Recent Updates

I've been very busy lately so excuse the long absence! I just started my new job and I have a training in Lebanon so I am really not able to do much with my time. However, last week when I was still in Dubai, I went to check a music institute where I was inquiring about the vocal and piano lessons.

I met with the teacher who was so energetic and had a touch of "craziness" which is an ingredient every musician/music enthusiast must have! I was very excited, happy to exercise my voice again, to be encouraged to let it out and give my all. I had a good time performing weird exercises that singers have to do, remembering the techniques and singing my favorite songs.

I plan on enrolling in a music institute once I am back in Dubai to continue my vocal training. I promise to post a small demo soon... I miss recording! :)

On another note, I went out to a night club in Dubai last weekend that had a one-man show who plays Arabic music on a keyboard. It was interesting to listen to all the typical Arabic songs that make people dance and remember some of the wild nights in Lebanon! It's been a long while since I attended such a show.

There was no belly dancer, but the people dancing on oriental rythmes is something to see and experience, especially that oriental dance is sensual and expressive. For those of you who live in this part of the world or are from this part of the world, you would know what I am talking about. For those of you who have never been to an Arabic one-man show night out, you will find it's quite an experience by itself! :P

It's a new start... Here I am!

I haven't blogged for the past 2 weeks as I was busy searching for a new house to move into and recovering from a harsh flu and major physical pain! It was a very stressful and tough period for me to go through here in Dubai on my own. However, I was lucky to have friends around me who supported me and my family in Lebanon to take care of me when I was there.

I believe one of the things that contributed positively to my experience was music. There wasn’t a day when I didn’t listen to a song or to a composition that made me feel better. Music was there all throughout, on my ipod, on my laptop, on the home stereo, in the car, even on my phone! It’s incredible how amazing this is. All this technology made things easier for me, given that I actually own the required equipment and I have the knowledge to use it.

So, I have moved to my new apartment and spent the entire weekend fixing it! That was exciting… I am also feeling better and fresher than ever. I have quit my job and will be starting soon with a new company. It’s a new start for me and I can’t but share the good news with you. That said, I plan to allocate more time for my music, now that things are more stable, and share more of it with you.

Relating to this big change in my life, I remembered a song that I sang with my graduating class for Bryan Adams “HERE I AM”. So, here I am, ready for the next step ahead which will be a big one! I told you 2011 was gonna be a good one!! ;) Hoping that everyone gets a chance to experience a positive change in his/her life, I leave you with this song…

HERE I AM - Bryan Adams

Here I am
This is me
There's nowhere else on earth I'd rather be
Here I am
It's just me and you
Tonight we make our dreams come true

It's a new world
It's a new start
It's alive with the beating of young hearts
It's a new day
It's a new plan
I've been waiting for you
Here I am
Here we are
We've just begun
And after all this time
Our time has come
Yeah here we are
Still goin' strong
Right here in the place where we belong

Oh it's a new world
It's a new start
It's alive with the beating of young hearts
It's a new day
And a new plan
I've been waiting for you
Here I am

Here I am
Yeah

Here I am
This is me
There's nowhere else on earth I'd rather be
Here I am
It's just me and you
Tonight we make our dreams come true

Oh it's a new world
It's a new start
It's alive with the beating of young hearts
It's a new day
It's a new plan
I've been waiting for you

Oh it's a new world
It's a new start
It's alive with the beating of young hearts
It's a new day
It's a new plan
I've been waiting for you
(Waiting, waiting waiting)
Here I am

Here I am
Right next to you
Suddenly the world is all brand new
Here I am
Here I am
Where I'm gonna stay
Now there's nothin' standing in our way
Here I am
This is me

Middle East vs. West

vs.

                      

Yesterday, I read an article in a well known Lebanese publication contrasting Arabic songs from Lebanon and the Middle East to Western songs. The article basically said that Arabic songs have the same subjects and have no content relevant to the audience who will eventually stop listening to such songs. The article also mentioned that in the Western culture, songs are more memorable and speak of meaningful subjects that portray part of society and that give people a reason to listen to them.

It is very hard for me to speak about the musical scene in this part of the world without some bitterness. I believe music hasn't been given its rights in the Middle East as it has in other parts of the world. I'm sure every region and every country has its own way of understanding, liking and listening to music but the Middle East is quite surprising when one observes it.

Music needs to be heard whether that is to open people's eyes to a situation, make them fall in love, give them a reason to throw a party or listen to delightful rhythms and feel peace and ecstacy. People are exposed to a large variety of music types, whether Arabic or Western, and expect change so quickly that the environment is very competitive. However, what I believe is happening is that artists, lyricists and composers are coming up with whatever is best in time for the release of an album for commercial purposes! In that, I see the point of the article when it says that if artists will keep releasing Arabic songs that have no meaningful content, people will stop listening to them. People in the music industry must stop thinking that everything will work and that the audience is stupid enough to listen to senseless songs!

In the Middle East, I feel that music is still sidelined and its value is not well appreciated. It does not invade our lives as it should. Music is so powerful but its power hasn't been explored and hasn't taken effect in this part of the world. It feels like it still is a weak form of art in this region although there is so much talent to be explored! The Middle East has countless artists who have as much ambition and talent as anyone in the West. I just wish that those people be given the chance and the means to enrich the Middle Eastern and world culture with their art.

Happy Valentine's day!

Saint Valentine's day is a day of celebration; and as some celebrate their love, others prefer to celebrate their independence! ;) There is so much to be said about Valentine's Day knowing that its origin is vague and this feast has developed throughout the centuries!

It all started with St.Valentine who was a Christian priest around the year AD 200 and who secretly wed men who were supposed to serve as unmarried soldiers in the time of Claudius II to women they loved. When the emperor discovered that, he had him killed. Also, it is said that the priest fell in love while he was in prison and sent a letter to his loved one signed "From your Valentine". With time, the feast became a day of love and lovers around the world. This day is so special to some but means little to others. I believe it should mean "something" to everyone.

It's not just a day for lovers. It's a day for love. Who doesn't love somebody? A mother? A child? A friend? A relative? Love is everywhere... And love is simply in YOU! All those songs about love don't only speak of/to lovers but also of the idea of love. Decorations, gifts, cakes, flowers, cards all make Valentine a special day but what would it be without music? Love songs probably account for more than half the repertoire of all songs in the world, which is fantastic. There's nothing that can be expressed better in songs!

I would like to wish everyone a Happy Valentine's Day whether you are with someone or alone; there is no reason whatsoever not to celebrate LOVE! And remember St. Valentine's big heart and fight for the benediction of the love of two people. Let him be our example to constantly get the best out of ourselves and others. I will leave you with a song I admire and believe is right for the occassion: NATURE BOY.

Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iq0XJCJ1Srw

Nature Boy - Nat King Cole

Words by: Eden Ahbez

There was a boy
A very strange enchanted boy
They say he wandered very far, very far
Over land and sea
A little shy
And sad of eye
But very wise
Was he

And then one day
A magic day he came my way
And while we spoke of many things, fools and kings
This he said to me
"The greatest thing
You'll ever learn
Is just to love
And be loved
In return"


"The greatest thing
You'll ever learn
Is just to love
And be loved
In return"

Karma... Kafe

Last weekend, my friends and I went to a beautiful place in Dubai called "Karma Kafe". It's a restaurant and bar that serves Asian fusion cuisine. Karma Kafe belongs to the creator of the famous Buddha Bar apparently; which explained the interior decoration, the mood and the music.

As I had dinner there, I observed the small buddha statues all over the walls and a large one I was sitting next to. The crimson color was clearly dominant as one enters the place.What I loved the most was the music that was playing. It wasn't too loud nor was it just background music. It was perfect for the ambiance. Many familiar tracks from the Buddha Bar CDs were played and the mood transported me to another world. It was a lovely evening.




Me next to Big Buddha!


The place reminded me of Buddha Bar club in Lebanon although it was quite different. The music however was similar and I thought of how much I like such environments. Chill out and lounge music create a relaxing and pleasant atmosphere that entices one to stay in it for hours without realizing it. It's amazing how music can affect people's experiences! I love to keep discovering such places. I seem to have missed the "Cafe Del Mar" bar when I went to Ibiza last summer but I will surely go back to witness the majestic sunset and listen to the best chill out music! ;)

A World of Music!

I often think of how fortunate I am to be have been exposed to so many types of music during my life. I have lived in France during my childhood where my parents used to listen to French songs especially the oldies for the likes of Jacques Brel, Francis Cabrel, Alain Souchon, Enrico Macias and countless remarkable artists.

In Lebanon, I got introduced to the oriental rhythms and the Arabic songs and artists. A large part of the oriental music is dance music, which makes it greatly enjoyable! Also, the beauty of the Arabic language is that a lot can be expressed in so many ways because of its rich vocabulary. In Arabic music, there are melodic modes, introductions at the beginning of a song, alternations between solo instruments and full ensembles and many other music structures that are specific and that do not exist in other music genres.

Furthermore, what is interesting in the Arabic music scene is that there's a trend whereby composers use Turkish or Greek music to make a song with Arabic lyrics. That is one phenomenon that made people in the Middle East familiar with music from other neighbouring countries and regions. Lebanon is also the best country to be in to enjoy music from all over the Arab world. Artists, composers and singers from Egypt, Syria, Jordan, the UAE and other GCC countries all showcase their works in Lebanon as it is one of the most diverse and dynamic countries in the Middle East where people appreciate music and arts.

As for Latino music, it's probably a big part of my life and always will be. There's no way to fight back the feeling; I am in love with the Spanish rhythms... I've been under this spell for a long time now, since I watched the movie "Dance with me". The latin dances, the music, the songs, the performances, everything had a mark on me. Latin music is sensual and passionate, colorful and expressive, dramatic and warm. It has a way to get to everyone, everywhere in the world.

When I was growing up, there were a lot of popular bands around like the Backstreet Boys, Spice Girls, Westlife,etc. I remember my sister was obsessed with Mariah Carey whose voice I find truly impeccable so we used to listen to her CDs on a daily basis. I personally adored Celine Dion since I first heard her song "Because you loved me". And my mom loved Michael Jackson (May God rest his soul in peace). I listened to his music throughout most of the stages of my life. And now, as the market gets more competitive, more artists are in the American/English music scene and I listen to what appeals to me mostly.

Then comes the amazing house/ trance music that I am addicted to lately as it just pumps me up with so much energy. It has the ability to change my mood, brighten my day, help me endure my workout, give me creative ideas, remind me of good times and simply make me feel alive! I also love Rock bands such as Nickleback, Daughtry, The Script and others.

I cannot forget to mention the famed and monumental lounge/chillout music that transports one to a distinct world of love, ecstasy and spirituality like Buddha Bar compilations by Claude Challe and Cafe del Mar compilations.There are endless forms and genres of music in this world that one has yet to discover. If every country in the world has a specific style of music, then we end up with 195 to enjoy!

I believe what I am trying to say here is that I am glad I had the opportunity to experience all those types of music and many others I haven't mentioned here because they have all taken part in my formation, in making me the person I am today. Everyone must explore the diversity that's around him/her. It's amazing how powerful you will find music to be. It has the power to do so much, create and destroy, in so many different ways. It's important to keep an open mind, an open spirit and an open heart in order to receive the rewards music has to give! It's a world of music out there...

A voice message

I decided to record a voice message for a change. My soundcloud account doesn't seem to be connecting to blogger though so please go to the link below to listen. :) Thanks!

http://soundcloud.com/mayoushka/a-voice-message

Liban, ecoute: Quand on a que l'amour!

My dear country, Lebanon, is in turmoil! I'm so sorry to have to see it in distress due to political dilemmas over and over again! I would like to dedicate a song to my countrymen today called "Quand On a Que L'amour" translating to "When we have nothing but love". Please read and listen. I hope it inspires you and gives you something to contemplate. I have also posted the song in English underneath.

PEACE! PAIX!

YOUTUBE link:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zX1CAStNu-Q

Quand on n'a que l'amour - Jacques Brel

Quand on n'a que l'amour
A s'offrir en partage
Au jour du grand voyage
Qu'est notre grand amour

Quand on n'a que l'amour
Mon amour toi et moi
Pour qu'éclatent de joie
Chaque heure et chaque jour

Quand on n'a que l'amour
Pour vivre nos promesses
Sans nulle autre richesse
Que d'y croire toujours

Quand on n'a que l'amour
Pour meubler de merveilles
Et couvrir de soleil
La laideur des faubourgs

Quand on n'a que l'amour
Pour unique raison
Pour unique chanson
Et unique secours

Quand on n'a que l'amour
Pour habiller matin
Pauvres et malandrins
De manteaux de velours

Quand on n'a que l'amour
A offrir en prière
Pour les maux de la terre
En simple troubadour

Quand on n'a que l'amour
A offrir à ceux-là
Dont l'unique combat
Est de chercher le jour

Quand on n'a que l'amour
Pour tracer un chemin
Et forcer le destin
A chaque carrefour

Quand on n'a que l'amour
Pour parler aux canons
Et rien qu'une chanson
Pour convaincre un tambour
Alors sans avoir rien
Que la force d'aimer
Nous aurons dans nos mains
Amis, le monde entier

When one only has love

(translated by Anne-Marie de Grazia)

When one only has love
As a give and take
At the dawn of the great journey
this our great love

When one only has love
My love, you and I
To make burst with joy
Every hour of every day

When one only has love
To live up to our promises
Without any other riches
Then to believe in it always

When one only has love
To furnish with wonder
And cover with light
The blight of the suburbs

When one only has love
As a sole purpose
As a sole song
And sole recourse

When one only has love
To clothe at dawn
The poor and the criminal
In mantles of velvet

When one only has love
To offer in prayer
For the suffering world
As a modest minstrel

When one only has love
To give to those
Whose only fight
Is to search for daylight

When one only has love
To trace a path
And force fate
At every crossroad

When one only has love
To speak to cannons
And only a song
To change the mind of a drum

Then without having anything

But the strength to love
We shall hold in our hands
My friend, the entire world

SEXY, extravagant BURLESQUE

This weekend, I went to the cinemas and watched BURLESQUE, the movie featuring Christina Aguilera and Cher. I had the wrong impression that it was about the life of Cher acted out by Christina but it turned out to be a totally different story!

I liked BURLESQUE. I like this cabaret kind of performance in first place so I enjoyed watching the musical. I thought the performances were well thought of, beautifully choreographed and the outfits were fabulous. Christina's voice in the songs was as good as always. I really like the quality of her voice, this gentle coarseness that makes her voice unique and different from other singers. I must say though that the girl in the movie didn't look like the Christina Aguilera I know! The features of her face seemed very different from usual.

Cher is also one great artist (of Armenianorigin apparently) whose voice resembles no other. It truly is incomparable and uncommon. It's incredible how her approach to a song and her performance are rare and unusual. I also thought that Cher's body looked amazing! She has long, sexy legs that she shows off in the movie! :)

I was not impressed by the acting in general, however there is no denying that the movie overall made sense and was worth watching. I was entertained by the burlesque, touched by the story and delighted by the voices! It doubtlessly needs some guts to get on stage and perform those sensual shows knowing that millions of people will be watching the movie on big screen. I admire the audacity of all the dancers and the participants in the shows. It was certainly thrilling and exciting! I'm now looking forward to watching a live burlesque!! So, where's the best place to do that? Ideas, anyone? ;)

"When I grow up, I want to become a singer"!

As children, we all have a vision of what we want to become when we grow up. We are asked at some point in our lives and we say: "I want to become a doctor", "I want to become a pilot", "I want to become a lawyer just like dad", etc. We have an idea in mind based on what our parents do or what we have seen or been exposed to and that we liked. This might be our first thought of our lives as adults in the future; however most of the times, it's only a first thought and we never become that person because we either grow up to like other things or we forget about our little dreams!

When I was 5, I wanted to become an artist just like Dorothee. I used to live in France when I was young and there was a program on TV called Club Dorothee. I used to watch it with my sister and enjoy the songs, the cartoons, the competitions and every other element of the show. I remember my biggest excitement was when my mom finally decided to take my sister and I to watch Dorothee's concert at Bercy. It was amazing! My eyes were glowing. I was taken by the stage, the performances, the choreography, her voice, the light effects, the show was mind blowing to me, a 5 year-old! I still remember how at the end of the concert, she picked all the flowers from the kids, the mothers, the fathers, her fans!

My sister and I got all the tapes of her concerts back then and we used to watch them and pretend to be her and change our clothes with every song and live the concert every time. We were big fans; we were members of her club "Club Dorothee". I knew I wanted to become an artist; a singer. The story is that I still feel this is what I want to do today. The dream is still alive in me and I am pursuing it.

It's not easy to enter the field of arts as there is not one path to follow to get there but many and there is no real structure. As you can see, a lot of artists have become who they are today in myriads of different ways, each struggling to make it. The will eventually finds the way, with a bit of luck, a plan in mind and a lot of talent, one can make it. ;) It's important for parents to let their children dream but what's even more important is to let them pursue their passion in life and encourage them to do so. I am lucky to have parents who love music and admire my passion for it.I hope you are among those people who love it too and share my love for singing.

A few words I wrote for you!

Put on the show!

Santa decided to surprise me this year with a wonderful gift; Celine's concert DVDs: "A New Day, Live in Las Vegas" and "Celine through the eyes of the world". I wanted to watch those forever and I was glad to receive them for Christmas! :) I watched the Las Vegas show this morning and it brought me happiness and excitment, and made me feel alive!

Celine Dion: what a woman! She is such a talent to watch and listen to. I enjoyed the show and the songs. It was a pleasure to watch her perform but it was also a lesson. I observed her every breath and every move. I examined her posture, her techniques, her dynamism on stage! She has such a way of looking at the audience, a way to get to them, to excite them and incite feelings in them.

It's important to watch live performances as they teach a lot about how an artist manages to sing, dance and perform all at once without losing control over the voice and moves. This needs practice and lots of focus. I admire live performers who can put on a show, look good, sound good and feel good. The audience feels the love, the excitement, the happiness, the sadness and reacts to those emotions when the artist's involvement shows. A concert is where this mutual relationship between the artist, the dancers, the musicians and the audience amounts to an ecstasy and delirium.

What a feeling! I hope to be able to watch Celine in Vegas once she returns. Hopefully by then, I'd have contacted her for a duo! ;)

Today, I'd like to share with you an amazing song that I love for Celine and that I wanted to mention for a while. It's called "Don't Save it all for Christmas Day". Have a listen and read the lyrics. It's a song that reminds us that Christmas shouldn't be the only time of year when we give love. "Find a way to give a little love everyday".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7t2jOlyxrVQ

Don't Save it All for Christmas Day Lyrics

Don't get so busy that you miss

Giving just a little kiss

To the ones you love

Don't even wait a little while

To give them just a little smile

A little is enough

How many people are crying

People are dying...

How many people are asking for love

Don't save it all for Christmas Day

Find a way

To give a little love everyday

Don't save it all for Christmas Day

Find your way

Cause holidays have come and gone

But love lives on

If you give on

Love...

How could you wait another minute

A hug is warmer when you're in it

And Baby that's a fact

And saying "I love you's" always better

Seasons, reasons, they don't matter

So don't hold back

How many people in this world

So needful in this world

How many people are praying for love

Don't save it all for Christmas Day

Find a way

To give a little love everyday

Don't save it all for Christmas Day

Find your way

Cause holidays have come and gone

But love lives on

If you give on

Love...

Let all the children know

Everywhere that they go

Their whole life long

Let them know love

Don't save it all for Christmas Day

Find a way

To give a little love everyday

Don't save it all for Christmas Day

Find your way

Cause holidays have come and gone

But love lives on

If you give on

Love...

Love...

I wish you a Merry Christmas!!

Merry Christmas Everyone! It's just lovely to be spending this feast and season with loved ones. I had a wonderful time with my family and I hope you spent good times too. Last night, Christmas eve, was full of music, hymns, carols and songs.

I put on some classics for the likes of Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole and Elvis Presley. Then, we danced on some Christmas songs which is not a common thing I suppose but the spirit was there! hehe... We sang a lot of carols, the family, friends and I. I noticed though that my voice was getting really tired at the end of the night as I was too excited and I was singing with a lot of enthusiasm! :)

That is probably one thing a singer should be careful about. Once one knows how to sing properly, practices regularly and has control over his/her voice, he/she can sing longer, more comfortably and easily. However, one has to also have control over the emotions that rush in when singing. If one gets too emotional and lets the emotions seep in, singing will be a tedious process. One must let go and feel the music and rhythms without letting the sentimental aspect get to him/her.

Well, that's one advise on this beautiful celebration. Open your hearts, let the music and the love in and sing with all your heart to praise the Lord and thank Him for His greatest gift of all: LiFe!

I would like to ask each one of you for a small gift on this special day: send me your comments of this blog to either my email or on the blog itself and what you would like to see more of, know more about and what you would enjoy better reading and hearing.

My amazing sisters and I!

Feliz Navidad... Merry Christmas...Joyeux Noel...Milad Majid... Natale Hilare...Maligayang Pasko... Buone Feste Natalizie... Fröhliche Weihnachten...Feliz Natal...

It's Christmas Time!

It's Christmas time! I bought a 2-disc Christmas CD that contains popular Christmas songs sang by the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby. It's so magical to be transported to a time where songs and recordings were different from today. There is a certain warmth and depth in the voice of Frank Sinatra for example that I can't feel in anyone else's voice.

I can already feel the Christmas spirit with every passing day. I am very excited as I will be spending it with my family, whom I miss so much! On Christmas eve, we have the tradition of putting Christmas songs and hymns and singing along with them. When I used to be in the AUB Choir, I used to have my music scores and I was able to sing more than just the traditional records... Now, I'll be able to join the best voices in history in praising the Lord on that special evening.

There is one song from our time that I can't but listen to during the Christmas season: All I Want for Christmas is You for Mariah Carey. Its rythm is so lively and its lyrics so expressive. Everybody wants somebody on Christmas. We all want to be with our loved ones. So, join your family and friends to celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ and don't forget to sing along some yuletide carols...

Andrea Bocelli... La leggenda

I'm listening to Andrea Bocelli's "Con te Partiro". What a pleasure! What an ecstasy~ How can I start to explain this man's beauty? I adore Andrea Bocelli's voice; it has so much warmth and genuiness. A lot has been said about this legend but never will it be enough.

He has such a unique way of expression. There is not a single song that I wouldn't listen to. Besides the fact that he is Italian, he effortlessly represents elegance and finesse. His language is that of romance. I appreciate his art as it has given the world so much delight, happiness and faith. He's also an incredibly handsome man in my opinion. ;) I just love his smile. Such a pure, honest smile...

I remember the evening I watched him perform in Abu Dhabi. He obviously sounded as good as always despite the windy night air but I was quite disappointed that he didn't sing "Un Amore Cosi Grande" especially that I fell in love with that song and on that song in his album "Incanto". I think it was a great idea that he compiled all these wonderful songs made famous by celebrities of another time so that they can reach us today. And I generally think it's a great idea for artists to have remakes of some of the older songs so that they may be enjoyed by the new generations.

On that note, I leave you to enjoy one of my favorite songs by Andrea Bocelli and my beloved Celine Dion: THE PRAYER  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FK5VulNn3so&feature=related

The song has incredibly well written lyrics and the delivery by both artists gives me the goosebumps. I hope this song warms your souls and makes you feel the Christmas spirit as it does to me. God bless!

The Prayer (duet With Andrea Bocelli) lyrics

(Carol Bayer Sager/David Foster)

I pray you'll be our eyes, and watch us where we go

And help us to be wise, in times when we don't know

Let this be our prayer, when we lose our way

Lead us to the place, guide us with your grace

To a place where we'll be safe

La luce che tu hai [I pray we'll find your light]

Nel cuore resterà [And hold it in our hearts.]

A ricordarci che [When stars go out each night,]

Eterna stella sei

Nella mia preghiera [Let this be our prayer]

Quanta fede c'è[When shadows fill our day]

Lead us to a place, guide us with your grace

Give us faith so we'll be safe

Sogniamo un mondo senza più violenza

Un mondo di giustizia e di speranza

Ognuno lo dia la mano al suo vicino

Simbolo di pace, di fraternità

La forza che ci dà [We ask that life be kind]

È il desiderio che [And watch us from above]

Ognuno trovi amor [We hope each soul will find]

Intorno e dentro sé [Another soul to love]

Let this be our prayer [Let this be our prayer]

Just like every child

Need to find a place, guide us with your grace

Give us faith so we'll be safe

È la fede che

Hai acceso in noi

Sento che ci salverà

David Guetta... You're the best!

Last Thursday, I spent a really good time at the Creamfields event in Abu Dhabi. It was held on the Yas Island (where the Formula One circuit is) which has been used as a venue for many international artists' performances. The place was crowded although there was space for more people to be present.

A lot of DJs performed, among which were MadJam (I didn't know he was Lebanese until that night), Dizzee Rascal (who played a song to make sure we don't forget his F***IN name), and AfroJack (who put on a good show and did a good job in keeping people entertained before David Guetta showed up). I was very surprised as to how free the artists and DJs were in their choice of words and music. The F word was everywhere in addition to a lot of foul language. People were enjoying it but it just surprised me how some scenes in the movies are cut and this was allowed in a public event.

So, David Guetta was extremely late that a lot of people got impatient, left the event, wouldn't stop swearing, and shouted out to Guetta. Finally, at 5 a.m. in the morning, David Guetta showed up. He apparently came straight from a 30 hour flight from LA. He apologized and put on a great show as usual. I was disappointed though that he didn't play ONE LOVE. The screen just lit up with the words "ONE LOVE, DAVID GUETTA" and that was it. He left. No encore. Nothing. He disappeared. And people just left as I assume nobody could stand on his/her feet at 6 a.m. I really wanted him to come back and play one more song. But he didn't, even after I shouted out to him! :)

THE DAVID GUETTA

So, despite the disappointment and the wait, I'd like to express my admiration and appreciation to the music that David Guetta is creating, composing, producing, and collaborating with other artists on. I think he's the number one DJ. I would also like to say how much I'd like to collaborate with him myself. ;)  I'll be working on it. Dreams come true.

LOVE YOU DAVID GUETTA!

YEAY!!

Feelings ... for Greatness

It's intriguing how certain emotions and incidents that a person experiences can turn into forms of expression. It's impressive how pain... suffering... joy... memories... birth... death can cause one to write, compose music, sing, paint and come out with a piece of art.

As humans, we are emotional beings who act and react to what happens to us or around us. It always amazes me how some moments are divine and irreversible. For example, I wrote a song a while ago when I was in a certain state and it came to me like a thunderbolt. I wasn't too focused on what I was communicating but I read the words a few days later and I had fascinating lyrics jotted down. Sometimes, it seems to me that we are given the inspiration through a state of mind or a state of being. As if one's misery, pain or joy is a stimulant for better expression.

Obviously, this is true and a lot of great poets, painters, singers, composers and artists in general offered the world extraordinary masterpieces because of a mental or emotional state they were in. We are witnesses today of how their work contributed greatly to the world and impacted societies and individuals all over the globe. It's seemingly hard to tell whether one's state will lead him/her to reveal something as great as a symphony by Bach but I am certain that a genuine work of art that reflects the depths of a person's feelings and thoughts will be appreciated and will impact people, whether that is one person or many people.

Every individual makes a huge difference on earth. Nobody is a bystander... even if they think they are. We are all affected by one another. That can easily be noticed when a person passes away or a child is born. A lot of things change for a lot of people. Emotions that were never felt before surface and move us. The way of the world is bewildering sometimes. I can't help but notice...

Rolling Stone Middle East

Last weekend, I went to Virgin Megastore to search for a book. As I was about to leave, I noticed a certain Rolling Stone magazine at the cashier. I picked one up and I was sure that it was the Rolling Stone magazine, not a flyer or ad. I stood in line to buy it! :)

It turns out it's the first issue of the "Middle East Rolling Stone". I had noticed a stand at Virgin Megastore a month ago but I didn't quite understand what it was for. Apparently, the magazine is now customized. It brings the foreign/Hollywood news and at the same time covers some local events and regional news about music and artists. I found it to be a cool idea.

What I loved most was the "Editor's Notes". The title of the note is Music Matters. The editor, Adam Grundey, expresses his thoughts about how music is perceived in the Middle East and how he thinks it should take more importance in people's lives. He says that music is an "after-thought", "background noise" when it should be part of our society. For music lovers, it's a sad fact but we have the chance to change that and give people a taste of what exactly music does to life. Grundey says: "It's our hope that ROLLING STONE MIDDLE EAST will be the catalyst for increased awareness in the region of the value of music to society, whether it be - as Hugo suggested - an outlet for emotions that otherwise have no outlet, a source of consolation in troubled times, a way of bringing together people from diverse cultures and traditions, or just an excuse to have a blast." Well said! ;) I know this is free publicity for the magazine, but hey, who doesn't like the Rolling Stone!

Now put on some music and enjoy ~

My favorite instrument: the elegant piano

My favorite instrument is the piano. When I listen to someone playing the piano, I get the goosebumps and sometimes, it even makes me cry. That is because it was always my intention to learn how to play the piano but I never had the chance to complete the necessary courses to play properly. I have learned the piano twice in my life and I have stopped at some point. I now own a keyboard and am learning on my own, which is the hardest way but nonetheless a way for a person with a strong will.

The difficulty lies in the techniques used to learn how to memorize the notes on the music sheet and on the piano and never forget them. I reckon the best way is to practice every day and be committed. Every person seems to have a way in which to visualise which notes lie where on the scale and on the piano at once. It mustn't be hard but one must never forget to practice as the exercise will refresh the memory and make the thought clearer in the mind.

It is not hard to play an instrument as long as one has the time, patience and will to learn and invest in this passion. The result of this hard work is surely rewarding as one will better enjoy the beauty of music whether alone or with others. Playing an instrument is an art in which one expresses his/her joys, pains, love, anger, and a multitude of feelings that others also feel and enjoy listening to.

Music is a universal language that makes the world seem bright when it is dark, pretty when it gets ugly, light when its weight becomes heavy, simple when it looks complicated. Everything becomes more agreeable with music. To me, the piano is that one instrument that soothes all stresses and pains. It has such a delightful sound that makes one wonder, wander and get lost in space and time. I'd very much like to some day own a white grand piano. It's a pleasure to look at, I'm sure it must be amazing to play on it!

Lebnan: ya ot3it sama (Lebanon, oh piece of heaven)

I just came back from a trip to Lebanon. Lebanon is always great to visit. There's so much life in this country! Everyone should visit at least once. Anyway, you won't need more to get hooked and keep coming back. Take a look at all the countries that want a piece of it! I don't want to get political but the situation speaks for itself.

So, when I was there, I got the chance to meet a wonderful lady, Aline Aoun, a woman who lived her life through music, with music and from music. I took a few vocal lessons with her and it made a big difference. She taught me a very essential thing that I knew but never understood. It's actually pretty hard to teach  singing techniques, I realized. One should sing using the diaphragm. That's something I've always heard and been told but never knew how to actually master. When I sang to her, she noticed something very important. I was using all the energy I had to come out with the words and sustain them. My veins were popping out!

She literally gave me a mirror to look at my throat and at that moment, I got it. Something as simple as a demonstration makes a big difference. She took the time to familiarize me with the function of my lungs, my diaphragm, my chest; how the air was coming in and going out (a normal process that I use to stay alive!) So, take the time to feel your body move with the air that is flowing through it. I also learned a few exercises that are used in yoga. As a matter of fact, breathing exercises are used in more than just singing lessons ;) They are a good way of maintaining balance.

Apparently, a lot of people sing very well but eventually lose their voices because they don't know how to sing properly. It's important to pay attention to the details in music or else one will not entirely appreciate its beauty and grandeur! The surface is beautiful but what lies in the core is often magnificent.

When I was in Lebanon, I would go walking every morning in the neighborhood I live in and I would feel the sun on my skin and the wind in my face. Then I'd get to an altitude and look at the spectacular landscape of mountains surrounding me. There, I would do my vocal exercises. It's so refreshing and energizing to be in a natural place and experience this feeling of comfort and peace. PEACE!

Peace be with you Lebanon on that day of independence and every day! Happy Independence Day dear country and countrymen. Preserve this piece of heaven.

Today's song: Lebnan, ya ot3it sama. Listen to the song on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1pUUBER_tu4&feature=related or http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WRNu0EycXJM



Lebanese Flag