Best West Asian Disco Podcasts (2024)

1
Nai Barghouti | Singing Palestine at the Toronto Palestine Film Festival 53:35

6d ago53:35

53:35

Nai Barghouti joins us for a very special episode of Quartertones ahead of her performance at the Toronto Palestine Film Festival on September 27th which will be her Canadian debut. Speaking from the heart, Nai shares how Palestine underscores the music she makes and performs, her journey to becoming unapologetically Palestinian, and learning the n…

1
Scoring Films With the Composer of Corvine, Crashing Eid, The Curve & Flight 404 | Suad Bushnaq 1:02:25

1M ago1:02:25

1:02:25

It's not often that we welcome a film score composer on QuarterTones. So we had a lot to chat about with award-winning composer Suad Bushnaq. We discuss the realities of writing music for cinema, her favorite Arab film scores of all time, and why the best movie soundtracks are those that you don't remember. We quizz Suad on how she chooses a key fo…

1
Cheb Mimo | Crate Digging For Lost Raï 1:01:16

2M ago1:01:16

1:01:16

In this episode of QuarterTones, Cheb Mimo joins us in our podcast studio in Beirut along with his cassette player, turntable, and rare records and tapes, to take us on a tour of North Africa's raï, funk, and disco. With each musical interlude, Cheb Mimo introduces both well-known, niche and sometimes forgotten musicians through the past decades. W…

1
Rayess Bek: Studio Session 12:55

2M ago12:55

12:55

We're stoked to finally be launching our live in-studio sessions in our podcast recording studio in Beirut as an extension to Quartertones. The first is with no other than our past guest Rayess Bek (aka Wael Kodeih), the Lebanese music composer, producer, and performer's behind projects such as Love & Revenge, Aks'ser, and Goodbye Schlöndorff. He p…

1
Why You Should Invest in Beirut's Music Scene | Sharif Sehnaoui 58:51

2M ago58:51

58:51

What makes experimental music…experimental? And what does it take to cultivate a thriving musical scene in the context of the Arab world? In this episode of QuarterTones, Sharif Sehnaoui joins us in our studio in Beirut to talk about the genre in the Arab world, the cultural significance and economic value of music, why his work is in itself an act…

1
Reinterpreting Traditional & Popular North African Music | Khalil EPI 58:59

3M ago58:59

58:59

This QuarterTones episode is exceptionally in French and is hosted by our Outline host, Sabine Boghossian. We chat with Khalil Hentati (EPI) a composer, multi-instrumentalist, and essential figure in North Africa's alternative, electronic and contemporary music scenes. He shares the stories behind the origins of his collaborations and dives into th…

1
How JadaL Pioneered Arabic Rock From Jordan 57:59

3M ago57:59

57:59

In this episode of QuarterTones, we're joined by the frontman of pioneering Jordanian rock band, JadaL. Mahmoud Radaideh tells us about how the band popularized the genre in the Arab world, reflecting on his journey as a musician, and the shifting moment when an artist realizes that their work no longer belongs to them solely – but to their audienc…

1
Is There a Sound That's Unique to Arab America? | Ronnie Malley 56:12

4M ago56:12

56:12

Multi-instrumentalist musician and musicologist Ronnie Malley shares his immense knowledge of Arabic classical music, touring us through the fundamentals of the musical canon and the sounds, songs and rhythms that define it. He tells us about his early exposure to Arabic music in Chicago playing for his father's bands, through thousands of wedding …

1
Behind the Scenes: Alternative Music in Beirut | Fadi Tabbal 1:03:51

4M ago1:03:51

1:03:51

Fadi Tabbal is a hidden giant of Beirut's alternative music scene. He joins us in our studio in Beirut to talk about the music he's produced over the years, the independent musicians on the rise, and the work that his studio – Tunefork studios – is doing. He compares the music scenes in Beirut, Cairo and Dubai, and explains how there are no records…

1
Palestinian Hip-Hop Artist The Synaptik | Quitting Ritalin & Making Music 1:23:45

5M ago1:23:45

1:23:45

From medic to musician, Amman to Palestine, and quitting Ritalin, The Synaptik is a multifaceted musician who has grown out of change and transition. In this QuarterTones episode filmed live in afikra's studio in Beirut, The Synaptik tells us about his adolescence in Jordan defined by frustration and Ritalin, which was prescribed to him at a young …

1
Kareem Roustom | Defining Classical Arabic Music with the Emmy-Nominated Composer 1:08:34

5M ago1:08:34

1:08:34

Emmy-nominated composer Kareem Roustom joins us on Quartertones to discuss all things Arabic music. With musical interludes from across his albums, we talk about the origins of Arabic Classical Music, current and previous perceptions around it, and the pioneers of the genre including Sayed Darwish and Sabah Fakhri. We get to grips with what defines…

1
Best Buzuq Players of All Time | Farah Kaddour 56:58

5M ago56:58

56:58

Buzq player and musicologist Farah Kaddour, joins us in the afikra studio in Beirut to give us a tour of her music and her instrument. Alongside musical interludes and live performances, we talk about the specific sound and identity of the Buzq and Farah's individual performance style. She tells us about how she experiments with the sound she's abl…

1
Palestinian Hip Hop From Lydda to the World | DAM 59:17

6M ago59:17

59:17

We sat down with Maysa Daw and Tamer Nafar from Palestinian Hip-Hop group DAM for a live recording of Quartertones at Sole DXB in December 2023. We play short clips of music from their albums and talk about representing their home city of Lydda through rap, working with Israeli musicians in “co-resistance” and writing music that goes beyond the occ…

1
Third Culture Music: Belonging Beyond Geographies | Oddisee 51:45

6M ago51:45

51:45

At Sole DXB in December 2023, Oddisee joined afikra on stage for a live episode of Quartertones. Using his music as an entryway, this conversation journeys from D.C. to NYC all the way to Sudan. We learn about Oddisee's musical influences and how he blends soundscapes from iconic musical eras and his own heritage. With each musical interlude, we di…

1
Can Beirut's Haunted Buildings Help It Heal From Its Civil War? | Mayssa Jallad 1:10:22

7M ago1:10:22

1:10:22

In this episode of Quartertones, musician, architect and urban researcher Mayssa Jallad joins us in the afikra studio in Beirut to talk about her latest, deeply researched work “Marjaa: Battle of the Hotels”. The album brings together her passion for music and her background in urban research and architectural history. She recounts her interest in …

1
From Aks'ser to Rayess Bek | Rayess Bek 1:15:49

7M ago1:15:49

1:15:49

In this episode of the Quartertones podcast, we sat down with Rayess Bek (aka Wael Kodeih) to talk about his varied and vibrant musical career. As we traverse his music projects, personas and styles from over the years, the conversation explores the Lebanese music composer, producer, and performer's relationship with Lebanon, hip hop, history, war …

1
Arabic Music in the Age of Digital Distribution | Ghaliaa 51:02

7M ago51:02

51:02

On this episode of Quartertones, up-and-coming musician Ghaliaa discusses her love for music, career to date, and finding inspiration in non-fiction. She talks about her childhood, how she came to be so multi-instrumental, and who her Arabic music inspirations are. Ghaliaa also reflects on the influence of TikTok and other social media on the music…

1
A Journey Through Arabic Percussion | Karim Nagi 49:31

8M ago49:31

49:31

In this episode of Quartertone, Karim Nagi takes us on a journey into the world of Arabic percussion and rhythm. He talks about his experience as a musician and how the arts – and percussion in particular – have helped him embrace and grow into his own Arab identity. He shares his advice for musicians who are just embarking on their own journeys, a…

1
Sofiane Saidi & Nesrine at Habibi Festival 2023 | Quartertones Live at Joe's Pub 24:52

8M ago24:52

24:52

We partnered with Habibi Festival for a six-night celebration of ancient + contemporary sounds from Lebanon, Tunisia, Syria, Morocco, Palestine, Algeria and more! It all took place from October 1-7 at Joe's Pub in NYC. Each night we taped live conversations with the artists on stage. This special Quartertones episode is the last of six featuring a …

1
Clarissa Bitar & Sofiane Saidi at Habibi Festival 2023 | Quartertones Live at Joe's Pub 1:02:59

8M ago1:02:59

1:02:59

We partnered with Habibi Festival for a six-night celebration of ancient + contemporary sounds from Lebanon, Tunisia, Syria, Morocco, Palestine, Algeria and more! It all took place from October 1-7 at Joe's Pub in NYC. Each night we taped live conversations with the artists on stage. This special Quartertones episode is the fifth of six, featuring …

1
Nesrine & Bab L' Bluz at Habibi Festival 2023 | Quartertones Live at Joe's Pub 31:05

8M ago31:05

31:05

We partnered with Habibi Festival for a six-night celebration of ancient + contemporary sounds from Lebanon, Tunisia, Syria, Morocco, Palestine, Algeria and more! It all took place from October 1-7 at Joe's Pub in NYC. Each night we taped live conversations with the artists on stage. This special Quartertones episode is the fourth of six, featuring…

1
Bab L' Bluz, Tarek Yamani & Yacine Boulares at Habibi Fest 2023 | Quartertones Live at Joe's Pub 31:47

8M ago31:47

31:47

We partnered with Habibi Festival for a six-night celebration of ancient + contemporary sounds from Lebanon, Tunisia, Syria, Morocco, Palestine, Algeria and more! It all took place from October 1-7 at Joe's Pub in NYC. Each night we taped live conversations with the artists on stage. This special Quartertones episode is the third of six, featuring …

1
Amal Murkus & Firas Zreik at Habibi Fest 2023 | Quartertones Live at Joe's Pub 14:44

9M ago14:44

14:44

We partnered with Habibi Festival for a six-night celebration of ancient + contemporary sounds from Lebanon, Tunisia, Syria, Morocco, Palestine, Algeria and more! It all took place from October 1-7 at Joe's Pub in NYC. Each night we taped live conversations with the artists on stage. This special Quartertones episode is the second of six, featuring…

1
Omar Offendum & Hadi Eldebek at Habibi Fest 2023 | Quartertones Live at Joe's Pub 26:25

9M ago26:25

26:25

We partnered with Habibi Festival for a six-night celebration of ancient + contemporary sounds from Lebanon, Tunisia, Syria, Morocco, Palestine, Algeria and more! It all took place from October 1-7 at Joe's Pub in NYC. Each night we taped live conversations with the artists on stage. This special Quartertones episode is one in six, and features a c…

1
Producing for Arab Pop Stars: Metrics & Mental Health | Sleiman Damien 1:01:27

1y ago1:01:27

1:01:27

With a vast discography featuring both emerging artists and some of the biggest names in Arabic music, Sleiman Damien is completely tapped into the region’s pop genre. We asked him what he thinks of the phrase “Arab pop fusion”, which metrics actually matter to him, and why he thinks legacy superstars have more sticking power in today’s fickle indu…

1
Chromeo: From Beirut to Planet Funk | P-Thugg 1:03:48

1y ago1:03:48

1:03:48

P-Thugg, one half of music duo Chromeo, shares the secrets to a successful and long-term musical collaboration. On set with us in Beirut, he talks about the experiences that led to his discovering funk and hip hop, growing up between Lebanon and Canada and his changing relationship with the former, and what it’s like attending the VMAs. He tells us…

1
DJing in the Middle of Nowhere | Nooriyah Qais 56:46

1y ago56:46

56:46

DJ Nooriyah’s iconic Boiler room set with her Baba on the oud, growing up between Saudi, Japan and London, and her beloved CDJ 2000s Pioneer decks. We sat down with Nooriyah Qais to talk about everything DJing, her guide to safeguarding yourself in the club industry, and how she transforms a sample into an infectious dance track. We also touch on t…

1
Co-founding DAM | Suhel Nafar 1:13:47

1y ago1:13:47

1:13:47

The early days of Palestinian hip-hop group DAM, growing up in Lydda, and working with artists across the region and from the diaspora: Suhel Nafar joins us on QuarterTones to discuss his colorful and accomplished musical career to date. We talk about his family’s ‘Bootleg Jackson 5’ group, Palestinian hip hop and his departure from DAM. Suhel Nafa…

1
Jordanian Grunge | Akher Zapheer 58:14

1+ y ago58:14

58:14

Akher Zapheer’s front-man and longest standing member, Basem Sayej, talks to us about Amman as his muse and a misunderstood city, the Arab rock scene, and his favorite places to perform round the world. We listen to three of Akher Zapheer’s songs from across their albums and get an insight into how Basem approaches song-writing. Finally, Basem shar…

1
Hip Hop, the Lahme Song & Making Beats From Old Syrian Vinyls | Thanks Joey 1:17:18

1+ y ago1:17:18

1:17:18

In this episode of Quartertones, Thanks Joey takes us on a journey through hip hop, Brooklyn music, and his Syrian grandfather’s old records. We talk about working with Omar Offendum and Narcy, his music making process, and what inspired his Lahme song. He gives us a sneak preview of unreleased tracks, tours us round his sampler, and reflects on in…

1
JOHN BAKHOS | Progressive Metal | Quartertones 58:33

1+ y ago58:33

58:33

John Bakhos talks about forming his metal band, Anuryzm, and the progression of its music throughout the years. In this Quartertones episode, John plays three songs: Cosmos, Neo Luddite, and Ruby Demon. John Bakhos is a Lebanese musician, guitarist, and the founder of the progressive metal band Anuryzm. Born in Beirut, Bakhos started playing the gu…

1
Blu Fiefer | Independent Hip Hop from Lebanon to the World 1:02:29

1+ y ago1:02:29

1:02:29

Blu Fiefer plays three of her songs: Sharaf, Nazele Big Champagne, and Sint El Ew. She talks about her contribution to hip-hop in Lebanon and how she uses storytelling in her music. Blu Fiefer is a Lebanese-Mexican artist, music producer and director, approaching her art as a multi-faceted platform. Today, Fiefer readies her debut album 'Villain Ba…

1
Tunisian Classics Reimagined Through Jazz | Omar El Ouaer 1:00:39

1+ y ago1:00:39

1:00:39

Omar El Ouaer plays three of his songs: Alif Ya Soltani, Aziza, and Mana3ref Win. He tells us about Tunisian music and how he discovered Jazz. Omar el Ouaer, a Tunisian jazz musician. He started his music education at the age of 11, studying Arabic music at the conservatory, and later discovered jazz and modern piano. He participated in various jaz…

1
Zeid Hamdan | Indie Music in Lebanon & Beyond 53:59

1+ y ago53:59

53:59

Zeid Hamdan introduces us to the Indie music scene in the Arab region. We listened together to songs he produced: Herzan by Soapkills and Zamel by Bedouin Burger, which he forms with Lynn Adib. Zeid Hamdan is a Lebanese music composer. For the last 2 decades, he's been producing some of the most interesting bands of the Lebanese and regional indie …

1
From Morocco to the World: the Art of Making Borderless Music | Malika Zarra 1:01:38

1+ y ago1:01:38

1:01:38

Malika Zarra takes us on a musical journey to discover Moroccan music. She tells about her newest album "RWA (The Essence)" and about who inspires her the most, from Moroccan Hajja Hamdaouia to Lebanese Farid Al-Atrash and Algerian Warda. Malika is a singer and composer who was born in Southern Morocco and raised in a suburb of Paris. Her musical b…

1
Expanding the Contemporary Nubian Songbook | Nesma Herky 56:18

1+ y ago56:18

56:18

On this episode of Quartertones we're talking with Nubian-rooted Egyptian singer Nesma Herky who takes us to the origins of her interest in singing. We then listen to her work starting with Amary, continuing with Ne3eesh Be3eed, and end with her rendition of Mohamed Mounir's Ya Marakby. Nesma Herky is a marvelous Nubian rooted Egyptian singer and a…

1
The Music of Jewish Women in North Africa | Vanessa Paloma Elbaz 54:19

1+ y ago54:19

54:19

Vanessa Paloma Elbaz talked about her research in Jewish music. We listened to Chant Juif pour la Naissance by Mme. Azeroual, Habibi Lawel by Habiba Messika, and La Llorona by Chavela Vargas. Vanessa Paloma Duncan-Elbaz has a Ph.D. from the Sorbonne’s CERMOM research group of the INALCO (Center for Middle Eastern and Mediterranean Studies of the Na…

1
Zeid Hamdan & Lynn Adib at Habibi Festival 2022 | Quartertones Live at Joe's Pub 18:36

2y ago18:36

18:36

In this Quartertones event in collaboration with Habibi Festival held at Joe's Pub, we talked to Bedouin Burger duo artists Lynn Adib and Zeid Hamdan. ABOUT HABIBI FESTIVAL Created with the goal of giving a snapshot of contemporary and traditional musics of the SWANA (South West Asia North Africa) region, Habibi Festival aims to take listeners on a…

1
Hatim Belyamani & Mehdi WMD at Habibi Festival 2022 | Quartertones Live at Joe's Pub 19:45

2y ago19:45

19:45

In this Quartertones event in collaboration with Habibi Festival held at Joe's Pub, we talked to classical pianist Hatim Belyamani and rapper Mehdi WMD. ABOUT HABIBI FESTIVAL Created with the goal of giving a snapshot of contemporary and traditional musics of the SWANA (South West Asia North Africa) region, Habibi Festival aims to take listeners on…

1
Firas Zreik at Habibi Festival 2022 | Quartertones Live at Joe's Pub 17:37

2y ago17:37

17:37

In this Quartertones event in collaboration with Habibi Festival held at Joe's Pub, we talked to Kanun player and composer Firas Zreik. ABOUT HABIBI FESTIVAL Created with the goal of giving a snapshot of contemporary and traditional musics of the SWANA (South West Asia North Africa) region, Habibi Festival aims to take listeners on a journey of the…

1
Zahra AlZubaidi at Habibi Festival 2022 | Quartertones Live at Joe's Pub 11:56

2y ago11:56

11:56

In this Quartertones event in collaboration with Habibi Festival held at Joe's Pub, we talked to maqamat and awtaar vocalist Zahra Alzubaidi. ABOUT HABIBI FESTIVAL Created with the goal of giving a snapshot of contemporary and traditional musics of the SWANA (South West Asia North Africa) region, Habibi Festival aims to take listeners on a journey …

1
Noura Mint Seymali & Matthew Tinari at Habibi Festival 2022 | Quartertones Live at Joe's Pub 13:02

2y ago13:02

13:02

In this Quartertones event in collaboration with Habibi Festival held at Joe's Pub, we talked to Mauritanian griot and singer Noura Mint Seymali and Mauritania/Senegal-based producer and musician Matthew Tinari. ABOUT HABIBI FESTIVAL Created with the goal of giving a snapshot of contemporary and traditional musics of the SWANA (South West Asia Nort…

1
Nadine El Roubi | Sudanese Rap 55:35

2y ago55:35

55:35

Nadine performed three of her songs and spoke about her musical career. Nadine El Roubi is a Sudanese artist who grew up in Virginia, she hopes to expand the understanding of what it means, and looks like, to be Arab Muslim woman. She takes inspiration from icons like Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu, and more. She debuted in 2018, with her first solo sing…

1
The Clarinet in Arabic Music | Kinan Azmeh 1:00:47

2y ago1:00:47

1:00:47

Kinan performed three musical pieces and spoke about his work as a composer. Originally from Damascus, Syria Kinan Azmeh is a soloist, composer, and improvisor. He has performed in places such as the Opera Bastille, Hamburg’s Elbphilharmonie, Damascus Opera House, and more. Kinan’s compositions include several works for solo, chamber, and orchestra…

1
Oud With Two-time Grammy-nominated Iraqi Virtuoso | Rahim AlHaj 57:25

2y ago57:25

57:25

Rahim performed 3 pieces from his work and spoke about his work as a composer and musician. Rahim AlHaj has performed all over the world, on tour with Munir Bashir, his teacher, as well as solo and with his string quartet project, including numerous concerts in Lebanon, Iraq, Syria, Jordan, Morocco, Tunisia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Egypt, and France and h…

1
Producing Arabic Series & Music | Firas Abou Fakher 58:36

2y ago58:36

58:36

Firas performed three songs, spoke about starting Last Floor Productions, and his work in movie/TV composition. Firas Abou Fakher is a Lebanese composer, producer, and writer. While attending the American University of Beirut (AUB), he co-founded Mashrou' Leila with Hamed Sinno, Haig Papazian and Carl Gerges and is the band's composer, guitarist, a…

1
Lynn Adib | Exploring Arabic Music and Improvisation Through Jazz 57:49

2y ago57:49

57:49

Lynn Adib performed three musical pieces: Youmma, Taht El Ward & Autruche followed by a discussion. Born and raised in Damascus, Syria. Lynn Adib is a singer, composer who has been exploring Arabic music and improvisation through Jazz music that she discovered around the age if 19 after spending years in the Choir if Joy in and learning classical f…

1
The Sounds of Saudi Hip Hop | Big Hass 1:01:50

2y ago1:01:50

1:01:50

Big Hass performed four musical pieces: Iraq Cypher, Arab Femcee Cypher, Sudan Cypher & Khadsha followed by a discussion. Hassane Dennaoui, aka “Big Hass" is the host of Saudi Arabia's first and only FM hip-hop radio show Laish Hip-Hop? and is also founder of Re-Volt Blog and Re-Volt Magazine. He hosted the radio show Spitter with Big Hass at Sole …

1
Arabic Musicology | Youmna Saba 56:25

2y ago56:25

56:25

Youmna Saba performed three pieces: Al Sobh (الصبح), Madd W Jazr (مد وجزر) & Hubut (هبوط), followed by a discussion. Youmna Saba (Beirut, 1984) is a musician and musicologist whose current research focuses on the musical dimension(s) of the Arabic language, as a tool to generate new methods of working with electronics. She released 4 albums to this…

1
TootArd | West Asian Disco 27:56

2y ago27:56

27:56

Toot Ard performed three musical pieces: Moonlight, Trouble Watan & Wanderlust. TootArd, Arabic for "Strawberry", was formed in 2010 by brothers Hasan and Rami Nakhleh. All band members grew up in Majdal Shams. The band started by performing in the Golan Heights, later travelling to Jerusalem, Palestine and Europe. The band's style is mixed. Their …

Podcasts Worth a Listen

West Asian Disco Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide