John Lebanon – If I Fail They Die

Published

4 years ago

May 27, 2020

Frontline physician uses experiences treating COVID patients to create anthem for our times

QUINCY, MA – A world filled with fear and separation is a world that doesn’t recognize the hope of humanity banding together for a greater purpose. That’s the truth physician and creator Roy Souaid from “John Lebanon” is trying to bring with their new song “If I Fail They Die.” (IFTY)

The song is inspired by Dr. Souaid’s time as a medical professional on the front lines of the global COVID-19 pandemic. Having spent most of his life pursuing music as a hobby – including playing gigs with a band along the East Coast of the U.S. as well as performing in parts of Europe and the Middle East – this talented musician couldn’t help but turn to his music as an outlet for the turmoil of emotions he was facing in the wake of the pandemic. And out of that creative struggle came a song that he is certain to be the perfect anthem for today.

“We are connected more than ever, and our actions do make a difference,” Souaid said. “It’s time we take care of one another and of our beautiful earth. Like a lot of people, I was getting stressed out by COVID at the beginning, and I found myself listening to Enya because I was looking for music that would be relaxing. I could not find similar music however, so I decided to create something on my own. What came out was different from anything we usually make, which is more Indie-pop-electro-Jazz. This, however, was ambient sounds with heavy synth and strum guitar. But it was the perfect sound to go with the message I was trying to get across.”

That message was born from Roy’s desire to find proper perspective in the face of the challenge facing the world to social distance and stay physically away from one another. As he began to research the effectiveness of this, he looked toward historical precedent and found himself reading about the Spanish Flu of the early 1900s.

“I saw a picture of some nurses in a hospital who were fighting the flu,” he said. “They were all wearing masks, exactly how you would see our nurses today. But behind them, they had a big sign that said, ‘If I fail, he dies.’ That sign kept playing over and over in my head everywhere I went – whether I was at the grocery store or at work in the hospital or wherever. It seemed ludicrous that we had to all be apart from each other – emotionally painful in a lot of ways – but I realized that even that one little act of isolation could mean the difference of saving someone else’s life. And if everybody is taking part in that active isolation, then we’re all collectively saving lives. If one person fails, then everybody can be affected.”

While Roy admits that the mood of the song starts out in a kind of depressing place, he encourages listeners to embrace the uplifting message that comes through. While using a sample of a fellow physician from the front lines – giving a testimony about a day in the hospital treating COVID patients – Dr. Souaid also emphasizes the importance of everyone staying home and helping in whatever ways they can. The song, therefore, not only becomes a musical history piece, but an anthem for the world.

Following this single, Roy said he’s planning on finishing an album called “Vermont Arab” which he plans to drop toward the end of the summer or perhaps this fall. He said the overall theme of the project is an imaginary man living in an imaginary world, and will tonally reflect more of his Indie, Electro-Jazz style with some Pop elements.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gn2Fz5CD1_0]

To listen to John Lebanon’s music or to follow him on social media, please visit:

https://www.instagram.com/john.lebanon/

https://www.facebook.com/JohnLebanon1
https://open.spotify.com/artist/2jltg0wvmGBsIT7RyfrnqS

https://soundcloud.com/johnlebanon

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC8anZgyLFerBawqKEeZXDQ

“If I Fail They Die”

https://fanlink.to/cZBP

https://soundcloud.com/johnlebanon/if-i-fail-they-die

https://open.spotify.com/track/4KsIucv3tZkgD7dWs6FbHi

Music

(Video) MUMU FRESH – “MY WHY” @maimounayoussef

Published

17 hours ago

May 12, 2024

Welsh

Grammy-nominated Washington, D.C.-based singer/songwriter/emcee Mumu Fresh presents her new single “My Why”. Produced by Carvin Haggins and Johhny Smith, “My Why” will appear on The Healing, Mumu’s forthcoming album which will also feature contributions from DJ Jazzy Jeff, Nile Hargrove, 14KT, Daniel Crawford, Vidal Davis, DJ Dummy and more. Mumu has collaborated with Lil Wayne & Tech N9ne (stream “Too Good”), Busta Rhymes, Salaam Remi & Black Thought of The Roots (watch the music video for “No Peace”) and Common (watch Mumu Fresh and Common perform “I Used To Love H.E.R.” live) and Tobi Nwigwe (watch the music video for “Tundah Fiyah”). Mumu has performed on two separate NPR Tiny Desk concerts (watch Mumu Fresh featuring Black Thought of The Roots & DJ Dummy on NPR’s Tiny Desk) and has performed worldwide at events like the Essence Music Festival, Montreux Switzerland’s Jazz Festival and Dubai’s Sole Fest DBX. “State of Emergency” marks another chapter in a career of self-described “art activism” for the Baltimore native who has performed and given lectures within the US prison system, The Congressional Black Caucus, I.M.A.N. Central in Chicago & Atlanta, The W. K. Kellogg Foundation, Ford Foundation and The Indigenous People’s Movement. Mumu is co-creator of the Recording Academy’s “Best Song For Social Change” trustee award which went live in 2023 at the 66th GRAMMY awards show and was presented by The First Lady, Jill Biden. The winner of Indigenous Music, Washington Area Music (WAMMIE) and Urban World Music Video awards, Mumu has served as Musical and Cultural Ambassador for the US State Department, Ambassador of The Black Music Collective and is a former elected governor of the DC chapter of The Recording Academy. Mumu describes “My Why” as “a tribute to that person(s), place, or thing in your life that is your “WHY”. Your reason not to give up. Your reason to keep trying and to push a little harder than you thought you could. You why reminds you of what you’re made of and brings out the best in you.” The Healing drops April 19.

Music

Santa Sallet X Nemizzo (MSP) – “Big Hands”

Published

17 hours ago

May 12, 2024

Welsh

DMV-based rapper/producer Santa Sallet and France-based producer Nemizzo are MSP, presenting their new single “Big Hands”. Sallet has been busy showcasing his brand of East Coast braggadocious rap across a slew of recent singles like “Camouflage” (watch on Youtube), “I Get Money” (watch on Youtube), “Championship Ring” (watch on Youtube) and “Chinese Funk” (watch on Youtube) in preparation for the release of Plutography, Sallet’s forthcoming album which blends salsa beats, southern trap, and eastern jazz with classic and conventional rap samples, reflecting Sallet’s international upbringing across South Africa, Dominica and the US. Sallet is planning a series of full-length releases, among them C.R.E.A.M. which recounts his journey from broke to financially free, and Women and R.A.P. which describe his pursuit of success in relationships and the music industry respectively. “This is the song that really started MSP Tunes,” Santa says. “Nemizzo had laid down his verse and I was like, let me try something on this and I just talked about what I knew. What I think is funny, the outro is actually me recording a bunch of potential beat tags. There was a miscommunication and Nemizzo extended the beat and made it the outro. I like it though lol.” Check out Santa Sallet merch here.

EP

(EP) 38 Hauncho – “First 38”

Published

1 month ago

April 10, 2024

Welsh

In a momentous stride forward, rising rap sensation 38 Hauncho has unveiled his latest EP, “First 38”, a bold testament to his unparalleled artistry and unyielding dedication to his craft. After spending the last 8 months incarcerated, 38 Hauncho came home and got straight to work. Within the first 38 hours of being released, these songs were created. Hence the title, First 38.

Crafted with precision and passion, “First 38” serves as a placeholder for his highly anticipated next project featuring his single “Smooth Nigga” and “Alter Ego”. The EP encapsulates his distinctive style, blending infectious beats with reflection of 38 Hauncho’s journey, drawing from his personal experiences and aspirations.

Featuring a dynamic fusion of tracks, each song within “First 38” showcases 38 Hauncho’s versatility as an artist, effortlessly navigating through various themes and emotions. From his gritty street narratives , the EP offers a multifaceted glimpse into the artist’s world, inviting audiences to immerse themselves into his trap.

Available now on all major streaming platforms, “First 38” is set to make waves across the industry, solidifying 38 Hauncho’s position as an artist to watch in 2024 and beyond.