BACHIR SALLOUM

by the partae December 9, 2020

written by the partae December 9, 2020

Beirut-born, Dubai-based Bachir Salloum is an artist turning heads right now with his blend of deep and progressive house music. We caught up with him around the release of his new EP on 3^rd Avenue ‘Head Above Water’…

Hey Bachir, thanks for talking with us! Where are you right this moment?

Hello guys, thank you for your interest in me, and for having me on your radar.

I am from Beirut but living in Dubai for the past 5 years.

You’ve loved music since you were young and got into the Beirut scene where you’re from, but what was it that brought your big break?

Well, music was always a big part of my daily life, so I think every achievement in my musical career seems like one of many big breaks to me.

You’ve played alongside some amazing artists, what was the biggest pinch me moment for you?

Can’t really decide which one was the best moment, all my shows are very special to me. But one that always stays in my memory was playing alongside Black Coffee in Dubai. I reached the venue early, it was only the two of us on the bill, the venue was completely empty, which is my favourite scenario because I like to fill up the dance floor and start ambient vibes. Also, on that specific night, one of my favourite producers and influencers was there to listen to me play, that person was Guy J. I don’t think I will ever forget that night.

You’ve just released ‘Head Above Water’ on 3rd Avenue. Congrats, it’s an awesome release! What was the inspiration behind these tracks?

I wrote these tracks after ADE festival, it’s one of my favourite festivals, plus Amsterdam is a great city. The whole experience is an amazing inspiration, you listen to the best quality of music from great artists.

Where did you write them? Which track is your favourite if you had to pick?!

I did these tracks at my home studio, it’s where I spend most of my time, creating and learning. In the music universe you learn something new every day. To be honest I really like all 3 tracks, the EP is versatile as it caters to different audiences. But if I really had to pick one it would be the title track, “Head Above Water”.

How are you finding the current situation, as you’re based in Dubai, how is it there?

Dubai is an amazing city, super-advanced and safe, I believe we all learned how to cope and adapt to the current situation, but I always say, amazing things are coming along for all of us.

Have you found that COVID has helped you get motivated and inspired in the studio, or has it been hard – I guess do you find the gigs inspiring when it comes to writing new music too, or have you been able to stay focused with all this time we’ve had to stay in?

This pandemic was a big mental challenge for all of us, and like most people, I had my ups and downs, but I am also grateful that this pandemic has given me the opportunity to truly focus on creating music and improving my techniques to go deeper into music production. This has been the silver lining for me.

What’s next for you?

I’ve got a track ‘Transverse Waves’ dropping on Hoomidas’ ‘Hoom Side of the Moon’ compilation on Dec 18th. More releases are coming up which I am really excited to share with everyone. And of course, hopefully 2021 will see us back playing and dancing.

Bachir Salloum’s ‘Head Above Water’ EP is out now on 3^rd Avenue, get it here: https://www.beatport.com/release/head-above-water/3176500. Look out for his release on Hoomidas, out Dec 18^th!