#lioumness

“I would say that it’s much more the context than the language because in the language there’s so much poetry and ways to express love. Still, it’s sad... I’ve heard this as well from my cousin who lives in Lebanon. There’s conservatism around marriage and stuff. But I think on the other hand it’s also difficult in Europe I guess, because marriage isn’t a big thing anymore; people are also lost. They have a hard time finding this person who they really want to make an effort for. I think that’s okay for a while, for a period of time, but there’s also very much beauty in committing to one person. But again the beauty fades away the moment it is forced. So you need to find your way in the middle of those two opposites. Everything is about balance.”

THE TRACK YOU CURRENTLY LISTEN ON REPEAT TO?

Donnie & Joe Emerson -- Baby.  They’re two brothers who recorded an album on their farm in America and they were never signed nor did they ever sell anything. And forty years later someone discovered them and it’s really beautiful. 

THE SONG YOU LISTENED TO THE MOST IN YOUR LIFE?

Probably Imagine by John Lennon.

THE SONG YOU LIKE LISTENING TO WHEN YOU WAKE UP IN THE MORNING?

No music in the morning!

THE ONE THAT ROCK YOU TO SLEEP?

Grouper -- Call Across Rooms.

THE SONG YOU LIKE LISTENING TO ON THE ROAD?

Just a bunch of Bob Dylan stuff. 

THE ARABIC SONG THAT INSPIRES YOU?

I love Hamza El Din, he’s actually Nubian, but I’d go with Hela Lisa. And then maybe Kelmet Etab by Farid Al-Atrash.

YOUR FEEL-GOOD SONG?

It’s gonna be a sad song. I really believe that if you embrace your sadness and melancholy, you end up happier. If you hide it away, it’s not good for you.  Lee Hazelwood -- For One Moment. 

THE ONE THAT MAKES YOU WANT TO DANCE?

Brockhampton -- Gold

THE SONG THAT BRING TEARS TO YOUR EYES?

So many! I have to pick the right one.  Radiohead -- Daydreaming. 

YOUR GUILTY SONG?

I only know good ones, haha! Maybe some Justin Bieber or an Ed Sheeran ballad. Actually I’ve often said that Britney Spears’ Toxic is a very good pop song. But it’s so good that it’s no even a guilty pleasure... 

“Yes, absolutely. That’s the only explanation I have for why my music sounds the way it does. I grew up in Belgium and my parents divorced when I was three. I only reconnected with my father later in time, that’s why I don’t speak Arabic. But it feels like spending those first years of my life with him made a difference. For instance, my younger brother Ramy is much less connected to the Arab culture. My Belgian uncle says that when I was really young I used to mess around with an old radio until I found some oriental music, I always ended up on that channel. Another example. I recently went to Lebanon in September for the first time, I also have some family there. I really loved the country but I didn’t feel at home. Then I went to a guy who played the oud for a singing lesson. I didn’t know if I could pull it off but I got it from the first try. He was like, ‘yeah, you’re a natural’. That moment I felt home. I hadn’t actually landed up until that point. I was like, ‘wow, I know this, I don’t know how, but I know this.’ But I still have a lot to learn of course, I’m not schooled in Arabic music.”

“Yeah, I love fashion. Whether you like dressing up or not, either way you’re saying something about yourself. So you’d better think about it I guess. Clothing is a statement. I like clothes that carry a strong concept and are made with a lot of love. Some of my favorite local designer are Ann Demeulemeester indeed, but also Cedric Jacquemyn and Jan Jan Van Essche, from Antwerp. I love Van Essche’s philosophy and the way he wants people to feel free and comfortable in their clothes.”

“(...) But literature is definitely important. I feel that if I read a book, it haunts me much longer than if I listen to an album or a song. In some books there are those big ideas, they are real life works, you know? When you’re reading a book it’s like you get a small fraction of somebody’s imagination, somebody’s life and wisdom, and that’s crazy! You have it with songs as well but then it’s even more compact. I can be in the vibe of a book even for weeks after finishing reading it.”

“Which book ever haunted you like that?”

“The Prophet by Khalil Gibran, I always have it with me. The first time I read it I was blown away, it’s just pure beauty. Very inspiring.” 

“I believe in transcendence rather than magic. People are capable of spiritual experiences, through meditation, music, intense sport even... It’s kind of essential I think, being more in the present. For me at least. I don’t mean it in a hippie way, it’s just about making one with your higher self. I think I do believe in souls in a way... I also believe in a sense of ‘meant to be’ or maybe fate because there’s so much stuff you really can’t explain. I don’t know if it’s pre-planned or if it’s just what you project that comes back to you...”

“In a way I do, but I personally never called it that. I don’t really know what it means to be in tune with my generation, I don’t know if it means being completely lost and partying a lot, or binge watching Netflix. But I feel like I’m already beyond any age consideration, I think maybe, that’s why my music sounds the way it does.”

“I don’t know, maybe you feel like you don’t belong anywhere. You do and you don’t. But to me it wasn’t really a problem. What I find difficult is not speaking Arabic. That would have helped me dig in more into that culture and I really plan to do that. It’s the only thing I find a bit sad about the whole situation. It’s something I miss.”