Lebanon: Beirut beats - Next Music Station

A year in production, with nine countries visited and more than 80 musicians interviewed, this series by musician and documentary filmmaker Fermin Muguruza paints a 'soundscape' of the Arab music scene.

From Morocco to the Gulf, Next Music Station takes us on a journey, exploring the music of different Arab countries, en route addressing issues of tradition and modernity, the struggles of the present and the yearning for a brighter future.

Next Music Station returns with a second series, this time starting its musical journey back in Lebanon. 

Deborah Phares, a graphic designer and photographer, guides us through the streets of Beirut where we hear transgressive styles of music brought to us by a young generation of artists. The musicians search for new styles of expression in their use of different music genres such as rap, electronic music, alternative rock or indie music. 

Meet the musicians

Tania Saleh: In her search for new ideas and styles Tania uses indie music to address topics which are unusual to mainstream Arabic music. She accompanies her compositions with sophisticated arrangements where the guitar solos; and the riq and the groovy bass keep a dialogue with the lute and the acoustic guitar.

Scrambled Eggs Band: This rock band was established in 1998. The English singing groups' influences range from progressive rock to alternative British music,  to American and punk rock. They have released several albums, each with its own sound.
 
Charbel Rouhana: The musician and composer is part of the Arab Eastern music revival. His music is represented by traditional instruments such as the oud, which he transforms into a modern, multifunctional and multicultural instrument. 
 
Mazen Kerbaj: The musician, comic strip author and painter creates electrifying music with acoustic instruments and war sounds which he considers as an inherent part of Lebanon's collective memory. He is a founding member of the Mil Association, made up of experimental musicians. The association has created the Irtijal Festival where different artists show up annually for impromptu performances.
 
Youmna Saba: This composer has been writing since 2006. She uses the Arab-Lebanese language for her lyrics which are inspired by daily life. Her art  has been influenced by the Lebanese music heritage and western music, especially by French music.
 
Malikah: At the age of 16 this Algerian artist emerged into the Beirut hip-hop scene soon gaining the title "Queen of Arab rap". Her artistic personality and positive messages included in her lyrics have lead her to collaborate and perform on stage with mainstream rap figures.
 
Zeid Hamdan: The musician and record producer uses electronic sounds to transform old Arab music styles. He belongs to the Middle East's new electronic scene. His proven ability to play with different music styles and musicians helps him to experiment in his work.
 
Mashrou' Leila: This young band plays alternative rock. It holds a prominent position within the Lebanese underground scene. The group's lyrics are provocative and their music subversive. Members play bass, guitars, drums, keyboards and violins; creating quite a performance on stage.