Instant radiation

Photography Daniel Riera Fashion editor Brais Vialasó Tamino in conversation with Miguel Figueroa

Troubled loves, codependency, confessions, toxic relationships and the universal freedom that comes from admitting your repressed emotions and feelings are some of the most beautifully painstaking prevalent themes in Tamino’s repertoire. The 22-year-old Belgian-Egyptian songwriter music [sic] flowing in his blood - his grandfather was a well known musician in Egypt and from and [sic] early age his mother introduced him to the world of sound. Out of all the days of the year, Tamino and I chatted on Valentine’s Day. At the end of the day, love is what it’s all about.

MIGUEL: Many songwriters say their work is mostly autobiographical and it is a way for listeners to get to know their personal life. While others imagine stories or take from their friends or stranger’s experiences. Where do your songs stand in all of this?

TAMINO: Songwriting for me comes way easier when I have lived a little. And with that I mean real life. Being on a bus or plane all the time isn’t inspiring. Touring for me is routine work and has nothing to do with being creative. That being said, I don’t necessarily have to feel fully inspired to write songs. I love to start working on something even if I don’t feel like it. But in order to do that properly I need privacy, space, and preferably something to say.

M: Who were your first musical influences? Do you feel blessed to have a musical background through your grandfather? If you could talk to him now, what would you like to hear from him?

T: When I was a kid I was singing along to everything I heard around me. Mainly being: my mom’s record collection. She has such a varied taste that I think it has definitely been of big influence on how I perceive music. I just want something to touch me. I don’t care which genre it is or what the backstory is. If it touches me, I will probably love it. Of course we listened to my grandfather’s music (amongst other Arabic music) as well and that was very inspiring too. Unfortunately he passed away when I was five years old so I didn’t get the chance to know him very well, but I’m very happy to have his records and to be able to hear his beautiful voice and his extraordinary performances.

M: Do you remember the first concert you attended? The first CD/Album you purchased?

T: First concert: Children’s version of Mozart’s opera: ‘The Magic Flute’ (Where my mom got my name from when she was pregnant with me). First album: Lord Of The Rings Soundtrack for sure.

M: I don’t know if you know this but Thom Yorke was 25 when Radiohead released Pablo Honey, Lauryn Hill was 23 when [sic] and Alanis Morissette was 21 when their records, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill and Jagged Little Pill came out. These were all extremely personal works. How does it feel to have such acclaim so quickly in your career? Do you feel some sort of pressure or are you just taking it day by day?

T: Sometimes I get the feeling that one is expected to be some sort of machine when practicing this profession. That’s as far as pressure from outside goes for me I guess. Creatively I don’t feel obliged to do anything and the only pressure I feel there is from within me. A big pressure though, because I can be quite the control freak.

M: Men are notorious for not sharing their emotions. Would you consider yourself a healing voice for men and people in general to be able to tap into these dark emotions of troubled loves, co-dependency, toxic relationships and deep introspection as a way to find solace and peace?

T: I don’t consider myself anything but a creator/performer. Each has their own reason to listen to my work. Music can of course be healing. I think some of the main reasons people listen to music are: for healing, to hear their pain reflected in someone else’s pain, for dancing, for celebrating, for company, etc. Music is a sacred thing and I feel small next to it. So I wouldn’t dare say I’m the cause of healing. The music is, and I’m merely a vessel trying to get it across.

M: What brings you joy?

T: Music, love, and silence.

M: How do you like not only being the darling of the music scene but also the fashion world? Do you think it balances you from the depth of you [sic] music career?

T: [Laughs] I’m very flattered by your question. I love fashion and am very happy to get to know its world a little better too. Clothing for me is another way of expressing myself. I see it as an extension of my work and being. I like to dress according to how I’m feeling and dressing wup will also help me to get into the right mindset for a day of writing songs or a concert. I’ve never seen fashion as a counter-balance for my career in music. I’ve honestly never thought about doing fashion shoots or being linked to amazing fashion houses I love before I got asked for those things. They’re great experiences and I’m very grateful for them. Doing a photo shoot is something entirely different than doing music but still the best way to balance out my musical activities is being at home with loved ones and a good book to read.

M: What is honesty for you?