Youssef Nassar: The Ladder Of Success

Youssef Nassar

Lebanese/Canadian Photographer Youssef Nassar nurtured his passion for photography and film as a Radio/TV student at Notre Dame University (NDU) in Lebanon, and, since then, he has climbed the ladder, making it to the international industry and representing Lebanon with his exquisite talent.

Dark and macabre themes resonate in Youssef's photographs. Recently his work in the music video industry has taken him on a journey alongside someone who he calls his idol,  the prog rock wonder Steven Wilson (a favorite of mine too!) He has definitely made a name for himself in the local arts scene, and now, as he paves his way on an international level, he is certainly a character to keep tabs on!

I had so many questions on my mind to ask Youssef as I've been a fan of his work for quite some time now; the dramatically touching themes and general vibe of his photographs are inspired by the music he listens to and are eye catching, to say the least.

Here is the exchange we had...

Lebanon: Enough Is Enough

Although today I was planning to post an interview with Lebanese photographer Youssef Nassar, I decided instead to refrain from doing so as, in light of the current situation, I feel it inappropriate and disrespectful to speak of anything other than the current crisis our country is facing.

Picture from yesterday's protest by Patrick Mouzawak taken from Facebook

RockRing: They're Back!

As I was once a metal/rock enthusiast, the news was music to my ears: RockRing is back! After a 3 and a half year hiatus, RockRing is back with its main pillars Roy Naufal, Maher Mardini, and Elie Salloum. Their comeback event, the 4th installment of Summer Fusion, will be hosted at Mocean (Kaslik) on August 28, 2015.

Summer Fusion is one of their signature events with previous installments in 2008, 2009, and 2010. This year 14 bands of various genres and styles will take to the stage for a concert that is, without question, the biggest platform for local bands. Aside from live musical performances, your ticket will grant you access to the pool and beach at Mocean, starting 11 AM and going on into the night.

I sat down with the guys for a very fun chat (which quickly turned into a chicken wings and fried pickles feast). Here's what they had to say...

Lara Zankoul: From An Idea To Reality

Lara Zankoul by Cathy Lê Thanh

It all started by leafing through fashion photos in magazines.

Then, at the age of 21, she started splitting her time between her corporate job and her love for photography.

Since then, Lara Zankoul has risen to become an iconic piece in the Lebanese photography scene.

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