Ones to Watch: 2011

Throughout the last year we were introduced to, and subsequently immersed with, music from across the Middle East thanks to the great response to first version of Makshoof Music. And for next year, we're anticipating fantastic releases from the following stand-out musicians.

We though that while we were waiting for Shady Ahmed's (Makshoof Music Winner) recordings to drop in February, we'd take a look at what else we're keen to hear in 2011. So here they are, in no particular order:

Neobyrd

Original electronica, until recent years, hasn’t been in the limelight (in the Middle East), so you can imagine our excitement when we heard the entries from Neobyrd. His talent is out of this world, he obviously has an extensive love for music as you can hear influences from all over on his brilliant EP (Naughty Boyz) – and this guy doesn’t stop (check out his new tune below) – with more releases coming from him next year, we think we should let you know that we will definitely be gushing about Neobyrd for a while.

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RaSh Radio

Breaking out of the formulaic acoustic guitar schtick – Rashad AKA RaSh Radio has seriously impressed us with both his Makshoof entries and every track we’ve heard from him since (check out the infectious Neobyrd-produced Don’t Stop below). From mixing and matching a variety of styles effortlessly to coming up with brilliant collaborations; he does it all with a special kind of bravado – and we’re already excited for all the projects he'll embark on next year.

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Noush Like Sploosh

This extremely talented lady is the embodiment of how magical music can be. With superb storytelling skills, her songs take us on a journey; sometimes sweet; sometimes bitter; but always full of life. With the release of her first record, we are bracing ourselves for more gems from this modern-day troubadour.

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The Crow Murder

Hard Rock at its finest. Dubai's The Crow Murder have it all at their feet after carving out a fairly fierce reputation on the live scene this year - and we're looking forward to more recorded material. Influenced by a range of metal, and residing more in the  harder spectrum of massive rock sounds (for the antipodeans - think Shihad's biggest sounds), we're looking forward to blowing our headphones out with their release in the new year.

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Belm2loob (Underground)

This Arabic rock ‘n roll quartet entered Makshoof early on – and since then we have been fully immersed into their unique blend of vivacious rock music in a pure Arabic context. Their skills elevate their sound to a whole new level and these guys from Alexandria have most certainly added their special flair to Makshoof and we are waiting with bated breath to hear more from them - including more of their tongue-firmly-planted-in-cheek lyrics.

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The Passive Standouts

Despite having a late entry into Makshoof, we were immediately hooked on their sound – the young band from Beirut grabbed our attention with their energetic chants which recalled elements of early English punk with a spin of modern-day indie rock. What sets The Passive Standouts (what a fitting name!) out is that their originality never sounds out of place or forced – they're at ease with every note played. One to watch as they develop.

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