Motez is the constructive power music wants; take heed to his uplifting new single, 'Forward Motion' [Q+A] – EDM All Day
Music typically serves impetus for therapeutic, and Motez‘ mission as an artist is to wield this energy to its most extent. He comes from a background fraught with hardship and perseverance, fleeing his native Baghdad on the peak of the Iraq battle to hunt asylum in Australia. With a background in music that stretches again earlier than uprooting his life, Motez grew up figuring out that he was meant for a lifetime of spreading positivity by music and utilizing it as a manner to assist others out of turmoil prefer it needed to him. He settled into dance music come maturity, constructing a reputation for himself in the home realm for his frenetic tackle the style and adoration for a high quality vocal collaboration. It wouldn’t take lengthy after his break earlier than he scored a Triple J residency and widespread help on the DJ/producer circuit.
This theme persists in his newest single, “Steady Motion”—which options optimistic verses by KWAYE. Disco-esque string accents and a funk-driven base wrap round KWAYE’s heat voice, creating an efficient tune with out piling on too many bells and whistles. It’s the form of tune one would need to toss on throughout an outside gathering, or when craving a slice of euphoria on the whole. Curious to know extra about this swiftly rising star, we poked his mind a bit on what conjures up him, the messages he hopes to ship along with his music, and extra.
You’re a classically-trained pianist; inform us concerning the path that led you into digital music manufacturing, and the way you got here to fall in love with this style.
The turning level for me was listening to artists like Jean-Michel Jarre, Vangelis and Boards of Canada. Even although it’s digital, it has coronary heart and soul. There’s a give attention to melody being the “hook” relatively than phrases and that’s what made me assume I’d love to do digital music.
How can music be a automobile for constructive change, and what do you do in your individual work to implement this?
Music is a common language, regardless that the phrase sounds corny however it’s. I’m fortunate sufficient that I grew up in Iraq listening to plenty of Arabic music but I used to be, and nonetheless am, making predominantly digital music. That combo has helped me perceive the ability of positivity in music and the universality within the messages. I attempt to make messages inside my music private, reaffirming tales that almost all of us encounter in day-after-day life and serving to individuals who may undergo them discover solace.
On the same observe, you’re an outspoken activist and take part in campaigns to help the worldwide refugee disaster. What are your ideas on politics in music, and have you ever ever produced or considered producing a socially aware/protest report of types? Or do you assume it’s vital to give attention to music as a unifying power?
I believe the reply is linked to the earlier query; the important thing for me (as an individual who was as soon as an asylum seeker) is to make good music and have all constructive messages weaved into it. That is what we will do as a constructive reply to governments and politicians who deal with folks in search of asylum as scapegoats or instruments to frighten the plenty of their worry mongering techniques. We can solely add cultural worth, contribute and assist construct these new international locations we transfer to. Our value is the invaluable work we offer.
What was the inspiration behind “Steady Motion,” and the way did the writing course of go?
Steady Motion at its coronary heart is a music I wrote concerning the struggles of being in a unstable and chaotic lifetime of a touring musician. Above all of it, it’s a must to maintain a courageous face, keep constructive within the age of social media the place it’s a must to all the time keep current. I wrote the instrumental after being impressed by emotional but upbeat home music from the likes of MJ Cole, George Fitzgerald and Jon Hopkins. I obtained the vocals from Kwaye and instantly knew that it’s the one. He completely translated the feelings and story behind the music, as he was additionally feeling the identical about it. I wrote the string part quickly after which was carried out by the superb Davide Rossi who has collaborated with plenty of heavyweights world wide together with Alicia Keys, The Verve, Jon Hopkins and Coldplay. I’m very happy with the top consequence.
Define the “Motez sound” for us, and what makes your music completely different than the remainder.
I’m drawn to clever music with coronary heart and soul. Even with my club-driven output I are likely to make dance music with goal, with melody and plenty of musicality. I believe it’s music that I hope surprises folks and doesn’t sound like anyone else as a result of I draw loads of inspiration from non-electronic music.
What else is coming down the Motez pipeline?
I’m engaged on a number of new originals that hopefully you’ll get to listen to, I’ve additionally completed a remix for Icarus that will likely be out very quickly.
