In the big wave of indie music, the Beirut-based band Sandmoon stands out with their distinctive blend of pop-rock and delicate Middle Eastern intonations. Over a decade of live performances in places such as Beirut, London, and Brussels and a string of critically praised albums, they have amassed a passionate fan base and received major media attention. In an exclusive interview with The Skadoosh, the founder of the band, Sandra Arslanian, shared the musical journey with us.
How did the band come together?
I started Sandmoon a bit more than ten years ago. At first, I was alone, but then I found musicians to accompany me for gigs and recordings. Sandmoon is actually Sandra and the Moon. Over the years, the Moon has waxed and waned, welcoming a set of different musicians along the way. The musicians who play with me now – Sam Wehbi (guitarist), Georgy Flouty (bassist), and Dani Shukri (drummer), have been around since 2016. And we really feel a deep connection. I’ve recorded the last two albums and the new single CONFESSIONS with them and I couldn’t be happier.
How has your music evolved since the release of your first album Home in 2014?
Home was mainly a pop folk-oriented song/album. At the time, sandmoon had a cello in the formation, there was a lot of acoustic guitar, and I would mainly play the piano. Over time, the band members changed, and the sound evolved into a more indie pop-rock atmosphere.
What are some of the most memorable moments or milestones in your decade-long journey as a band?
Arranging songs together, playing in front of beautiful audiences, gigs in London, winning the Best Soundtrack at the Lebanese Film Festival, and recording in Berlin.
What themes do you usually delve into when making your music?
I don’t usually delve into anything, the themes come to me through automatic writing – I typically don’t think before writing, I write and then I guess. Surely what inspires me unconsciously are the themes that will appear… social issues, love, spirituality, etc.
How do you prepare for live gigs? Any fun rituals?
Yes, I don’t eat dairy at all on the same day, as this creates excessive mucus in the throat which can irritate the vocal cords – and I am a mega cheese lover! The same goes for spicy food – and I am a mega spicy food lover! I leave a 5h gap between the last bite of food and the time of the concert. I meditate (as I usually do), stretch, and do vocal exercises.
Can you tell us more about your latest single Confessions and the inspiration behind it?
CONFESSIONS is a very straightforward synth-pop song which is different from previous releases. It was interesting to explore a new avenue, replacing electric guitars with synths. When you keep secrets inside, from yourself or others, you implode. Confess to find peace of mind.
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a band, and how have you overcome them?
The biggest challenge I’ve had is to keep the band together. I’ve had to find different musicians at different stages during the past 10 years. Thankfully, the present band has been around for more than 5 years.
What’s something your fans and followers would be surprised to learn about you?
I’m a James Bond fan.
How do you see the band fit into the new-age music industry?
By remaining authentic.
What advice would you like to give to any upcoming artist?
Don’t think. Write, sing, and play with your heart. Never stop learning. There is always space to learn.
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