Name: Almaazz
Occupation: Singer, songwriter, choreographer
Nationality: Egyptian-Canadian
Current release: Almaazz's Sot Wa Sada EP is out via Precious Metals.
Recommendations: Two pieces of music would be; “Fi Aineky Ghorba” by Mohamed Mounir and “Ana Bashak El Bahr” by Nagat Al-Saghira.



When I listen to music, I see shapes, objects and colours. What happens in your body when you're listening? Do you listen with your eyes open or closed?

When I listen to music I feel the urge to move or dance to a song that I love. I listen with my eyes open for the most part.

What were your very first steps in music like - and how do you rate gains made through experience versus the naiveté of those first steps?

My first steps in music began in my school choir and then deejaying a few years later.

I think the gains made through my personal experience with music, is that it allowed me get to know myself as an artist and explore my abilities. Understanding yourself and knowing your strengths is a unique process that’s part of experience.

The naïveté of those first steps are kind of exciting, because you just get to experiment and try things out. It requires patience and drive, but it’s definitely worth it once you figure out what works for you in the end.

According to scientific studies, we make our deepest and most incisive musical experiences between the ages of 13-16. What did music mean to you at that age and what’s changed since then?

Music meant a lot to me at that age. It was my main source of inspiration and, solace; whether it was translated through singing, dancing or listening.

Especially at 13. I remember that was probably the peak of my desire of wanting to become a singer. I was very passionate and eager, but I didn’t have much luck. Before immigrating my parents were very strict and were against the idea of me pursuing music as a career or becoming an entertainer.

The only thing that’s changed is that I’m finally able to do what I love.

Over the course of your development, what have been your most important instruments and tools and how have they shaped your perspective on music?

I haven’t had the chance to learn how to play any instruments. But, growing up as a rhythmic gymnast and a dancer incredibly shaped my perspective on music and initiated my musicality. Ballet especially, instilled a special love in me for classical music that highly influenced me along my journey.

Also my childhood school prioritised and offered music classes, which was definitely a great educational tool that furthered my interest.

What, would you say, are the key ideas behind your approach to music and what motivates you to create?

When it comes to song writing particularly I like to allow an idea to come to me and then expand on it, rather than forcing something. I get those “aha” moments the most when I’m at work, going for a walk or even when I’m doing absolutely nothing.

What motivates me to create though are my most memorable lived experiences both good and bad. Singing about it is a form of release for me; it’s like ranting in a diary.

Paul Simon said “the way that I listen to my own records is not for the chords or the lyrics - my first impression is of the overall sound.” What's your own take on that and how would you define your personal sound?

I have a natural inclination towards melody and lyricism. Those are the aspects I emphasise and they form the core of my sound.

Sound, song, and rhythm are all around us, from animal noises to the waves of the ocean. What, if any, are some of the most moving experiences you've had with these non-human-made sounds? In how far would you describe them as “musical”?

I’m from Alexandria so I love the sound of the sea or ocean.

My fondest memories of home are mostly at the beach. Whenever I’m surrounded by a body of water it initiates that warm nostalgic feeling that sparks inspiration in me.

From very deep/high/loud/quiet sounds to very long/short/simple/complex compositions - are there extremes in music you feel drawn to and what response do they elicit?

I’m more drawn towards high and euphonious sounds. They elicit a breakthrough feeling almost.

From symphonies and traditional verse/chorus-songs to linear techno tracks and free jazz, there are myriads ways to structure a piece of music. Which approaches work best for you – and why?

I’d say now I go by traditional verse / chorus song structuring. I’m a pop music lover, so that’s the default I catch myself falling into whenever I write.

In the beginning of my writing journey though I was just going off with what I could come up with really. It was more unstructured and unconventional for sure.

Could you describe your creative process on the basis of one of your pieces, live performances or albums that's particularly dear to you, please?

For my EP Sot Wa Sada the vocals were recorded before the instrumentals were produced.

I normally write and record my vocals first, and then send it to the producer. I like this process, that way the producer can truly cater to my vocal style and compliment it well.

Sometimes, science and art converge in unexpected ways. Do you conduct “experiments” or make use of scientific insights when you're making music?

When I was making demos and trying to find my personal voice and style, I was experimenting a lot.

I actually started out by singing in English, and then one time when I was recording I decided to sing this one line in Arabic. That’s when that 180 moment happened.

How does the way you make music reflect the way you live your life? Can we learn lessons about life by understanding music on a deeper level?

The way I make music is definitely different from the way I live my life. I’m more structured and calculated when it comes to my life choices and general decision making.

Music, however is less surgical and more natural for me. It’s more go with the flow I’d say. This is why making music is very freeing because I can just “be”; which is a useful strategy that could also be applied to other life scenarios.

Do you feel as though writing or performing a piece of music is inherently different from something like making a great cup of coffee? What do you express through music that you couldn't or wouldn't in more 'mundane' tasks?

To me writing and performing isn’t comparable to a “mundane” chore nor does it feel super demanding either.

It does require work, commitment and mental capacity except it’s fun and enjoyable. I think the love for it cancels out all the challenges that come with that process or experience.

Every time I listen to "Albedo 0.39" by Vangelis, I choke up. But the lyrics are made up of nothing but numbers and values. Do you, too, have a song or piece of music that affects you in a way that you can't explain?

At the moment it’s “Snijeg Pade Na Behar Na Voce” by Indexi.



The song is performed in Bosnian, which I don’t understand. But its rhythmic backbone and folk and rock elements evoke that similar feeling for me.

If you could make a wish for the future – what are developments in music you would like to see and hear?

I’d say accessibility. I was very lucky to have gone to a school that cared about music. My teachers and environment created a positive impact on me at a young age and I’m very grateful for that.

I come across many families and adults that express their inability to afford music lessons for their kids; and their schools don’t provide useful and fun classes, or any at all really.

Moving forward I hope to see that being available and equally prioritised as other subjects in educational environments.