Allexa tells us about Love

Love - Allexa Bash

Allexa Bash’s (@allexabash) new single “Love” is a striking testament to her artistic growth, blending catchy pop with honest emotional insight. The track’s central theme of hope and love as a guiding light comes through clearly in lines like “Love is the light that’s shining, love is the way.” This thought provides comfort and reassurance that amidst uncertainty, love can provide solace with the reassuring mantra that “it’s gonna be OK.”

Bash’s vocals and lyrics capture a mix of excitement and vulnerability, effectively reflecting the rollercoaster of modern relationships. However, while the song occasionally feels like its about to lapse into predictability, its allure is maintained by the undeniably infectious production and catchy chorus that you will find gets stuck in your head for days on end. 

“Love” is a notable addition to Allexa Bash’s already formidable discography. We hope it propels her toward a more distinctive sound and deeper lyrical exploration that will set her apart from the crowded, cookie-cutter pop landscape. We’ll undoubtedly be keeping a close watch on whatever comes next from Allexa.

LIVE GIG REVIEW: ZAROONI AND FRIENDS | 5 October

Date: 05 October 2024

Location: Theatre of Digital Art (TODA)

This was the second time I was watching a Zarooni (@zzarooni) show and it was clear that the aim was to raise the standard from the last show. To a nearly sold out Theatre of Digital Art (TODA), Zarooni wanted to pay attention to a combination of elements to create an experience for the attendee. Anyone that has been to or been a part of a show at the Theatre of Digital Art (TODA) would know that there is a lot that goes into producing a show like that. Even before Zarooni got on stage, the thought and effort to create this experience was displayed through the personal messages sent on instagram to guests prior to the show, the jazz pianist and singer(@katiemcg234) that performed in the foyer while people mingled and the fantastic opening act Job (@theaveragejob) that got the crowd’s attention with a combination of originals and sing-along covers like “I want it that way”. In many ways this was more than just a show to watch Zarooni and his band. 

Zarooni then took to the stage with an instrumental that showcased his band and the 5 woman choir assembled from members of the local music community (I recognised @riribeautyy, @crazy.with.a.g and @mariegoldofficial). The show was then a showcase of 90 minutes of Zarooni’s original songs (most of which were unreleased). The choir would sometimes disappear backstage with one of the ladies reappearing to feature on certain songs. The production elements were mostly fantastic, well executed and included a mixture of digital visuals, someone dressed as a scarecrow to represent Zarooni’s alter-ego during his song “Got Me”, a poet (@ayaalmohtadi) that read out a meaningful poem in the form of a lullaby and the use of props like the colourful balls that came tumbling down during his hit song “Kids are Laughing”.

The songs were a mix of alternative rock, indie and pop. The keys and acoustic guitar provided a nice balance to the hard hitting drums, south asian influenced guitar solos and thumping bass lines. While there were a few technical issues that drowned out the beauty of the softer elements like the keys and the choir, Zarooni and his band however showed no signs of being disturbed by these challenges. Like a man on a mission, Zarooni pushed through playing one original after the next. 

If you’ve heard Zarooni’s music before, you would know that his songs are simple stories about his life, work, kids, childhood etc. Like many songwriters, the hope and dream is to be relatable, likeable and provide a message of some sort to the listener.

I believe that Zarooni made an artistic choice to provide little introduction or explanation for most of the songs and instead to simply lay out his gallery of original music, enhanced by the supporting cast and production elements, for the audience to absorb and hopefully enjoy. It was a statement show for an independent artist - to get that many people to a venue like TODA, cater to the pre-show activities, weave together the production and have that audience listen to and watch over 15 original songs. That in itself is a great sign for those that are interested in the local music scene, artists that are a part of it and for the community at large to take notice. The show ended with Zarooni’s most popular release on Spotify, “Now and Never” and a gracious bow by the band and choir.

While there may be a long way to go for independent music, musicians and audiences in this region, the “Zarooni and Friends” show was certainly a step forward and a guidance note for those that are willing to put in the effort.

Gig Review: WYWY at The Fridge

I knew from the get go that it was going to be a different, immersive experience on the 8th of October.

The visuals on the backscreen were an invitation for the audience to dive into another realm. The ethereal, other worldly trip that the opening act Serge Volant (@sergenasr_) took us through with live mixed sounds and visuals. During Serge's performance it was like I was on a roadtrip, or walk in the forest, or a kayak downstream but always with no map, no directions, no idea of destination, just following the sounds being produced with absolutely no bounds. If this was the opener then what came next was even more celestial.

WYWY (@wywy.music) were absolutely phenomenal. The reverberating vocals, in parallel with the sustained crunch of the guitar echoed through the hall creating a landscape of otherworldly like sounds. It was a dance, literally, as WYWY were joined by a dancer, who portrayed, with absolute expression, through dance, the pain and condemnation we all currently share witnessing the violent attacks on Palestine, Lebanon & others in conflict.

Unnoticeably WYWY would at multiple times leave the stage to the dancer, only to return with a complete change of attire from white to black. A message was displayed on a blacked out screen and venue, to show solidarity with all those suffering.

The lighting, stage props, smoke and the dancing combined to create a complete theatrical display. Where words and feelings cant reach, music does. And at a show like this it truly hits you in ways you don't expect.

I believe music is becoming a torch for us at this time. In the time of darkness, pain, confusion & exhaustion, music is the oasis where we run to. We fetch from its water, to quench our thirst for love, for hope, for peace and for good.

WYWY's delivery and passion through each sound, each movement, each breath was so true and deep that it is clear that they have worked hard to hone in and create their sound & style. With that level of dedication, I hope and imagine for them to one day be on even bigger stages and captivate even larger audiences in the UAE and worldwide.