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Foto:
Sofyann Ben Youssef, originally from Tunisia, has a background in both traditional North African music and modern electronic production. Drawing on his roots and influences, he formed Ammar 808 with the goal of blending the rich musical traditions of North Africa with cutting-edge electronic production techniques. The music of Ammar 808 is characterized by its hypnotic rhythms, pulsating beats, and intricate melodies. The project’s sound is a fusion of traditional North African instruments such as the guembri and zukra, blended with electronic synths, drum machines, and other modern production techniques. The result is a fresh and exciting sound that bridges the gap between the past and the future. Ammar 808 has gained critical acclaim for its innovative approach to blending different musical styles and traditions. The project has released several albums and EPs, toured internationally, and performed at major music festivals around the world. With its unique blend of traditional North African music and modern electronic production, Ammar 808 continues to push the boundaries of music and explore new sonic possibilities. The project’s innovative sound and captivating live performances have earned it a dedicated fan base and established it as a pioneering force in the world of electronic music.
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Foto: Mo Jeddi
Born in 1993 in Lausanne, Sami Grar begins to play music at the age of 10 attending guitar and singing lessons. In 2011 he joined several amateur music ensembles and performed as a singer-songwriter and guitarist. From 2017 his artistic activities intensified with several professional music projects which gave rise to numerous concerts in Switzerland . Sami Grar develops a professional artistic practice and a transversal network which strongly fuels his creativity and his opportunities and also develops himself as a music producer From 2021, Sami Grar starts to think of a new hybrid and personal project which, drawing on North African cultures, seeks to add a contemporary dimension. In 2022, Sami is selected for a three-month residency in Morocco to initiate the development of this new project: Sami Galbi. The year ended with a memorable show at the Trans Musicales in Rennes. In 2024, the project gets structured with the close collaboration of the various partners; The Geneva label Bongo Joe Records, the booking agency Soyouz etc.. Sami Galbi wins the Demo Tape Clinic pop prize at M4Music and his music is broadcast around the world. He is invited by several important media in Switzerland and France.
Progetto
In the first place, Sami Galbi knew Sofyann Ben Youssef from his music project Ammar808. Although they never physically met, Sami and Soufyann have been in touch for the last 3 years. Sami has for instance sent the whole album of his previous band El Mizan to Sofyann for feedback between the editing and the mixing of the album. Sofyann would take time to give proper and constructive feedback. Using the same set ups and producing a similar hybride Music between Europe and North-Africa, Sami and Sofyann have a lot in common in their artistic practices. Being in the producing process of the album, Sami's priority right now is to develop his producing and pre-mixing skills. The point is first to focus on the sound created by the machines (synthesizers and drum machines), work on it, experiment, adjust etc...Secondly, list and choose the best options to record it to the computer and work "in the box" on the editing of the sounds, the pre-mix etc... The objective is to share knowledge, experiences and practices in composing, studio producing and sound processing. The first session will take place in Switzerland and the second one in Denmark.