic skeletons of all the tracks, to get through the whole pre-production phase. Then it maybe took another month to track and mix everything for final release.
AN: If you had one advise to share with the producers reading this, what would it be?
Rayan: Don’t complicate things. Always remember that your job is to produce people, to produce the artists. The music will always find a way of working itself out if you’re doing that job properly. Musicians above all else are meant to inspire, help them do that.
Follow their journey here:
Follow Shébani:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shebanimusic
Twitter: https://twitter.com/shebanimusic
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/shebanimusic
Follow Rayan:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rayanproducer
Soundcloud: https://www.soundcloud.com/rayanproducer
Watch the video of “Ocean on Fire”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Io_WobxvLSY
— [email protected]
