Khaled Dajani

Palestinian musician Khaled Dajani is probably more qualified than most to sing about the evil of war and needlessness of egotistic governments and militia groups who are prepared to stop at nothing for material gain. It's a subject approached almost from the beginning of his album 'Luci'. After a brief instrumental introduction, Dajani sings "it seems the people can't agree, but we're all the same, it don't make sense to me" on 'Mad World'. As Palestine is still not recognised as a country in it's own right (some may argue it is, but that's a debate for another day) he cites his birthplace as Saudi Arabia but moved to the US aged 16, music from far and wide make up the tracks on this album.

Loosely described by the even looser term "world fusion", 'Luci' is an album which is build upon western alt-rock sounds but incorporates more diverse instrumentation; Middle-Eastern percussion, Latin American guitar and Mariachi horns are among the sounds spread through these songs. Add to that the influence of Americana, folk and even metal and you've got an eclectic mix. You'd be forgiven for thinking it's all going a bit Yeasayer but nothing here really compares directly to their similarly worldwide-influenced alt-pop, this is more Asian than African. Take 'Trouble'; it begins like a mid-period Beatles number before allowing those unusual sounds and rhythms to take over with some frantic guitar and then a conventional rock band entering the fray. You can feel the harder influence on some of the guitar later in the track.

Because of this, fans of more conventional rock/pop may be put off by the exotic an unfamiliar influence, but then for each "world fusion" track there a more traditional alt-rock number like the romantic 'Lazy River' or pretty acoustics of 'Timeless'. If you are bored with the regular sounds of "western" music then 'Motions Of The Dancers' offer a glimpse into a less familiar culture and make 'Luci' a truly global sounding album, one with depth and cultures colliding, something which is captured perfectly on 'All Mine'. The atmospheric 'Falling' is a closer look at the music of his homeland and one that takes you on something of a journey. The verdict: eclectic, impassioned and a welcome break from the norm - Sound of Confusion

Palestinian musician Khaled Dajani is probably more qualified than most to sing about the evil of war and needlessness of egotistic governments and militia groups who are prepared to stop at nothing for material gain. It's a subject approached almost from the beginning of his album 'Luci'. After a brief instrumental introduction, Dajani sings "it seems the people can't agree, but we're all the same, it don't make sense to me" on 'Mad World'. As Palestine is still not recognised as a country in it's own right (some may argue it is, but that's a debate for another day) he cites his birthplace as Saudi Arabia but moved to the US aged 16, music from far and wide make up the tracks on this album.

Loosely described by the even looser term "world fusion", 'Luci' is an album which is build upon western alt-rock sounds but incorporates more diverse instrumentation; Middle-Eastern percussion, Latin American guitar and Mariachi horns are among the sounds spread through these songs. Add to that the influence of Americana, folk and even metal and you've got an eclectic mix. You'd be forgiven for thinking it's all going a bit Yeasayer but nothing here really compares directly to their similarly worldwide-influenced alt-pop, this is more Asian than African. Take 'Trouble'; it begins like a mid-period Beatles number before allowing those unusual sounds and rhythms to take over with some frantic guitar and then a conventional rock band entering the fray. You can feel the harder influence on some of the guitar later in the track.

Because of this, fans of more conventional rock/pop may be put off by the exotic an unfamiliar influence, but then for each "world fusion" track there a more traditional alt-rock number like the romantic 'Lazy River' or pretty acoustics of 'Timeless'. If you are bored with the regular sounds of "western" music then 'Motions Of The Dancers' offer a glimpse into a less familiar culture and make 'Luci' a truly global sounding album, one with depth and cultures colliding, something which is captured perfectly on 'All Mine'. The atmospheric 'Falling' is a closer look at the music of his homeland and one that takes you on something of a journey. The verdict: eclectic, impassioned and a welcome break from the norm - Sound of Confusion

Video: Solo performance on internationally syndicated TV show. - MBC

Video: Solo performance on internationally syndicated TV show. - MBC

No hate. No war. No more. is a day that I’ve been begging for.

Meet me where the sky and sea meet and I’ll show, baby this is a mad world.
Meet me where no other creeps and I’ll show you, baby this is a mad world.”

Words that couldn’t be more fitting on what I’m thinking quite often. In his new song , Mad World, KHALED DAJANI brings theses thoughts to words and expresses them in a wonderful song. Born in Saudi Arabia, KHALED DAJANI moved to the US when he was 16 and, against his traditional upbringing, chose to pursue his musical passion with a vengeance. “I was always told, ‘Wise up and get a job and start a family!’ It only made me want to work harder on my craft, so I developed my voice, guitar technique, and unique composition style that I call alternative world fusion.” Now he releases his new record Luci, which is a concept album that brings together art, poetry and bold musical combinations, including Middle Eastern and Spanish guitar, driving horns, rock guitar and percussion, and passionate strings.

To be honest, I’m usually not that much into world music. Neither into Middle Eastern music nor Spanish guitar sounds. Somehow it never got me. But with Mad World, KHALED DAJANI hit me hard and I can’t stop listening to it. So there are two options: first, KHALED DAJANI just converted me or second, this is a mad world. One thing is for sure: this is the “Sound Of The Day” and KHALED DAJANI needs to be heard.

Meet the “Sound Of The Day” where the sky and sea meet and KHALED DAJANI shows your that this is a mad mad world with wonderful music. Enjoy! - Nothing but Hope and Happiness

No hate. No war. No more. is a day that I’ve been begging for.

Meet me where the sky and sea meet and I’ll show, baby this is a mad world.
Meet me where no other creeps and I’ll show you, baby this is a mad world.”

Words that couldn’t be more fitting on what I’m thinking quite often. In his new song , Mad World, KHALED DAJANI brings theses thoughts to words and expresses them in a wonderful song. Born in Saudi Arabia, KHALED DAJANI moved to the US when he was 16 and, against his traditional upbringing, chose to pursue his musical passion with a vengeance. “I was always told, ‘Wise up and get a job and start a family!’ It only made me want to work harder on my craft, so I developed my voice, guitar technique, and unique composition style that I call alternative world fusion.” Now he releases his new record Luci, which is a concept album that brings together art, poetry and bold musical combinations, including Middle Eastern and Spanish guitar, driving horns, rock guitar and percussion, and passionate strings.

To be honest, I’m usually not that much into world music. Neither into Middle Eastern music nor Spanish guitar sounds. Somehow it never got me. But with Mad World, KHALED DAJANI hit me hard and I can’t stop listening to it. So there are two options: first, KHALED DAJANI just converted me or second, this is a mad world. One thing is for sure: this is the “Sound Of The Day” and KHALED DAJANI needs to be heard.

Meet the “Sound Of The Day” where the sky and sea meet and KHALED DAJANI shows your that this is a mad mad world with wonderful music. Enjoy! - Nothing but Hope and Happiness

In Riffraf’s Indie Spotlight, we feature talented indie artists from around the world who create music, record, and tour without the support of a major label or financial backing.

When Khaled Dajani came to America at 16, his goal was to make music. With his new album Luci, Khaled creates a concept album about temptation using sounds from around the world, all still deeply rooted in rock-n-roll.

We spoke to Khaled about how he got started and the ways music can be both primal and liberating.

What made you want to start playing music?

I’ve always been drawn to music. It’s all in the verb, “playing.” I like to play. Not only was it fun, it was a liberating form of expression. My childhood best friend getting a guitar had something to do with it as well.

How would you describe your sound?

Alternative World Fusion. Rock-n-roll with a blend of Spanish and Middle Eastern music. The sound is intense and progressive.

What are some of the biggest influences, music or otherwise?

Life is full of experiences that will change you. All one has to do is be open to it. Sound is primal. Might just be vibrations but it affects me on a deep level. Sound isn’t the only influence. It can be words, pictures, everything and anything.

As far as musical influences, I grew up with an eclectic mix of music: Nirvana, Metallica, Rage Against the Machine, Tool, A Perfect Circle, System of a Down are some of the names. I also love Paco De Lucia, Chopin, Ziad Rahbani, A Tribe Called Quest, Michael Jackson, Led Zepplin, Jeff Buckley, Portishead and many more.

What’s the best concert you’ve ever attended?

It’s a close call between Tool and Paco De Lucia.



What inspired you to write a concept album?

I love stories, and a story can be told in different ways. I also love a good challenge, and this was certainly one. When the songs started coming together, I heard the pattern and knew what direction it was headed. Those stories are a reflection of the time and place I was in.

When you started Luci, you said you set out to “record one of the most influential albums of all time.” Did that goal inspire you to try so many different styles and sounds?

I have always aspired to write one of the most influential albums of all time. I knew I had the resources to make Luci the production I always heard in my head when I played the music. That is significant because it provided a new drive and confidence. The music was already written. I wanted to make sure it would fully realize itself.

What was the songwriting process like for Luci?

It was a series of happy accidents. Some songs wrote themselves. Others were a longer process. “Luci” and “Yellow Bird” wrote themselves in a way. They took some refining over time, but they came like a vision and it was clear from the start. “A Mad World” and “All Mine” were a process to find the best placements and feel. “Lazy River” was a surprise. I remember thinking to myself, “I never thought I’d write something like this.” And even when I did, I thought it wasn’t my style. But it was such a good song I knew I had to make it mine.

Is there a song on Luci you’re most proud of?

I’m proud of all of them. I couldn’t choose between any of my children. However, I can tell you which two I am happiest about being able to fully realize. “Falling” and “Luci” take the cake. I’m happy I was able to get them out of my head. - RiffRaf Magazine

In Riffraf’s Indie Spotlight, we feature talented indie artists from around the world who create music, record, and tour without the support of a major label or financial backing.

When Khaled Dajani came to America at 16, his goal was to make music. With his new album Luci, Khaled creates a concept album about temptation using sounds from around the world, all still deeply rooted in rock-n-roll.

We spoke to Khaled about how he got started and the ways music can be both primal and liberating.

What made you want to start playing music?

I’ve always been drawn to music. It’s all in the verb, “playing.” I like to play. Not only was it fun, it was a liberating form of expression. My childhood best friend getting a guitar had something to do with it as well.

How would you describe your sound?

Alternative World Fusion. Rock-n-roll with a blend of Spanish and Middle Eastern music. The sound is intense and progressive.

What are some of the biggest influences, music or otherwise?

Life is full of experiences that will change you. All one has to do is be open to it. Sound is primal. Might just be vibrations but it affects me on a deep level. Sound isn’t the only influence. It can be words, pictures, everything and anything.

As far as musical influences, I grew up with an eclectic mix of music: Nirvana, Metallica, Rage Against the Machine, Tool, A Perfect Circle, System of a Down are some of the names. I also love Paco De Lucia, Chopin, Ziad Rahbani, A Tribe Called Quest, Michael Jackson, Led Zepplin, Jeff Buckley, Portishead and many more.

What’s the best concert you’ve ever attended?

It’s a close call between Tool and Paco De Lucia.



What inspired you to write a concept album?

I love stories, and a story can be told in different ways. I also love a good challenge, and this was certainly one. When the songs started coming together, I heard the pattern and knew what direction it was headed. Those stories are a reflection of the time and place I was in.

When you started Luci, you said you set out to “record one of the most influential albums of all time.” Did that goal inspire you to try so many different styles and sounds?

I have always aspired to write one of the most influential albums of all time. I knew I had the resources to make Luci the production I always heard in my head when I played the music. That is significant because it provided a new drive and confidence. The music was already written. I wanted to make sure it would fully realize itself.

What was the songwriting process like for Luci?

It was a series of happy accidents. Some songs wrote themselves. Others were a longer process. “Luci” and “Yellow Bird” wrote themselves in a way. They took some refining over time, but they came like a vision and it was clear from the start. “A Mad World” and “All Mine” were a process to find the best placements and feel. “Lazy River” was a surprise. I remember thinking to myself, “I never thought I’d write something like this.” And even when I did, I thought it wasn’t my style. But it was such a good song I knew I had to make it mine.

Is there a song on Luci you’re most proud of?

I’m proud of all of them. I couldn’t choose between any of my children. However, I can tell you which two I am happiest about being able to fully realize. “Falling” and “Luci” take the cake. I’m happy I was able to get them out of my head. - RiffRaf Magazine

The Skinny: Born in Saudi Arabia, Khaled Dajani moved to the US when he was 16 and, against his traditional upbringing, chose to pursue his musical passion with a vengeance. With the help of fan donations, Dajani brought his vision to life with the making of Luci, a concept album that brings together art, poetry and bold musical combinations, including Middle Eastern and Spanish guitar, driving horns, rock guitar and percussion, and passionate strings.? Dajani performs regularly throughout New York City, Hoboken, Washington DC, and Pittsburgh. He has already released three albums independently and has toured the US extensively. He also plans to release a series of thematic music videos after Luci’s release. - Pure Grain Audio

The Skinny: Born in Saudi Arabia, Khaled Dajani moved to the US when he was 16 and, against his traditional upbringing, chose to pursue his musical passion with a vengeance. With the help of fan donations, Dajani brought his vision to life with the making of Luci, a concept album that brings together art, poetry and bold musical combinations, including Middle Eastern and Spanish guitar, driving horns, rock guitar and percussion, and passionate strings.? Dajani performs regularly throughout New York City, Hoboken, Washington DC, and Pittsburgh. He has already released three albums independently and has toured the US extensively. He also plans to release a series of thematic music videos after Luci’s release. - Pure Grain Audio

Delivering a nice blend of energetic flamenco-flavored grooviness and laid-back contemplative sensitivity, this eleven song album supplies a steady succession of tasty licks, poignant moments of reflection, and thrilling kicks. We’re talking straight-up no-bullshit meat and potatoes rock’n’roll here along with a good deal of more low-key and cerebral introspection tossed in for good measure, with lively passionate vocals soaring over a dynamic array of surging basslines, snappy guitar riffs, and forward-ho jumpin’ drums on the faster cuts and more pleasant whispery singing plus appropriately tuneful and delicate melodies on the quietly thoughtful numbers. Tasty stuff. - JerseyBeat.com - Joe Wawrzyniak

Delivering a nice blend of energetic flamenco-flavored grooviness and laid-back contemplative sensitivity, this eleven song album supplies a steady succession of tasty licks, poignant moments of reflection, and thrilling kicks. We’re talking straight-up no-bullshit meat and potatoes rock’n’roll here along with a good deal of more low-key and cerebral introspection tossed in for good measure, with lively passionate vocals soaring over a dynamic array of surging basslines, snappy guitar riffs, and forward-ho jumpin’ drums on the faster cuts and more pleasant whispery singing plus appropriately tuneful and delicate melodies on the quietly thoughtful numbers. Tasty stuff. - JerseyBeat.com - Joe Wawrzyniak

Alternative world fusion. That’s right, it’s a genre. And Palestinian musician Khaled Dajani fits right into, if not defines it entirely.

With his first guitar around age 11, Dajani popped his songwriter cherry with the obligatory Nirvana-esque songs characteristic of a teen metalhead planting his roots in the music soil. Years later, he has created a perfect blend of the middle-eastern music he grew up with, Spanish music he’s been exposed to and his first love, rock and roll. Influenced also by a wide array of artists, ranging from Tool to Stevie Wonder (let the record show he also blatantly appreciated some Etta James while we talked), Dajani has no choice but to spawn his own brand of music to match his personal style.

Much of the fuel for this new fusion of beautiful sounds has been a direct result of the natural growth process any good musician experiences.

“My experience has shaped my music and what I wanted to do with my life,” he admits. “It’s kinda really what you’re feeling. Through this last record I learned that the more honest you are with yourself, the better the lyrics are gonna come out.”

Dajani has come to terms with expressing himself in pure form through his music, but he notes that being so open with himself took time.

“Sometimes you wanna hide things because you’re not sure how it’s gonna be perceived, but that’s what art is supposed to be anyway,” he says. “You’re supposed to show what we really are as people, as humans. You just have to put it all out there and see what happens.”

Over time, Dajani’s experiences, whether bad or good, have played integral parts in his development as a musician, and as it turns out, a pretty awesome guy. In addition to his everyday musical life, Dajani volunteers as a hospital musician in the city. By his account, he goes into rooms with a host and offers to play music. While some patients do decline, others don’t, and when Dajani plays for his ailing audience, everyone wins.

“I love it. It really reminds you of why you’re doing this,” he expresses. “You walk in and someone is down, then you leave and they’re smiling. It’s very cool.”

This mindset drives home the feeling behind Dajani’s opinion of his music career thus far.

“I’ve been very successful as a musician,” he maintains. “I haven’t made millions, and I’m not world famous, but that wasn’t ever really the point. The hardest thing about all of it is you wanna do so much for the love of music, for the love of art, for the love of connecting people, but money…money always holds you back. You just have to find a way to be as creative as you can, be as innovative as you can and do your best to reach out. It’s true we have the internet and you have access to reach all these people, but because there’s so much information, people are just bombarded by it, and how are you going to get anyone’s ear?”

Dajani seems to have found one answer in his first performance at New York City’s CMJ Music Marathon. His CMJ debut goes down at 5:15 tomorrow at Houston St.’s ZirZamin. NY Social Status may or may not (that means it’s happening) be leaving work early tomorrow to catch this show, and you would be wise to do the same. Do you really need an excuse to duck out of work early? - NY Social Status

Alternative world fusion. That’s right, it’s a genre. And Palestinian musician Khaled Dajani fits right into, if not defines it entirely.

With his first guitar around age 11, Dajani popped his songwriter cherry with the obligatory Nirvana-esque songs characteristic of a teen metalhead planting his roots in the music soil. Years later, he has created a perfect blend of the middle-eastern music he grew up with, Spanish music he’s been exposed to and his first love, rock and roll. Influenced also by a wide array of artists, ranging from Tool to Stevie Wonder (let the record show he also blatantly appreciated some Etta James while we talked), Dajani has no choice but to spawn his own brand of music to match his personal style.

Much of the fuel for this new fusion of beautiful sounds has been a direct result of the natural growth process any good musician experiences.

“My experience has shaped my music and what I wanted to do with my life,” he admits. “It’s kinda really what you’re feeling. Through this last record I learned that the more honest you are with yourself, the better the lyrics are gonna come out.”

Dajani has come to terms with expressing himself in pure form through his music, but he notes that being so open with himself took time.

“Sometimes you wanna hide things because you’re not sure how it’s gonna be perceived, but that’s what art is supposed to be anyway,” he says. “You’re supposed to show what we really are as people, as humans. You just have to put it all out there and see what happens.”

Over time, Dajani’s experiences, whether bad or good, have played integral parts in his development as a musician, and as it turns out, a pretty awesome guy. In addition to his everyday musical life, Dajani volunteers as a hospital musician in the city. By his account, he goes into rooms with a host and offers to play music. While some patients do decline, others don’t, and when Dajani plays for his ailing audience, everyone wins.

“I love it. It really reminds you of why you’re doing this,” he expresses. “You walk in and someone is down, then you leave and they’re smiling. It’s very cool.”

This mindset drives home the feeling behind Dajani’s opinion of his music career thus far.

“I’ve been very successful as a musician,” he maintains. “I haven’t made millions, and I’m not world famous, but that wasn’t ever really the point. The hardest thing about all of it is you wanna do so much for the love of music, for the love of art, for the love of connecting people, but money…money always holds you back. You just have to find a way to be as creative as you can, be as innovative as you can and do your best to reach out. It’s true we have the internet and you have access to reach all these people, but because there’s so much information, people are just bombarded by it, and how are you going to get anyone’s ear?”

Dajani seems to have found one answer in his first performance at New York City’s CMJ Music Marathon. His CMJ debut goes down at 5:15 tomorrow at Houston St.’s ZirZamin. NY Social Status may or may not (that means it’s happening) be leaving work early tomorrow to catch this show, and you would be wise to do the same. Do you really need an excuse to duck out of work early? - NY Social Status

...one of the most engaging and eclectic local releases of the year...the intricacy and passion of [Khaled's] guitar transcends language and culture and more than stands on its own...creating a freewheeling mix of love songs and instrumentals that truly earns the title 'world music. - Jim Testa on NJ.com