Latest news with #MDLBEASTRecords
CairoScene
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
Asayel Fires Back at Haters with ‘100/100'
The track frames self-belief as propulsion for the Saudi rapper's ambition, flipping criticism into fuel. Aug 14, 2025 Jeddah rapper Asayel returns with '100/100,' a fierce new single on MDLBEAST Records. A barbed response to doubters, it runs on assertive drums and a bruising low end while Asayel cuts through with tight wordplay and unflinching flow. The track frames self-belief as propulsion for her ambition, flipping criticism into fuel. It follows her breakout 'Asliyah' and live sets from MDLBEAST's Soundstorm to the label's London showcase in June, another clear marker from a rising Saudi hip-hop voice.
Arab News
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
An anthem for unspoken love: Zeyne discusses her latest release, ‘Hilwa'
DHAHRAN: Palestinian-Jordanian artist Zeyne is here for her close-up — and she's bringing the inspirational women in her family along. For the latest updates, follow us on Instagram @ Zeyne's latest single 'Hilwa' dropped this week and the artwork — shot by Zaid Allozi — shows three women interlocked by their braided hair. 'The image shows three generations — me, my mother, and my grandmother — all connected by one continuous braid. It's a symbol of inheritance; the quiet strength and love passed from one woman to the next,' Zeyne tells Arab News. 'The braid holds the kind of love that isn't always spoken, but is deeply felt and remembered.' The 27-year-old is using her music to reclaim narrative, identity and joy — singing of Arab womanhood in its most defiant, soulful and cinematic form. 'We shot (the artwork) in a handmade mudbrick house in the Jordan Valley, built using traditional Levantine methods. These homes — found across Palestine, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon — aren't just sustainable, they carry memory. They connect us to land, to lineage, and to something deeper,' Zeyne says. 'Hilwa' is an uplifting anthem released via Saudi-based MDLBEAST Records, in partnership with Zeyne's own label, Scarab Records. 'When we saw the vision Zeyne and her team had, it was a no brainer, we were ready to jump right in and help amplify what was already there and build together towards a sustainable, long-running, global project stemming from the heart of the MENA region,' Talal Albahiti, COO and head of talent at MDLBEAST, tells Arab News. 'MDLBEAST Records always champions the upcoming hard workers and visionaries, and Zeyne exemplifies these qualities perfectly.' Following Zeyne's 2024 hit 'Asli Ana,' which reimagined Arab rhythmic traditions through a futuristic lens, 'Hilwa' pays homage to her mother and grandmother, whose love and wisdom deeply shaped her sense of identity. 'While 'Asli Ana' was about resistance, 'Hilwa' is softer,' she says. Through Zeyne's reflective lyrics and emotional vocal delivery, 'Hilwa' explores how beauty and self-worth are inherited — not just genetically, but through stories, memories, and values passed down by generations of Arab women. 'You're so beautiful and no one can say otherwise,' she sings at one point. Born Zein Sajdi in Amman in 1997, Zeyne was raised in a household where music and culture were key. Her father was a record collector, her mother led a dabke troupe, and her sister trained as a classical pianist. Zeyne began performing aged five and was already writing her own lyrics in her teens. She studied sociology and media communications at the University of Sussex in the UK, but the COVID-19 pandemic redirected her path. Returning to Amman in 2020, she turned her full attention to music — writing, recording and developing her distinct sound. Since the release of her 2021 debut single, 'Minni Ana,' Zeyne has carved a singular lane in Arab pop — merging traditional Arabic sounds with modern, genre-defying production. Since then, she has released several acclaimed singles, collaborated with artists including Palestinian singer-songwriter Saint Levant, and written for fellow Jordanian-Palestinian musician Issam Alnajjar, Lebanese-Canadian singer-songwriter Massari, and the acclaimed Chilean-Palestinian star Elyanna. With more than 46 million streams across various platforms, Zeyne's music has become a touchstone for Arab youth globally, offering a sound that is intimate, cinematic and emotionally resonant. Her boundary-pushing sound and evocative vocals have established her as one of the region's most important cultural voices. Earlier this year, she launched a three-stop regional mini tour, 'The Golden-Hour Run,' that included a landmark performance at the OffLimits Festival in the UAE and stadium appearances as a special guest on Ed Sheeran's Mathematics Tour in Qatar and Bahrain, where she performed to over 65,000 people. She became the first female artist from the Levant to appear on the globally renowned music platform COLORS with her song 'Ma Bansak,' and a viral performance in collaboration with Bottega Veneta blurred the lines between fashion, music, and Palestinian resistance. A post shared by zeyne | زين (@zeyne) But Zeyne's influence stretches far beyond music. As an EQUAL Arabia ambassador, she lit up Times Square in New York City, solidifying her status as an emerging symbol of contemporary Arab identity and woman empowerment. Her inclusion in the DAZED Global 100 further cemented her status as a fearless voice reshaping representation and storytelling in and beyond the region. 'Hilwa' captures all of that—vulnerability, defiance, and a deep sense of generational continuity. On Instagram, she wrote that the song stems from an assembly line of greatness, and is 'a love letter to all the women in my life — my mother, my grandmother and even my younger self — you are beautiful, and no words can say otherwise.' This summer, Zeyne brings that message to the stage. She will perform in London on July 19 and 20, Paris on July 22, and Jerash on July 28, before heading to Saudi Arabia for back-to-back concerts in Riyadh on Aug. 7 and Jeddah on Aug. 8.
CairoScene
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
Shkoon Realeases ‘Greater Than One' Remix EP
Shkoon's new remix EP reimagines their album 'Greater Than One' with global collaborators AWEN, Imad, and Nandu, fusing cultures, club sounds, and deep emotional layers into bold new forms. Jun 19, 2025 Shkoon, the genre-blurring electronic duo known for weaving Arabic folklore into forward-facing club sounds, drop 'Greater Than One (Remixes)', a reimagined journey through their 2022 album. Out now via MDLBEAST Records, the remix EP brings together a global lineup of producers who expand Shkoon's sonic universe while honoring its emotional and cultural core. The project kicks off with a deep and moody take on 'Mili' from South African-born AWEN, whose remix folds warm piano motifs into pulsing deep house textures. Next, Lebanese-Nigerian producer Imad flips 'Souf' into a driving Afrohouse hybrid, merging rhythmic percussion with Middle Eastern scales in a rich cross-cultural flow. Finally, Danish artist Nandu delivers an intricate club rework of 'Jadal', lacing the track with oud, violin, and tight percussion that turns its slow-burning tension into pure dancefloor alchemy. With each remix, Shkoon's sound becomes even more borderless. From Beirut to Lagos to Copenhagen, 'Greater Than One (Remixes)' is less about reworking old tracks and more about pushing the story forward. It's an invitation into a shared musical language, one that transcends time, place, and genre.
Identity
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Identity
Shkoon Drops ‘Greater Than One (Remixes)' EP, Giving ‘Mili,' ‘Souf,' and ‘Jadal' a Second Life
Shkoon just released Greater Than One (Remixes), a three-track EP that hands over their original work to a trio of international producers, each offering a fresh perspective on the group's blend of Arabic soul and electronic depth. Out via MDLBEAST Records, the EP kicks off with Berlin-based AWEN's moody, cinematic take on 'Mili', layering rich synths and deep bass around the track's emotional core. Lebanese-Nigerian producer Imad reimagines 'Souf' through an Afrohouse lens, building a rhythmic pulse that bridges his cultural roots and Shkoon's signature tension. Closing the release is Danish producer Nandu, who transforms 'Jadal' into a hypnotic, progressive house journey, stretching the original into a slow-burning, layered ascent. Each remix stands on its own while expanding the emotional and sonic language of Shkoon's Greater Than One album — a project already rooted in cultural fusion and introspection.
Arab News
20-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
How AI is transforming music discovery and production in Saudi Arabia
RIYADH: As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, its influence in Saudi Arabia and globally extends far beyond personalizing music experiences. It is reshaping how music is created, consumed, and taught, revolutionizing the industry. Musicians across the Kingdom are embracing new technology, with major local initiatives such as MDLBEAST Records leading the charge. 'MDLBEAST Records believes AI is a powerful tool for sparking initial creative inspiration in music production — whether generating a first beat, a musical bar, or a legitimate sample,' Matthew Dicks, executive director of music and talent at MDLBEAST Records, told Arab News. 'We encourage our artists to explore these possibilities within a framework of creative freedom.' Launched in 2020, MDLBEAST Records is a Saudi Arabia label that promotes and develops talent from the Middle East and North Africa region. Part of MDLBEAST entertainment, its roster includes local stars Cosmicat and Dish Dash, among others, along with international names including Salvatore Ganacci. While embracing AI's creative potential, he emphasized the importance of ethics. 'We also recognize the ethical complexities surrounding AI in music,' said Dicks. 'It is paramount that the rights of original songwriters and rights holders are always respected. 'Copying, ripping, replicating, or infringing on intellectual property is strictly unacceptable. We are committed to navigating the evolving landscape of AI in music responsibly, ensuring its use enhances human creativity while upholding the integrity of artistic ownership.' Beyond MDLBEAST Records, Saudi Arabia is making strides in preserving its musical heritage while fostering innovation. In late 2024, the Saudi Music Commission launched MusiqAI, an initiative integrating AI-driven interactive learning to teach both Arab and Western instruments. Unlike global platforms such as Suno, AIVA and Soundful, MusiqAI prioritizes Saudi sounds and Arab musical heritage, offering lessons on traditional instruments including the oud and qanun alongside the piano and guitar. In line with Vision 2030, the platform nurtures musical talent through AI-powered real-time feedback, personalized lesson plans, and accredited certifications. By blending cultural preservation with advanced technology, it aims to set a new standard for digital music education both regionally and globally. • The global market for AI in music is projected to grow from $3.9 billion in 2023 to $38.7 billion by 2033. • AI tools such as AIVA, Mubert, and Suno are already used for backing tracks, jingles, and even entire songs. • Platforms like Spotify use AI to analyze user preferences and suggest music based on listening habits. AI has also been used to enhance music discovery by adapting to individual preferences in real time, striking a balance between familiarity and exploration. 'AI and personalization help you listen to more of what you like,' Akshat Harbola, managing director of Spotify MENA, told Arab News. 'And then what we try to do is introduce you to something you haven't been exposed to in the past, but you might like it.' As generative AI advances, the cost of developing innovative listening experiences is falling — a shift that Harbola believes is transformative for the industry. 'If we were to try to do something like this maybe five years back, it would be impossible because the cost would be so high,' he said. 'You would have had to hire transcribers, producers, and you just wouldn't be able to do it. 'But now we are able to deliver these personalized sessions to millions of users.' Despite AI's growing influence, Harbola said human expertise will remain essential. 'The role of humans in AI, and when it comes to personalization, is actually going to increase over time — especially in music,' he said. He also highlighted the importance of cultural nuances in AI-driven recommendations, noting that even shared musical tastes can differ by location. 'Even if you have the same music taste, what makes sense for somebody in Jeddah may not make sense for somebody in Sao Paulo,' he said. 'So it's very important that human and cultural expertise is built into what the machines are recommending and the products we're rolling out.' Nevertheless, as AI continues to reshape the music industry, ethical concerns surrounding copyright and artistic integrity remain a significant topic of debate among musicians and creators. Addressing these concerns, Harbola emphasized the platform's strict stance on copyright compliance. 'We are very clear that any content that infringes copyright cannot be on Spotify,' he said. Siddiq 'Sidney' Malik, a filmmaker and user of AI in music, echoed this sentiment. 'We're at the intersection of creativity and technology,' he told Arab News. 'We're sort of working to adapt the future of entertainment while we're actively shaping it.' Malik views AI as an empowering tool that is cost-effective, innovative, and cutting-edge, particularly in breaking linguistic barriers. 'This allows for a new era of accessibility and artistic expression,' he said. 'It's more than just a basic tool.' Malik said it is not just about typing a prompt into a platform like ChatGPT — it is about creating an entire ecosystem. 'We're deeply invested in the transformative power of AI music, but the key thing is that we believe it's not about replacing human creativity — it's about amplifying it,' he said. However, he warned that musicians who resist AI adoption could later face competition from advanced tools. 'It's a critical moment for creators whereby if they do not embrace and collaborate with AI, they run the risk of competing with AI — which will be impossible.' Drawing parallels to shifts in the film industry, Malik noted how creatives have adapted before and must do so again to embrace AI's possibilities. 'I think we have had these shifts — analog to digital to virtual and now artificial,' he said. 'AI gives artists the power to be the masters of their own destiny, which is very important in the music industry.' Riyadh-based musician Lun encapsulates the cautious yet curious approach many artists are taking toward the rapidly evolving music landscape shaped by AI. 'I have not used AI before in my own music because I never thought I needed to. But as a tool, it can be of help,' he told Arab News. While intrigued by AI's potential, Lun highlighted ethical concerns that remain central to discussions across the industry. 'If an artist uses it to help with something they're stuck on — to compile ideas so they can come up with an original part on their own — then I don't see any harm in it,' he said. 'But if they use the tool to write the entire thing from A to Z, then I think we have a problem because it is no longer the artist who composed it, regardless of how they spin it.'
