Marilyn: The girl with the voice and the smiles

I first met Marilyn Kasparian at a gig featuring November (Zee Karkabi on guitar and vocals, and Marilyn on vocals) at Nova Club, back in 2013. That is 3 years of beautiful music I've been enjoying, and 3 years of friendship with this beautiful soul. She has evolved so much since then, musically and otherwise, and she now performs as her self-titled music project, Marilyn, alongside some great musicians, Alan Abi Sleiman, Guy Ramy, and Zee Karkabi. Marilyn's drive and dedication is admirable, and her talent is truly enjoyable. I sat down with her for a little chat about her musical work, and this is what she had to say.

Roswell: Ghaith talks Roswell, Dubai, and beyond.

Roswell is one of the local Lebanese bands that I listened to during my teenage years. One of the very first rock gigs I attended was an event that they were a part of. After over 10 years, I am very proud and happy to see that they have come this far!

Ghaith El Horr, lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist of Roswell, has been with the band from the start. Over the past 10+ years, a lot has changed for the band, from lineup to popularity. They have grown big, playing handfuls of gigs across Lebanon and the Middle East. In 2006, they released their first album, "Reflections". Their second release came in 2011 and is entitled "Out of Reach". Back in October 2012, they opened for Keane, the legendary international Rock band, for their concert at Forum De Beyrouth. Most recently, in 2015,  came their third release, "Unravelling New Beginnings".

With a vibrant history and a bright future, Roswell is definitely one of the best, most humble and loyal local bands out there. After attending their latest gig in Dubai, at the Music Room (which was awesome!), I got in touch with Ghaith. Here's what he had to say...

Nathalie J. Bandage Releases Her First Single

An amazing singer and someone who happens to be a very close friend of mine, Nathalie J. Bandage, has just let out her first single, "No Answers". This song is a heartfelt, rocking ballad that expresses feelings about a love story that never had an end. Collaborating with her on this track are Doug Kastaros and Alan Azar. So, you should definitely check it out! 

"A story that talks about a love that ended without any closure.. Dedicated to everyone who believes!"

Marilyn & Zee : An Enchanting Duo

Last Thursday, March 7, 2013, I had the pleasure of watching Ramzi (Zee) Karkabi and Marilyn Kasparian along with Patrick Khoriaty in a live, acoustic performance at Nova Club in Sin El Fil. And what an enchanting performance it was!

The event started at 10 pm with only a few people in the audience. The crowd was not very big, but that's probably expected for a week night and at that late hour. Nevertheless, the set up was great. Zee and Marilyn sang their hearts out as Zee strummed along on his acoustic guitar and Patrick accompanied him for a few songs on the bass and sometimes the guitar. Zee's voice is beyond amazing! Husky, deep, wide-ranged, passionate... his vocal skills are definitely praise-worthy as is his guitar playing. He is the front man of the much loved Lebanese band, "Linger", and therefore has experience in the field of music and performance. Marilyn looked very sweet and lady-like, sitting on the stool opposite Zee. When she first began to sing I was taken aback. I had never heard her perform before, though she has been performing for awhile as she was the vocalist of the band "Phobia". Her voice is deep, raspy, and flawless, reminding me somehow of a mix between Martha Wainwright, Amanda Palmer, and Lisa Hannigan... the best qualities in these women's voices shone through in Marilyn's voice. I was caught between a sense of envy and awe. Hands down, she is the best Lebanese female vocalist I have heard to date!

I'm not impressed, Leila...

Mashrou' Leila posted on their Facebook page, Tuesday September 4th: "we will not be opening for the red hot chili peppers on september 6 in beirut"

So, I love Mashrou' Leila and I've listened to their music, watched them perform, reviewed them, met them, interviewed them, and supported them in general for quite a long time... But I'm no fan of their decision to back out of opening for the Red Hot Chili Peppers concert tonight. They knew what they were getting themselves into when they agreed and heavily advertised and promoted their performance. It's very unprofessional to back out last minute, even if they decided to do so due to threats or "solidarity" with whatever cause. I'm not impressed, Leila...

What do you think?

Picture: Live from the EL Hal Romancy Concert at the Hippodrome

Supporting some local music...

Being half Lebanese - though I actually think of myself as a "purebred" Lebanese ;) - and proud, I've created this blog in order to support and promote local talents, i.e: Lebanese talents! There are tons and tons of current talents of various backgrounds, styles, and motivations. Some express their talent in the form of music, others through film making, painting, designing, writing.... The common thread that lies between all of these wonderful artists is the fact that they are Lebanese, and for the most part, proud to be so. Those are the talents I like to support.

Roswell is a band that's been around for quite some time now. I remember watching them perform live at a university sponsored music festival (AUST, Saida) when I was just starting to build my interest in music and live events, which was years ago. First of all, their musical style is heartwarming and pleasant to listen to in a live performance. It's nothing too heavy on the ears, yet not so mellow that it becomes boring. They  have some great originals- 2 albums worth, to be exact- and own up to some great renditions of modern hits by 3 Doors Down, Creed, and the likes. This short introduction does them no justice; however, it is necessary in order for me to be able to bring to light the release of their first music video.

Like No Other is one of Roswell's original songs, and, in my opinion, it exceeds expectations, especially for the style and genre the band covers. I was really impressed when I heard the song, and accompanied by the music video, it really is mind-blowing- to think that the music, acting, directing, filming, and production were all done locally is uplifting.