The ‘Beirut 20/21’ Compilation is a Postcard of its Time

Want to explore Beirut’s diverse music scene? Pick up the Beirut 20/21 compilation and dive right in. Featuring brand new works by 20 Beirut-based artists, the compilation is “a postcard of its time”. What’s more, each purchase helps support young talent in the wake of dramatic events in the city. It’s almost a year since a devastating explosion ripped through the city’s port and sent a devastating blastwave across Beirut.

Beirut & Beyond commissioned the compilation as part of its Musicians’ Support Programme to help Beirut’s music scene. The organisation called for artists and bands to submit tracks for consideration. “After thoroughly reviewing over 100 applications, our committee selected 20 artists to participate. There was a lot of talent to choose from, which made it both exciting and challenging.”

Snapshot

“Part of the Musicians’ Support Programme we developed in response to the multitude of crises in Lebanon, Beirut 20/21 is a postcard of its time,” said Beirut & Beyond. “This compilation represents a snapshot of Beirut’s widely diverse and rich musical landscape, without pretence, stripping it to the sonic and musical works of its main protagonists.”

The compilation features the avant-pop of Aya Metwalli, the laidback electronic musings of Bonne Chose and Jaafar Touffar’s rap stylings. Electronic punk Kid Fourteen delivers a raspy freakazoid cut, while experimental electronic artist Liliane Chlela menaces the machines. Check out Liliane’s Boiler Room set below. Singer-songwriter Melmo turns in a slice of delicious art pop and multi-instrumentalist Yara Asmar shows off her skills too.

Support

Set up in 2013, Beirut & Beyond is dedicated to promoting the Arab region’s independent music scene. A platform for meetings, showcases and exchange, it encourages networking and collaboration. Its Musicians’ Support Programme provides Lebanon-based musicians with both immediate and long-term career support.

The Beirut 20/21 compilation is out now on all digital platforms. Listen to the album here.

Photo: Liliane Chlela by Tanya Traboulsi

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