Sanam

SANAM is a musical force of nature. The Beirut-based sextet is considered one of the most striking projects of the Lebanese underground scene – a scene, which has maintained its relentless creative strength despite political unrest, protests, and life on the edge of society. SANAM combine psychedelic rock, krautrock, jazz and contemporary Arabic poetry in order to create their own exceptionally intense hybrid avant-rock style.

The band developed their characteristic sound during a recording residency in rural Lebanon. Far from the urban frenzy of Beirut yet still sensing the ever-present instability, Sandy Chamoun (vocals), Antonio Hajj (bass), Farah Kaddour (buzuq), Anthony Sahyoun (guitar, synths), Pascal Semerdjian (drums), and Marwan Tohme (guitar) decided to form a solid unit. There is so much momentum to the meeting of these six different musical biographies, which in turn leads to the band’s highly unpredictable compositions. 

Their debut album Aykathani Malakon is a radical commitment to the present moment. Played live and without any overdubs, the recording disregards the smooth perfection of the studio. This deliberate decision opens up space for improvisation and enables a necessary friction between the instruments. The result is an immersive, almost otherworldly soundscape in which the traditional buzuq is paired with distorted guitars and powerful krautrock-esque rhythms.

The band channels the urgency and emotional turbulence of modern life in the Middle East. SANAM interlace the compositions of legendary Egyptian musician Sayyid Darwish with poetry by the contemporary Lebanese poets Bassem Hajjar and Paul Shaoul. Sung compellingly by Sandy Chamoun, the texts reach an equilibrium between contemplative depth and energetic, almost rebellious energy.

Following their debut on the British label Mais Um Discos (2023), the band received widespread international acclaim in media outlets such as The Guardian, The Wire, and the BBC.

Sandy Chamoun – Vocals

Farah Kaddour – Buzuq

Marwan Tohme – Guitar

Anthony Sahyoun – Guitar / Synth

Antonio Hajj – Bass

Pascal Semerdjian – Drums