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"The industry is here to stay and isn’t going anywhere, we just need to persevere and keep pushing through"
Bachir Salloum creates music that works in all settings and transcends genres. His openness to a wide range of sound is what has both made him a widely loved favourite, but also someone who operates in his own parallel musical world. We had a chance to talk to him, so enjoy your reading and check out his latest releases.
Hey, where can we find you right now? How did you start your day?
Hey guys, thank you for having me. It’s my pleasure to be featured on your platform.
I have been living in Dubai for almost 6 years now, and I am super grateful to be living here, especially during these times. I start my day with coffee and some studio time, I like to listen to projects I’ve been working on the night before with fresh ears.
Can you tell us a little about your experience? Where are you from and how did you get into music? Was it all internet-based?
I am from Lebanon, I always had a special connection to music since a very young age. I used to record mixed tapes (cassettes), I remember waiting for a specific song to be played on the radio to record it, and then taking the part of the song I wanted and adding it to my mix tape. It was a time-consuming process, but the love and passion I had, and still have, for music made it worth the time. Over the years, I’ve learnt that producing music is a never-ending learning journey. I am a self-taught producer, and was able to find all the tools and know-how on the internet to keep improving my skills.
Who have been your main inspirations (both musical and in 'life')? And how have they affected your sound?
I admire and look up to a lot of artists, everyone has a unique sound that inspires me on a different level. But I have to say, that the artists I look up to when it comes to musicality or production standards are Guy J, Kasper Koman and Patrice Baumel to name a few. These artists give me the inspiration to manipulate the sounds to create something unique that represents me and who I am. Just like them, I’m trying to create a specific sound that belongs to me. I also get most inspired when traveling, being around nature, in different cities, different cultures and ways of life… they all play a role in what I create. I find myself being most creative when I’m back from a trip.
How would you define your sound?
I write melodic deep and groovy sounds with progressive vibes.
How has your sound evolved so far?
I always say, the more time you spend in the studio the more you learn and evolve. I was recently listening to the very first tracks I produced and I can see how much my sound has matured. With time, you become more creative, your signature sound becomes more defined, it becomes more you.
Are you the type of producer who can create music on the fly or do you need to be rooted in a studio?
Ideas can be created and put together on the fly, but for the production process, I need to be rooted in my studio.
What can you tell us about your latest EP on Akbal Music? And on Juicebox Music? What kind of sound are you working on?
Working on these two EPs was a blessing during the lockdown, production kept me busy from the pandemic stress and worries about the music industry. The Akbal EP will include 3 originals and a remix from the talented duo LADS, I love their sound, and I am honoured to have them on the EP.
As for the Juicebox release, it comes with 2 originals and 2 super remixes, one from the awesome Argentinian talent Fabri Lopez, and one from Indian based producer, Weird Sounding Dude. I love his true progressive sound, I’ve always been a fan of his music, and now I have the pleasure to share this EP with him… can’t wait for this release in April.
What can you tell us about your latest productions? What did you want to convey? What next productions can we expect?
I really hope that more and more, people start recognizing my music and identifying the unique sound I provide. I am constantly working on music, it’s all I do these days ;) and the goal is to get more recognition by other artists, for them to play my tracks and to get signed on top labels.
How are you living in the current situation with COVID? Has your work been affected a lot? Do you think there is hope?
Living in Dubai has been a blessing during COVID and though I lost my job last year due to the pandemic, the silver lining has been that it has pushed me to focus solely on my music. My days are spent in the studio, learning and creating day in, day out. And you know what they say: nothing is permanent, everything is temporary so absolutely, there is hope – we shall be back on the dance floor very soon!
I feel like the underground scene will continue to persist. Do you think we can go back to "normal" events and festivals?
I think so – I really hope so! It may take us a little longer than we had anticipated but I think eventually, we will go back to normal events and festivals. The industry is here to stay and isn’t going anywhere, we just need to persevere and keep pushing through.
What are your 5 best songs of 2020?
So many to choose from but if I had to narrow them to 5:
Guy J - Beast of Sea
Jamie Stevens – Filigree
Marino Canal - Radiance
Time Is An Illusion – Ditian
Kasper Koman - In Circles
What projects are you working on at the moment?
I’m currently focussing on making more music, want to continue sharing my sounds and finding top homes for my tracks. The only way to move forward and grow is to keep learning and producing.
Do you have any final words of wisdom?
Not sure they’re words of wisdom, but… the pandemic has taken a mental toll on everyone, I just want to wish everyone well and to look after themselves. Nothing is permanent and hopefully, life as we knew it, will come back. So my words of wisdom are ‘Don’t worry! We will dance together again.’
Bachir Salloum’s ‘Of Time and Space’ EP is out on Juicebox Music on April 5th.
