About Shkoon
In December 2019, Shkoon, a German Syrian band, released their long-awaited first album "Rima," which was followed by a massive album tour. Their music sends a message about the importance of cultural diversity. The band, however, is more than just a German-Syrian stage act with Arabic lyrics.
Members of the team are frantically prepping the venue for tonight's event. Khayer sits at a table laden with fruit alongside his bandmate, German producer Thorben Beeken, who is dressed entirely in black. Shkoon's third member, Syrian violinist Maher Al-Kadi, was unable to attend the London event due to illness. Khayer and Beeken's conversation alternates between Arabic, English, and German. Khayer evacuated Deir Ezzor in 2015 due to the escalating civil violence and sought sanctuary in Germany (having reportedly walked around 6,500 kilometers from the Greek island of Lesbos).
Shkoon's music is a mix of Western and Oriental elements, which aren't divided along continental lines within the band, which is understandable given the band's roots. For example, Palestinian composer and pianist Faraj Suleiman is a fan of Beeken. Meanwhile, Iraqi maqam singer Mohammad Al-Qubbanchi is Khayer's favourite Arab performer. Khayer is a major fan of the maqam, a type of melody with a rigorous structure that dates back at least 400 years. He says, "I love the Iraqis because they're different from Damascus and Egypt." "There are different schools.
Ameen arrived in Hamburg, Germany, after a hard journey from Syria, where he met Thorben. They were sitting in the kitchen one night when they began banging on the table and singing together. The initiative was born when the spark crossed over. Music was never a huge deal in Syria for Ameen until his skill was discovered in a kitchen someplace in Germany. Music has always been a part of Thorben's life, and he began with classical piano lessons as a child. He experimented with electronic music after passing through several stages and genres.
Ameen and Thorben created their unique sound, combining arabic melodies with traditional harmonic structures, as well as baselines and kicks. In oriental Slow-House, piano, synthesiser, drum machine, percussion, and vocals find a new home. The response was overwhelming. Since then, Shkoon has performed together at a number of prestigious festivals and clubs, including the Fusion Festival and Berlin's Kater Blau. They also perform at many political and cultural events to propagate their intercultural music concept.
"We enjoy jamming and performing live, and we love to spread positivity to show that there are no cultural barriers."
Lyrics:
سوى هل قلب يا حلوة ما عنا
يبا حرام يطول عفراقكم عنا
قلب مجروح ويتنهد مع الناي
يبا ويشكي وحدتو طول الغياب
يا محلى الفسحة يا عيني
على راس البر
والقمر نور عيني عيني عيني على موج على موج البحر
على موج جوج البحر
حرام يطول عفراقكم عنا
على موج على موج البحر
يبا حرام يطول عفراقكم عنا
قلب مجروح ويتنهد مع الناي
يبا ويشكي وحدتو طول الغياب
يا محلى الفسحة يا عيني
على راس البر
والقمر نور عيني عيني عيني على موج على موج البحر
على موج جوج البحر
حرام يطول عفراقكم عنا
على موج على موج البحر
قلي تعالي
يا شغلة بالي
قلي تعالي
يا شاغلة بالي
كوني حلالي على طول العمر
والقمر نور عيني عيني على موج على موج البحر
على موج على موج البحر
على موج البحر
يا محلى الفسحة يا عيني على راس البر
والقمر نور عيني عيني عيني
على موج على موج البحر
على موج على موج البحر
يا شغلة بالي
قلي تعالي
يا شاغلة بالي
كوني حلالي على طول العمر
والقمر نور عيني عيني على موج على موج البحر
على موج على موج البحر
على موج البحر
يا محلى الفسحة يا عيني على راس البر
والقمر نور عيني عيني عيني
على موج على موج البحر
على موج على موج البحر
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The Arab world's underground music scene is changing because of Shkoon. They are one of the most intriguing and genuine bands in modern electronic music.
Through their richly varied productions and dreamy track choices, the pair is bridging the gap between traditional Middle Eastern music and contemporary dance culture. They do this by serving to unify various populations and generations. They have won widespread praise and recognition on a global scale for their innovative live performances, breathtaking original creations, and contemporary renditions of well-known Arab classics.
With the release of FIRAQ, a poignant new live album, the German-Syrian electronica duo want to continue their productive 2022 form after the success of their remix for Ragheb Alama's Ya Rayt in March. In English, the word "FIRAQ" means "division" or "split," and it refers to a mesmerising and emotive piece of music that covers a staggering array of texture, intonation, and rhythm. It was captured during the pandemic, just a few days after a close family member passed away. FIRAQ is Shkoon's first studio album in its entirety since Rima was released in 2019. Another career-defining moment for an outfit whose combined inventiveness and artistry know no limitations, it's a masterfully orchestrated musical trip that develops over a heartbreaking mix of exhilarating electronica tunes.
FIRAQ is a project that is very dear to our hearts and it took on a lot of poignancy after a family member passed away. The album was recorded with a tonne of unfiltered passion, and it was an experience that will stick with both of us forever. In addition, our very great friend and designer, Hadeer Omar, used some of the deceased's previous drawings as inspiration for the artwork for the release.