Mashrou' Leila
Encyclopedia
Mashrou’ Leila is a Lebanese seven-member alternative rock
band. The band formed in Beirut
, Lebanon
in 2008 as a music workshop at the American University of Beirut
. Led by frontman and co-founder Hamed Sinno, the band has released two studio albums while causing numerous controversies due to their satirical lyrics and themes.
, when violin
ist Haig Papazian, guitar
ist Andre Chedid and pianist
Omaya Malaeb posted an open invitation to musicians looking to jam
to vent the stress caused by college and the unstable political situation
. Out of a dozen of people who answered the call, seven would remain to form Mashrou' Leila. Band members were encouraged by friends to perform in front of a live crowd; they put on a show as the opening act for a concert on the AUB campus . During the event Mashrou' Leila proved to be the only band who were writing and playing their original music. What started as a workshop evolved into a hit band after playing in small venues, and gaining ground on the underground music
circuit.
Mashrou' Leila emerged onto Lebanon’s music scene during the 2008 "Fete de la Musique" (the yearly Music festival held by the Beirut
municipality) sparking controversy for its unabashed and critical lyrics on Lebanese society, failed love, sexuality and politics. In 2009, at the same festival, Mashrou’ Leila played in front of a large following where fans moshed to their music in downtown Beirut
. The band's breakthrough single "Raksit Leila" (Leila's dance) was awarded both the jury and popular awards at the Radio Liban's 'Modern Music Contest' held at Basement (club) in March 2009. The first prize was a record deal.
Mashrou' Leila’s self-titled debut album produced by B-root Productions was released in December 2009 at a steel factory in Bourj Hammoud
(a suburb of Beirut) where 1200 fans crowded the factory yard. The gig turned out to be Beirut
's biggest non-mainstream event in recent years and has been a big hit among Indie
and Rock fans in Lebanon.
The band's concert at the Byblos
International Festival on July 9, 2010 was one of the most anticipated events of the summer. It was attended by scores of fans as well as the Lebanese prime minister Saad Hariri
.
of six songs in 2008. Both Mashrou' Leila and the White Trees provided the soundtrack for Cheers, to those who stay
a short three part web film
diffused over Youtube
in June 2010.
and ambiguity surrounding their band's name. In English
, the name can be interpreted as either “Project of the Night” or “Leila’s Project”; Leila being a very common given name in Lebanon
. When asked during an early interview about the origin of the name Mashrou' Leila, band members teasingly retorted that the band is a project started to collect money for a girl they knew called Leila. According to the band’s official Facebook page, Mashrou’ Leila means “An Overnight Project”, named for the nocturnal nature of the project characterized by all-night jam sessions.
, Omaya Malaeb on keyboard
s, Carl Gerges on drums
, Ibrahim "Sketchy Bob" Badr on bass guitar
, Firas Abu-Fakhr and Andre Chedid on guitar
s, and Hamed Sinno as the lead vocalist
.
lyrics reflect the many faces and flaws of Lebanese society
which are not addressed by mainstream Arabic music. The band is critical of the problems associated with life in Beirut and they are known for their liberal use of swear-words in some of their songs. Their debut album's 9 songs wittily discuss subject matters such as lost love, war, politics, security and political assassination, materialism, immigration and homosexuality. Latlit one of the Mashrou' Leila album tracks is a caricature of the Lebanese society overridden by gossip. Shem-el Yasmine "Smell the jasmine", a song reminiscent to Jay Brannan
's "Housewife" was described as an ode to tolerance for same-sex love
where a young man wants to introduce his bride to his parents but the bride turns out to be a groom. Fasateen (literally meaning "dresses") is a ballad that tackles the issue of marriage, the song's music video shows the band members deconstructing nuptial symbols and defying the pressure of romantic relationships.
Some of the distinctive features of the band's music is the prominence of the violin in passages redolent of Armenian folk music
and the use of a megaphone
in some songs to alter frontman Hamed Sinno's voice.
Album Tracks
1 Fasateen
2 Obwa
3 Min el Taboor
4 'Al Hajiz
5 Shim el Yasmine
6 Im-Bim-Billilah
7 Latlit
8 Khaleeha Zikra
9 Raksit Leila
Album Tracks
1 El Moukadima
2 Habibi
3 Inni Mnih
4 Imm El Jacket
5 Wajih
6 El Hal Romancy
Rock music
Rock music is a genre of popular music that developed during and after the 1960s, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. It has its roots in 1940s and 1950s rock and roll, itself heavily influenced by rhythm and blues and country music...
band. The band formed in Beirut
Beirut
Beirut is the capital and largest city of Lebanon, with a population ranging from 1 million to more than 2 million . Located on a peninsula at the midpoint of Lebanon's Mediterranean coastline, it serves as the country's largest and main seaport, and also forms the Beirut Metropolitan...
, Lebanon
Lebanon
Lebanon , officially the Republic of LebanonRepublic of Lebanon is the most common term used by Lebanese government agencies. The term Lebanese Republic, a literal translation of the official Arabic and French names that is not used in today's world. Arabic is the most common language spoken among...
in 2008 as a music workshop at the American University of Beirut
American University of Beirut
The American University of Beirut is a private, independent university in Beirut, Lebanon. It was founded as the Syrian Protestant College by American missionaries in 1866...
. Led by frontman and co-founder Hamed Sinno, the band has released two studio albums while causing numerous controversies due to their satirical lyrics and themes.
Formation and early years
The band was formed in February 2008 at the American University of BeirutAmerican University of Beirut
The American University of Beirut is a private, independent university in Beirut, Lebanon. It was founded as the Syrian Protestant College by American missionaries in 1866...
, when violin
Violin
The violin is a string instrument, usually with four strings tuned in perfect fifths. It is the smallest, highest-pitched member of the violin family of string instruments, which includes the viola and cello....
ist Haig Papazian, guitar
Guitar
The guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with...
ist Andre Chedid and pianist
Piano
The piano is a musical instrument played by means of a keyboard. It is one of the most popular instruments in the world. Widely used in classical and jazz music for solo performances, ensemble use, chamber music and accompaniment, the piano is also very popular as an aid to composing and rehearsal...
Omaya Malaeb posted an open invitation to musicians looking to jam
Jam session
Jam sessions are often used by musicians to develop new material, find suitable arrangements, or simply as a social gathering and communal practice session. Jam sessions may be based upon existing songs or forms, may be loosely based on an agreed chord progression or chart suggested by one...
to vent the stress caused by college and the unstable political situation
2008 conflict in Lebanon
The 2008 conflict in Lebanon began on May 7, after Lebanon's 17-month long political crisis spiraled out of control. The fighting was sparked by a government move to shut down Hezbollah's telecommunication network and remove Beirut Airport's security chief Wafic Shkeir over alleged ties to Hezbollah...
. Out of a dozen of people who answered the call, seven would remain to form Mashrou' Leila. Band members were encouraged by friends to perform in front of a live crowd; they put on a show as the opening act for a concert on the AUB campus . During the event Mashrou' Leila proved to be the only band who were writing and playing their original music. What started as a workshop evolved into a hit band after playing in small venues, and gaining ground on the underground music
Underground music
Underground music comprises a range of different musical genres that operate outside of mainstream culture. Such music can typically share common values, such as the valuing of sincerity and intimacy; an emphasis on freedom of creative expression; an appreciation of artistic creativity...
circuit.
Mashrou' Leila emerged onto Lebanon’s music scene during the 2008 "Fete de la Musique" (the yearly Music festival held by the Beirut
Beirut
Beirut is the capital and largest city of Lebanon, with a population ranging from 1 million to more than 2 million . Located on a peninsula at the midpoint of Lebanon's Mediterranean coastline, it serves as the country's largest and main seaport, and also forms the Beirut Metropolitan...
municipality) sparking controversy for its unabashed and critical lyrics on Lebanese society, failed love, sexuality and politics. In 2009, at the same festival, Mashrou’ Leila played in front of a large following where fans moshed to their music in downtown Beirut
Beirut Central District
The Beirut Central District or Centre Ville is the name given to Beirut’s historical and geographical core, the “vibrant financial, commercial, and administrative hub of the country.” At the heart of Lebanon’s capital, Beirut Central District is an area thousands of years old, traditionally a...
. The band's breakthrough single "Raksit Leila" (Leila's dance) was awarded both the jury and popular awards at the Radio Liban's 'Modern Music Contest' held at Basement (club) in March 2009. The first prize was a record deal.
Mashrou' Leila’s self-titled debut album produced by B-root Productions was released in December 2009 at a steel factory in Bourj Hammoud
Bourj Hammoud
Bourj Hammoud is a suburb in North-East Beirut, Lebanon in the Metn district. The suburb is heavily populated by Armenians as it is where most survivors of the Armenian Genocide settled...
(a suburb of Beirut) where 1200 fans crowded the factory yard. The gig turned out to be Beirut
Beirut
Beirut is the capital and largest city of Lebanon, with a population ranging from 1 million to more than 2 million . Located on a peninsula at the midpoint of Lebanon's Mediterranean coastline, it serves as the country's largest and main seaport, and also forms the Beirut Metropolitan...
's biggest non-mainstream event in recent years and has been a big hit among Indie
Indie rock
Indie rock is a genre of alternative rock that originated in the United Kingdom and the United States in the 1980s. Indie rock is extremely diverse, with sub-genres that include lo-fi, post-rock, math rock, indie pop, dream pop, noise rock, space rock, sadcore, riot grrrl and emo, among others...
and Rock fans in Lebanon.
The band's concert at the Byblos
Byblos
Byblos is the Greek name of the Phoenician city Gebal . It is a Mediterranean city in the Mount Lebanon Governorate of present-day Lebanon under the current Arabic name of Jubayl and was also referred to as Gibelet during the Crusades...
International Festival on July 9, 2010 was one of the most anticipated events of the summer. It was attended by scores of fans as well as the Lebanese prime minister Saad Hariri
Saad Hariri
Saad-eddine Rafiq Al-Hariri is a Saudi-Lebanese billionaire who served as the Prime Minister of Lebanon from 2009 until 2011. He is the second son of Rafiq Hariri, the former Lebanese Prime Minister who was assassinated in 2005...
.
Side Project
In the summer of 2008, Drummer Carl Gerges formed with Paul Tyan a new band, White Trees, as a side project; the two man band released a self-titled EPExtended play
An EP is a musical recording which contains more music than a single, but is too short to qualify as a full album or LP. The term EP originally referred only to specific types of vinyl records other than 78 rpm standard play records and LP records, but it is now applied to mid-length Compact...
of six songs in 2008. Both Mashrou' Leila and the White Trees provided the soundtrack for Cheers, to those who stay
Cheers, to Those Who Stay
Cheers, to Those Who Stay is a 2010 Lebanese short film by Cyril Aris and Mounia Akl. The film was released on Youtube on July 2010.-Synopsis:...
a short three part web film
Web film
A web film is a film made with the medium of the Internet and its distribution constraints in mind. This term aims to differentiate content made for the Internet from content made for other media, such as cinema or television, that has been converted into a World Wide Web-compatible format...
diffused over Youtube
YouTube
YouTube is a video-sharing website, created by three former PayPal employees in February 2005, on which users can upload, view and share videos....
in June 2010.
Name
Mashrou' Leila's members enjoy the wordplayWordplay
Wordplay is a musician/actor, of mixed British and Black African descent. Gaining worldwide exposure as an actor in 1998 through the Austrian Obscuro Gothic science fiction film "Dandy dust" directed by Hans Schierl...
and ambiguity surrounding their band's name. In English
English language
English is a West Germanic language that arose in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England and spread into what was to become south-east Scotland under the influence of the Anglian medieval kingdom of Northumbria...
, the name can be interpreted as either “Project of the Night” or “Leila’s Project”; Leila being a very common given name in Lebanon
Lebanon
Lebanon , officially the Republic of LebanonRepublic of Lebanon is the most common term used by Lebanese government agencies. The term Lebanese Republic, a literal translation of the official Arabic and French names that is not used in today's world. Arabic is the most common language spoken among...
. When asked during an early interview about the origin of the name Mashrou' Leila, band members teasingly retorted that the band is a project started to collect money for a girl they knew called Leila. According to the band’s official Facebook page, Mashrou’ Leila means “An Overnight Project”, named for the nocturnal nature of the project characterized by all-night jam sessions.
Band members
Mashrou' Leila's current lineup consists of Haig Papazian on the ViolinViolin
The violin is a string instrument, usually with four strings tuned in perfect fifths. It is the smallest, highest-pitched member of the violin family of string instruments, which includes the viola and cello....
, Omaya Malaeb on keyboard
Keyboard instrument
A keyboard instrument is a musical instrument which is played using a musical keyboard. The most common of these is the piano. Other widely used keyboard instruments include organs of various types as well as other mechanical, electromechanical and electronic instruments...
s, Carl Gerges on drums
Drum kit
A drum kit is a collection of drums, cymbals and often other percussion instruments, such as cowbells, wood blocks, triangles, chimes, or tambourines, arranged for convenient playing by a single person ....
, Ibrahim "Sketchy Bob" Badr on bass guitar
Bass guitar
The bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....
, Firas Abu-Fakhr and Andre Chedid on guitar
Guitar
The guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with...
s, and Hamed Sinno as the lead vocalist
Singing
Singing is the act of producing musical sounds with the voice, and augments regular speech by the use of both tonality and rhythm. One who sings is called a singer or vocalist. Singers perform music known as songs that can be sung either with or without accompaniment by musical instruments...
.
Themes and style
Mashrou’ Leila's entertaining themes and satirical LebaneseLebanese Arabic
Lebanese or Lebanese Arabic is a variety of Levantine Arabic, indigenous to and spoken primarily in Lebanon, with significant linguistic influences borrowed from other Middle Eastern and European languages, and is in some ways unique from other varieties of Arabic...
lyrics reflect the many faces and flaws of Lebanese society
Lebanese people
The Lebanese people are a nation and ethnic group of Levantine people originating in what is today the country of Lebanon, including those who had inhabited Mount Lebanon prior to the creation of the modern Lebanese state....
which are not addressed by mainstream Arabic music. The band is critical of the problems associated with life in Beirut and they are known for their liberal use of swear-words in some of their songs. Their debut album's 9 songs wittily discuss subject matters such as lost love, war, politics, security and political assassination, materialism, immigration and homosexuality. Latlit one of the Mashrou' Leila album tracks is a caricature of the Lebanese society overridden by gossip. Shem-el Yasmine "Smell the jasmine", a song reminiscent to Jay Brannan
Jay Brannan
Jay Brannan is an American singer-songwriter and actor. He was born in Texas and briefly studied in Ohio, but moved to California to become an actor. Brannan appeared in the 2006 movie Shortbus, which included one of his songs in its soundtrack, and began to build a fan base by performing on...
's "Housewife" was described as an ode to tolerance for same-sex love
Homosexuality
Homosexuality is romantic or sexual attraction or behavior between members of the same sex or gender. As a sexual orientation, homosexuality refers to "an enduring pattern of or disposition to experience sexual, affectional, or romantic attractions" primarily or exclusively to people of the same...
where a young man wants to introduce his bride to his parents but the bride turns out to be a groom. Fasateen (literally meaning "dresses") is a ballad that tackles the issue of marriage, the song's music video shows the band members deconstructing nuptial symbols and defying the pressure of romantic relationships.
Some of the distinctive features of the band's music is the prominence of the violin in passages redolent of Armenian folk music
Music of Armenia
Armenia is situated close to the Caucasus Mountains, and its music is a mix of indigenous folk music, perhaps best-represented by Djivan Gasparyan's well-known duduk music, as well as light pop, and extensive Christian music, due to Armenia's status as the oldest Christian nation in the...
and the use of a megaphone
Megaphone
A megaphone, speaking-trumpet, bullhorn, blowhorn, or loud hailer is a portable, usually hand-held, cone-shaped horn used to amplify a person’s voice or other sounds towards a targeted direction. This is accomplished by channelling the sound through the megaphone, which also serves to match the...
in some songs to alter frontman Hamed Sinno's voice.
Studio albums
- Mashrou' Leila (2009)
Album Tracks
1 Fasateen
2 Obwa
3 Min el Taboor
4 'Al Hajiz
5 Shim el Yasmine
6 Im-Bim-Billilah
7 Latlit
8 Khaleeha Zikra
9 Raksit Leila
- El Hal Romancy (2011)
Album Tracks
1 El Moukadima
2 Habibi
3 Inni Mnih
4 Imm El Jacket
5 Wajih
6 El Hal Romancy