Similar to her artistic creations, the EP is heavily influenced by her Spanish heritage. Traditional Spanish music alongside America’s long history of Latin pop marks the EP. Her dedication to experimentation and discovery, however, is pushing her beyond generic reproduction of the genre. That is mainly the case due to the tracks’ diversity in style, themes, and music, despite the EP consisting of only 5 tracks. 

Collaborating with producer Lloyd Miller of Spirit Song Studios for the EP, Michellar‘s lyrical focus alongside Miller’s dedication to producing positive and meaningful music, with Miller coming from a mainly faith-music background, underlines songs like Ave Maria. The song aims to take the traditional hymn beyond Christian exclusivity, imagining prayer without and beyond specific religions, making the song a mix between a prayer and metatext on what prayer can be. 

From there, the EP moves to traditional love songs with “Samba with Me” and “If It’s Only for One Night”, the latter a highlight of the EP. With a Spanish version set for release on the 25th this July, the song’s raw simplicity doesn’t hinder the mix of different cultural influences, between country and 70s/80s Spanish Music reminiscent of Julio Iglesias. Both songs share a certain summer-breeze quality that lovingly passes over the listener, bringing with it a sense of nostalgia to a long-gone time, a quality that can also be appreciated in the EP’s cover painting.

Harmoniously, the remaining tracks cover completely different grounds. “The Deep”, featuring Christina Rntd, is an existential interrogation of the self and an affirmation of freedom with a haunting, determined melody. On the other hand, “California Fields” distantly echoes Eagles’ “Hotel California” in both its musical style and its love-hate relationship with the city and the power it holds over all who enter, while adding a layer of ecological awareness that haunts the song, especially in light of the recent wildfires. 

Michellar‘s latest singles have prepared her well for her first EP. Diverse musically and thematically, Michelle also brings to it a history of artistic endeavors that leave their mark on the music’s soulfulness. In this manner, Michellar will prove herself to be as good a musician and songwriter as she is a painter. Light and emotionally sincere, the EP is a fitting soundtrack for our summer nights. 

A vibrant musical collective based in the heart of Houston, Texas, Ritmo Lokura is a band shock-full of talent and of style. ‘Te Lo Digo A Ti’ is the title of the group’s latest genre-defying single. A blend of reggae and latin music, with no small amount of soul, pop, and ska thrown in the mix. The results are electrifying and groovy.

During the song’s relatively normal runtime of little under 4 minutes, the group manage to squeeze in a sizable instrumental guitar intro that’s way too sweet and soulful for words to describe. Right afterwards the song begins to reveal its stylistic acrobatics. With a beat that’s solid and rocking, brushing off against the syncopated, upbeat-heavy rhythm guitar part, funky and tight, the song boldly shows off its lack of regard for conventional genre boundaries. A rather fruity organ part flows through the song, soloing to its heart’s content, adding a rather distinctive flavor to the fresh cocktail of sounds going alongside it. 

With its snappy drums, juicy bass, balanced guitar parts, and rather intricate build, ‘Te Lo Digo A Ti’ flows with extreme ease. Adding the rich latin vocals and ultra-charismatic horns to the mix only makes the song that much more special. A stunning release from Ritmo Lokura. 

Based in Derby, The United Kingdom, Antonia Dwyer is a 22 year old artist whose heritage is mixed between Spanish, Jamaican, and British, and she uses every ounce of her family history in her music. For her latest release, titled ‘Veneno’ (Spanish for venom), she is accessing her Spanish roots for a Latin flair that comes in form of a delicate acoustic guitar rhythm part that gives the song a particular character, she is also accessing her Jamaican side for the blazing rap section and it’s fragmented flow, while the economical mix and the fantastically punchy production keeps everything very smooth, flowing, and exciting.

‘Veneno’ is a wonderfully put together little piece of R&B with a spicy latin flair and a rap section that makes the song x10 more interesting. Antonia Dwyer is an up and coming artist that you should keep an eye for.

After all these years, I realized that I am fond of the Egyptian artists and bands as I am fond of international legends as well. So, I wanted to share with you which bands that I really miss nowadays.

1. Endangered

An Alexandrian band that really affected my taste and got me more interested – and understand- Alternative rock. Their songs weren’t even up to 10 songs, but each one reminded me of the well-known legends; especially Guns N’ Roses.

2. Odious

One of the few old black metal bands, that were actually alive till recently! Formed in 1998 in Alexandria, the band released their only album in 2007. Yes, 7 years ago! With only 2 members left in the band; we’re really not sure if they’re gonna make any statements this year. Let’s hope for the best.

• UPDATE – The band returns after along hiatus and released Skin Age (2015) and Equilibrium Tool (2024)

3. Vybe

A funk-pop band? In Egypt? Yes, we had them once, and boy! They were hell of a band! They were a cool mix of Latin, Soul tracks and they were fun to watch! They had a huge mix of influences starting from Joe Satriani, all the way to Micheal Jackson. It’s too bad they aren’t active anymore.

4. DaVinCi 

They aren’t like any other rock band you know. The band was seeking diversity in each song, and they actually achieved that. More than 10 rockin’ songs that helped them rock outside Egypt as well. They won prizes for their contribution in music. Of course, they are one of the un-forgettable ones.

5. Idlemind

Those were one of the few bands who got me really interested in the Egyptian music scene. When I first saw them on stage, I thought “Hey, we do have good musicians out there!” I remember almost attending every concert they had, and it broke my heart to know they weren’t performing anymore.

6. Promised Dawn

People familiar with this band, are musicians and music fans who were following the scene before 2003. The band announced two years ago to continue their career after splitting-up few years ago. The most well-known song for the band was Jerusalem which demonstrates the lives of Palestinians and how the Israeli troops affected their lives, or even taking it most of the times. I remember that the music video of this song aired on Nile TV International and one of Nile Network Channels.

7. Kravin

Okay, I’m sure you’ve heard the band at least once before they split-up. The news were devastating to every Rock’N’Roll fan out there, cause they really gave a soul to their show. They were really nice to watch and we can’t help but hoping for another band to revive Rock’N’Roll from the ashes.

8. The Artificial Flavor

I remember seeing this band once and I was really fascinated with the nice front lady – we don’t have much of them, you know? – They had a different flavor to bands we are used to listening such as “Scorpions” and “AC/DC”, and of course, adding their touch to their own originals.

9. Instrumental Therapy 

Yes, music is therapy. I agree. Ayman Khalifa started his project Instrumental Therapy with a couple of other talented musicians, and they really put on a great show and a beautiful musical experience every time they are on stage. It’s unknown why they stopped, but if you miss some of those riffs, make sure you check Ayman Khalifa’s page; He throws solo musical events every now and then!

10. Thrashenizer

When Tamer Samadoni started to create a new band after Endangered he made this speed/thrash metal band. Thrashenizer are recognized with many songs and having many musicians from Cairo and Alexandria joining. The band is currently inactive but they still are remembered as the first Thrash – unique – metal band in Egypt.

– The article has been edited and polished by NJ Bakr.