RIYADH: Amman-based duo Tayar is currently touring Saudi Arabia for the first time, bringing audiences their unique blend of electro, rock, jazz and funk music.
Tayar’s lyrics capture the heartbreak and humanity found amid strife, telling a captivating story while turning turmoil into art.
Singer-songwriter Ahmad Farah says his words are inspired by the stories of others.
“Writing about other people is more satisfying for me and more challenging for me,” he told Arab News. “How to do a story from another perspective.”
He added: “Music makes you feel more alive, more in touch with yourself and more in touch with what has happened around the world.”
As the Kingdom’s music industry has grown throughout the years, regional and international artists like Farah have taken note.
He says he has seen the “musical spirit” prospering: “It’s really nice. Everyone is having fun with it.”
Bader Helalat, Tayar’s founder and producer, said the band was excited about their upcoming acoustic concert, which offers a refreshing departure from their electronic sound and returns to their origins.
“We originally started working on music that is written in the folk format, and then we try to change that because, folk music (and) acoustic music does not (get) much attention from the crowds,” said Helalat.
“We have to add a lot of grooves and rhythm, so people can dance … but we really enjoy both. Since we've been given this chance to perform acoustic, we thought let’s dig in that and bring this natural thing that we do in the studio to people who have never listened to it before.”
It is the first time the duo has visited the Kingdom, and Helalat said they had heard great things about the music scene.
“Now we’re here finally to explore all of that and it seems exciting that people are interested in the music industry,” he added.
Tayar’s tour is supported by Saudi indie record label Wall of Sounds Records. It began on Dec. 7 with a performance at XP Music Features at the Jax District in Diriyah, followed by a performance at Syrup Stage two days later.
Dec. 11 sees a show at Bohemia Café and Records in Damman and the tour concludes at Host Saudi in Jeddah on Dec. 13.
The electronic-indie duo formed in 2019 and finished recording their debut album, “Kol Shi Sar,” in 2023. It combines eclectic sounds with global influences, blending cinematic instrumentation and contemporary production techniques.
