Sharet Bahraini: Ali Al Saeed's Full Interview
You seem to be a fan of the Bahraini 80s & 70s band scene, any notable bands/musicians/songs?
There’s a number of bands apart from the familiar ones who have paved the way for the scene back in the day. While most recognize Ali Bahar, Brothers Band, Osiris, others such as Sharks, The Happiness, Al 3a-eela, the Wonders, played a pivotal part.
But more than artists, it was the genuine sense of community and love of music that I find of greater importance. Those bands MADE the scene themselves, performing everywhere from rooftops to house weddings, and from sports clubs to school halls, sharing their equipment and supporting each other, rather than rely on outside support or “venues”… this is what drives music. And this is what our current music scene lacks.
Any upcoming artists you would like to work with?
Not really. But in terms of local young artists I’m always interested in seeing what Morjune and Str8up Rkls are coming up with next. Keep an eye on those two.
Favorite local artists? (If you feel comfortable answering that)
At the moment, I must give a shoutout to Dust. He’s been active, productive and constantly pushing himself creatively, whether through experimentation, other forms of arts or collaborating with other musicians. Those are the sorts of qualities I find admirable in any artist/musician.
Another band worth mentioned in Majaz, who over the years managed to establish a strong name for themselves locally, regionally and to an extent even internationally, through their sheer work rate, professionalism and artistic integrity.
How did you start DJing? And was the name Chem_ex inspired by the coffeemaker?
I’m far from a “dj”… I’m more of a selector with a passion to share the music they enjoy with other people. At the end of the day, we all share music we love to create a vibe and environment in which people feel comfortable to enjoy themselves, dance and lose themselves to the music.
As for the name, it has a couple of meanings. One of them is what you mentioned… the other I’ll leave for others to figure out!
- What is your most controversial music opinion?
I wouldn’t say controversial. But I don’t subscribe to the “old school was better than today’s music” way of thinking.
Part of the reason people say that is nostalgia, naturally, but the other part is that music is generational. The masterpieces are timeless. But the current trends are just that. Trends that previous generations might not necessarily connect with, but that are important to the current generation. They relate to that music in ways we (speaking of my generation) cannot. So I learnt to appreciate “new” music, even if I don’t listen to it day to day.
I also believe it’s crucial for local artists/musicians to get out of their comfort zone, and consume all sorts of music. By restricting themselves to listen to only one type of music, playing their favorite genres, or imitating their favorite artist, they’re restricting their own creativity and stifling their own voice/sound. Be open-minded. Be daring.
Favorite record(s) vinyl in your collection? (Assuming you have one)
I’d had to say currently, its the phenomenal record “Promises” a collaborative project by Floating Points and Pharaoh Sanders with the London Symphony Orchestrate. A genuinely life-affirming, beautifully-haunting piece of music.
You claimed in an interview once that you listen to all genres, any favorites? Any you dislike or do not find the appeal?
Like many, I’ve gone through the “genre” specific phases through my life. I liked some, hated some. But with age, and more appreciation for all music, I’ve come to realize that it’s boundless. If you like a piece of music, you like a piece of music. In today’s music landscape, “genre” is hardly relevant.
There is no music that you dislike, there’s just music that you don’t listen to.
As Tasjeelat's owner in Bahrain, why do you think there has been a resurgence of vinyl?
Nostalgia is the hottest currency that we as humans have. But in addition to that, with the increasingly digitized lifestyle we lead, it’s made us miss a physical connection with what we love. This is why reading a physical book will never go out of fashion, or why streaming will never kill the movie theatre, or watching youtube live performances can never replace going to a concert, or - sometimes - changing a cassette tape to the other side or slipping on a vinyl record, holding and going through the cover art and album sleeve, will always feel a bit more special than putting on a Spotify playlist.
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