Fadi Tabbal: The Sound of Dialogue in Music
A Journey Through Sound
Fadi Tabbal’s music has always been a dialogue. Since establishing Beirut’s Tunefork Studios in 2006, the Lebanese record producer and multi-instrumentalist has recorded countless records from the city’s independent music scene and played in bands ranging from prog rock to dream pop. Yet, when it comes to his solo projects, he maintains an ongoing conversation with himself, layering electric guitar and droning synths to create a sound that resonates with introspection, reminiscent of artists like Stars of the Lid and Ultrafog. “It’s a conversation really, between who you are, who you could be/have been, and who you want to be,” he reflected in 2014 after the release of his debut album.
Exploring “I Recognize You From My Sketches”
On his latest album, I Recognize You From My Sketches, Tabbal brings the vibrant scene he has significantly contributed to into his solo work, sampling his peers and crafting his most texturally diverse record to date. This album serves as a canvas, showcasing Tabbal’s evolution as an artist while preserving the essence of collaboration that defines Beirut’s music landscape.
Influences from Early Life
Tabbal’s fascination with sound began in his childhood, influenced by Lebanon’s inconsistent electrical grid. The hum of household appliances during power surges created an infrastructural orchestra that has lingered in his memory. This early exposure is evident in tracks like “(keep beating),” where low, pulsating whirs echo alongside synths that stream overhead like rays of light in a dusty cathedral. While his previous albums transformed these mechanical textures into music through patient drones, this record showcases new experiments with space, repetition, and rhythm.
Contrasting Soundscapes
I Recognize You From My Sketches alternates between distortion and clarity, sketching the outlines of an internal debate. Tracks such as “When We Swam Together!” and “All Those Nights” feature remarkably clear, glassy synth tones, offering a respite from the more anxious soundscapes found in pieces like “(keep thumping).” These intentional ruptures reflect Tabbal’s contemplation of lofty dreams and missed opportunities in a city notorious for its contradictions. His assertion that this is a “breakup album between who we want to be and who we turned out to be” resonates deeply, with the use of “we” indicating a shared experience.
Collaborative Shifts in Solo Work
Tabbal’s incorporation of samples from Beirut contemporaries marks a significant evolution in his solo work. Although he is known for his collaborative spirit, he has historically kept other voices at bay in his ambient compositions. His previous album, Subject to Potential Errors and Distortions, featured the voice of Julia Sabra, which was a notable exception. In his latest project, he reintroduces Sabra along with other local artists such as Charbel Haber, Sharif Sehnaoui, and Anthony Sahyoun. However, their contributions blend seamlessly into the fabric of the music, making them challenging to pinpoint. For instance, the ascending riff on “Absence or Death” may be the qanun of Ghassan Sahhab, transformed into a cascading wash of delay that evokes the organic essence of Boris’s Flood.
Conclusion
Fadi Tabbal’s latest album is not just a personal exploration; it is a testament to the collaborative spirit of Beirut’s independent music scene. By weaving in the sounds of his contemporaries, he creates a rich tapestry that reflects both individual introspection and collective experience. I Recognize You From My Sketches stands as a poignant reminder of the dialogues we all engage in, both with ourselves and with the world around us.
FAQs
What is the main theme of Fadi Tabbal’s music?
The main theme revolves around introspection and the dialogue between different aspects of identity, exploring who we are and who we aspire to be.
How does Tabbal incorporate his surroundings into his music?
Tabbal draws inspiration from his childhood experiences in Lebanon, particularly the unique sounds created by the inconsistent electrical grid and household appliances.
What is the significance of collaboration in Tabbal’s work?
Collaboration plays a crucial role in Tabbal’s music, as it reflects the interconnectedness of Beirut’s independent music scene, allowing him to blend diverse influences into his solo projects.
How does the latest album differ from Tabbal’s previous works?
His latest album, I Recognize You From My Sketches, is more texturally diverse, incorporating samples from contemporaries and exploring new experiments in sound, space, and rhythm.
