Billboard Arabia’s “Sounds of the Land” Project Revolutionizes Music Production in the Middle East
In a groundbreaking move, Billboard Arabia has harnessed the power of Middle Eastern topography to create unique sound samples for music production, captivating a new generation of producers and songwriters in the region.
The media platform, known for its coverage of music, culture, and entertainment, unveiled the “Sounds of the Land” project in March. Since its launch, producers from around the world have incorporated samples from the initiative into their tracks, sparking a wave of innovation in the industry.
A team of scientists and sound engineers embarked on a mission to transform the topography of various regions in the Middle East into dynamic sound samples. By analyzing maps and utilizing topographic techniques, they extracted data from five distinct areas in the Middle East and North Africa, including Saudi Arabia’s AlUla.
Rami Zeidan, the managing director of Billboard Arabia, shared the inspiration behind the project, stating, “While doing some research we realized that the microscopic images of the vinyl record grooves resemble the same imagery of our wadis and valleys, so the thought was, can we listen to nature’s grooves?”
Through a blend of cutting-edge technologies such as satellite imaging and analog gear like synthesizers and mixers, the team successfully captured the essence of nature in the vinyl grooves, resulting in the creation of the unique “Sounds of the Land.”
The project features 20 distinct sound samples, including those from Saudi Arabia’s AlUla, Jordan’s Tafilah, Morocco’s Tinghir, Lebanon’s Kadisha Valley, and Egypt’s Luxor, showcasing the diverse landscapes of the region.
With a vision to have these sound samples featured and credited in future chart-topping hits, Billboard Arabia aims to bridge cultures and introduce the world to the rich musical heritage of the Middle East.
Zeidan expressed his excitement about the overwhelming response to the project, with over 90 producers already participating and a global partner, Gamma, set to release an official music album using the extracted sounds. The project has attracted talent from Europe, Africa, the Americas, and beyond, highlighting the global appeal of Middle Eastern music.
By breaking away from traditional musical instruments and embracing the unique concept of “Sounds of the Land,” Billboard Arabia hopes to foster collaboration and creativity within the music community, uniting artists from different regions to create a fusion of sounds that transcend borders.
Through this initiative, Zeidan envisions a vibrant music ecosystem where labels, artists, producers, and sound engineers come together to elevate the Middle Eastern music genre on a global scale, akin to the success of K-pop, Latin, Afro music, and other influential genres.