[VIDEO] On Lebanon’s Indie Scene: Karim Khneisser, A Man Of Many Talents

Karim Khneisser is no ordinary man and no ordinary musician by all means. Mastering a myriad of musical instruments from the mainstream to the exotic, he has certainly made a name for himself in Lebanon’s indie scene.

With several projects under his belt, ranging from corporate soundtracks and eclectic side projects that include original compositions, to the downright crazy with a short film produced under the moniker Halib El Nawar, he is one artist to keep an eye on.

He is no stranger to live performances either having participated over the years in several shows alongside other rising talents in the country. I’ve had the opportunity to attend several of them, but his latest is one that had truly left its mark.

Khneisser, alongside fellow musicians who also happen to be close friends of his, put up a debut concert on December 19th at the Institut Français du Liban showcasing original compositions with a side of storytelling.

Being the perfectionist that he is, I had to wait until he was fairly satisfied with the audio/sound quality of the video before I could write this piece, because sharing the experience with readers will definitely outdo words. 

Musicians:

Karim Khneisser: Hulusi/Chinese flute, overtone flute, Guzheng/Chinese harp, electric & acoustic guitar, bass guitar, electronics & synthesizer, hang drum, rammerdrum, bells, cymbals, glockenspiel & SFX.

Oud: Raja Fallah
Drums: Anthony Abi Nader
Bass: Salim Naffah
Synthesizer & vocals: Scarlet Mounzer
Violin: Oliver Maalouf
Trumpet: Simon Salameh
Storytelling: Elie Kesrouwany

Here are the concerts highlights.








Interview:

1. You had a full house. Is that the first time this happens and how did it feel to play in front of a sold out audience?

This was actually my debut concert and I had no expectation of it being sold out. We were happy about that especially when the audience was so amazing and engaged… really taken into the music. I am used to performing in front of a big audience so that was not a challenge but it was exciting nonetheless.    

2. Do you feel that the local music scene is improving especially since more people are seeking music like yours?

Yes, it is improving. People seem to be showing a greater interest in the art scene, therefore seeking more events like ours.

3. When's your next gig and more importantly when will you release an album?

My next gig will be in Paris sometime in February... As for an album, I will be working on it throughout the year alongside many other projects.

4. Do you regret entering show business?

Not yet.

5. Do you feel like you have to hold down a second job to survive?

For the moment, yes, because I'm not fully dedicated to the live music scene, but I think once I have the time to become a full time musician, I will handle it pretty well.

6. What problems do you encounter when planning a show like this?

The most difficult part is establishing harmony and a connection between the various musicians working together. Once that has been achieved, all that's left is the technical work. 

7. What was the theme of the performance and what message were you seeking to deliver?

This time, we didn't focus on a particular theme but more so on displaying a mesh between all the various compositions that I had written. As a debut concert it was meant to showcase my various works. There wasn't really a particular message to portray... we simply wanted people to enjoy the music.

8. Any final words to the audience and the Lebanese music scene?

I really thank all those who have supported me and hope that more people will like what I am doing, because appreciation is the key to persistence. 


Like what you hear? #SupportLocalTalent by liking Karim's various pages and looking out for future events and concerts through these links.

Website: Kneyzer
Facebook: Karim Khneisser
Twitter: @KarimKneyzer

Website: Halib El Nawar
Facebook: Halib El Nawar
Twitter: @halibelnawar