This week, we're joined by Anthony Sahyoun, member of the Lebanese experimental band SANAM, for a conversation that extends far beyond music. Recorded just before the band's autumn European tour, we explore their unique sound—a compelling blend of Arabic traditional forms, post-rock, noise, and electronic elements that defies easy categorisation.
SANAM's origins trace back to an improvisational festival in Beirut, where musicians from different scenes were brought together to play with Faust's Hans Joachim Irmler. What started as a three-day residency evolved into something far more substantial, resulting in two critically acclaimed albums that seamlessly weave microtonal Arabic melodies with contemporary Western experimental music.
We discuss the realities of being a touring band from Lebanon, where you can't simply jump in a van and drive to neighbouring territories. Anthony candidly shares what it's like to perform abroad whilst your homeland faces ongoing conflict, from the 2020 Beirut port explosion to the recent pager attacks. Including what the difference is between being home during crises versus worrying from afar.
We also delve into Beirut's vibrant but precarious cultural scene, touching on everything from the city's techno resurgence to the tragic story of Mashrou' Leila and the harassment that led to their disbandment. Anthony offers thoughtful perspectives on LGBTQ+ issues in Lebanon, explaining how religiosity became weaponised during the civil war and how political thugs use marginalised communities as pawns in power struggles.
And well, as long terms fans know, we inevitably chat about streaming and the ethics of it. Which is something we've spoken a lot about lately (and will probably speak more about in future too...). Anthony doesn't hold back, expressing a preference for people to steal music rather than stream it—a radical but consistent stance given the military-industrial complex's connections to major tech platforms. It's refreshing to hear an artist speak so frankly about these contradictions.
Anthony is engaging, thoughtful, and occasionally righteously angry throughout this interview, and we had a great time chatting to him. We thoroughly recommend you check out the band's music on <a href="https://sanambeirut.bandcamp.com/">Bandcamp</a> and on catch a show in Italy or the UK this November and December:
24.11 / Roma / IT / Monk
26.11 / Savona / IT / Raindogs
27.11 / Marseille / FR / Jest Festival
28.11 / Trieste / IT / youTheater
30.11 / Leeds / UK / The Attic
01.12 / Glasgow / UK / The Flying Duck
02.12 / Salford / UK / The White Hotel
03.12 / Bristol / UK / Strange Brew
04.12 / Brighton / UK / Patterns
05.12 / London / UK / Rich Mix
Highlights:
00:00 Introduction
00:24 Anthony Sahyoun's Background and Band Introduction
01:31 First Meeting and Early Performances
03:10 Formation and Evolution of the Band
07:06 Musical Style and Influences
11:07 Recording the First Album
12:45 Cultural and Musical Context
32:42 Recording the Second Album
37:28 Touring Challenges and Experiences
41:19 Life in Lebanon and Touring Challenges
42:19 Impact of Global Events on Performances
45:49 Choosing the Right Label
48:02 Lebanese Music Scene and Cultural Representation
51:40 Food and Comfort on Tour
54:47 Beirut's Music and Nightlife
01:05:16 LGBTQ+ Issues and Political Climate
01:13:50 Streaming Platforms and Ethical Dilemmas
01:22:51 Concluding Thoughts and Upcoming Shows Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Podurama

Home

Trending

Personal

Your Podcasts

New Episodes

My Files

Favourite Episodes

Tags (Folders)

Recently Played

Bookmarks

Followed Playlists

IN SESSION: Anthony Sahyoun from SANAM

Unsung Podcast

AI Chapters

AI Insights

Reviews