Blending the vibrant pulse of New York City with the nostalgic warmth of Beirut, John Lebanon continues to carve out a uniquely cross-cultural musical identity. His latest single, “Disco Boi Beirut,” is a reimagining of a song first crafted in 2017, now revived with a faster tempo, deeper roots, and a renewed emotional clarity. Infused with English and Arabic lyrics and powered by memories, heritage, and a touch of disco groove, the track acts as a personal bridge between past and present. As John Lebanon reflects on his journey across cities, cultures, and creative milestones, we sit down with him to explore the story behind the new single, his evolving artistry, and what fans can expect next.
- “Disco Boi Beirut” revisits a song you first created in 2017. How has your artistic perspective evolved since that original version?
Since 2017, my perspective has changed drastically. I’ve gained a lot more confidence singing in Arabic, learned how to make songs more concise, and refined my production and mixing. Revisiting “Disco Boi Beirut” now feels like bringing the original idea into its most focused and authentic form.
- Your music blends NYC energy with Beirut nostalgia. How do these two worlds shape your identity as an artist?
Beirut and NYC both live in my music, but in different ways. NYC gave the original groove, while Beirut shaped how I express it, adding soul, rhythm, and a connection to my roots. This blend defines my sound and identity as an artist.
- Your grandmother played a meaningful role in inspiring the faster, refreshed version of the track. How does family influence your creative process overall?
My family brings me joy and inspiration. Seeing them enjoy my music motivates me, and my grandmother in particular has been a guiding influence throughout my life. She inspired this refreshed version, and I hope to honor her further with a dedicated album in the near future.
- You’ve lived and created music between New York, Boston, Providence, and Beirut. How have these cities contributed to your sound and artistic growth?
Each city shaped the project in its own way. New York brought inspiration from friends like Joe D. Providence gave me the chance to go deeper and connect with collaborators like Aleks K, Isabelle Malhame and Matt Hatch. Boston helped me perfect my craft while meeting amazing people, Matthew Deluccia, Jihad Milan, Gabi Carvajal Poisson, and Karl Deek, who became part of this journey. This project is really a product of all the incredible people I’ve met along the way.
- The track merges English and Arabic to express infatuation and longing. What does this linguistic blend represent for you personally and culturally?
Mixing English and Arabic reflects who I am and where I come from. It’s a way to honor my roots while sharing my story with a wider audience. Culturally, it bridges two worlds, capturing both nostalgia and contemporary experience, and personally, it allows me to express emotion in the language that fits the feeling best.
- The Arabic line “صبية منبعيد ، غنّيلي وتعيد وتعملي حركات” – “Sabiyye mnebeed tghanille wou t3id wou ta3melle harakeit” captures a very specific, poetic moment. What inspired this imagery, and what does it symbolize in the context of the song?
Honestly, the music came first, and I already knew the song would be about her. “Disco Boi” is about trying to get the girl. This lyric came naturally from a specific moment in time. She was visiting Lebanon, and we were dancing at Decks on the Beach at Beirut Sporting Club. She was singing to me from afar, calling me to join the dance. The imagery captures that playful, intimate moment.
- The recording process involved revisiting your earliest studio sessions in Providence and blending them with new Boston recordings. How did it feel to literally merge your musical past and present into one track?
It was a surreal and exciting experience. Listening back to the earliest sessions in Providence reminded me of where I started, while the new Boston recordings reflected who I am now as an artist. Merging them into one track felt like connecting past and present, giving the song a sense of growth and continuity.
- You reunited with long-time collaborators like Matthew Hatch and Isabelle Malhame for this release. How did their contributions help bring this new vision to life?
Working with Matt and Isabelle was incredible. They understand my vision and bring their own creativity and energy, helping me expand the song’s sound while keeping its original spirit. Their contributions were key in turning the refreshed version into something alive and vibrant.
- In such a fast paced AI digital era, how do you see the future of the music industry and its impact on indie artists?
For me, music is about joy and connection. I make it for myself, my family, and friends, and to bring a little vision to life. I hope AI can help with the boring stuff, like taxes or paperwork, so we can spend more time creating things we enjoy but overall I think the future of the music industry will be more appreciative of the unconventional.
- Finally, tell us more about your 2026 plans.
For 2026, I’m really excited about a couple of projects. First is our upcoming album, Kite Without a String, set to release around March or April. It’s definitely our strongest work yet, guitar-driven folk-pop with strong lyrics, great hooks, and, as always, crafted with love and care. I might even play the title track live acoustically at our December 23 show in Beirut.
Beyond that, I’m also working on an album dedicated to my grandmother. This one will lean more into Arabic language and Middle Eastern sounds, celebrating her influence and the music of my roots. Both projects feel very personal, and I can’t wait to share them with listeners.
With “Disco Boi Beirut,” John Lebanon delivers far more than a nostalgic dance track — he offers a heartfelt tribute to memory, identity, and the moments that shape us. His ability to merge languages, cultures, and eras into a seamless sonic experience reveals an artist deeply connected to both his past and his future. As he prepares for intimate performances in Beirut and a major concert in Boston next spring, it’s clear that John Lebanon’s musical journey is only gaining momentum. For listeners around the world, “Disco Boi Beirut” stands as both an invitation and a promise: the best of what he has to offer is still unfolding.
