always with a band (Lounging Criminals, Mojolaters Blues Band). As much as I love being in a band situation, I also have my own personality which I wanted to bring out. So I started this initiative called Avant-Garde Music Projects. First and foremost it’s about music collaborations; bring different musicians together for one-off projects, and the second thing is making gigs. I consider it my own creative space to be in charge without referring back to anyone. How many shows have you currently organized, and how was the overall turnout? Two have been made so far, Blend Music Festival 1 & 2; both had around 200 people attend. It was highly covered by the media and press, and I am very happy with the turnout. Six local acts in total performed at the events to great reviews. From rock to jazz to metal.
Is it easy to organize shows in Kuwait? What has that been like for you? It wasn’t a cakewalk I’ll tell you that! But Bayt Lothan (where both events took place) were supportive 100% to the last detail and they were very easy to work with. It’s all about how much you prepare I guess; last minute crunching will always be difficult. Any future plans for Avante-Garde? Due to my heavy schedule (I performed at the Bija Concert with Nawaf Ghraibah), my other recording session gigs, dayjob and marriage, it’s been slower than at first; however I am currently recording a track with local producer Fuad Murad of Household Productions on an electro-jazz experiment, and other small projects which I cannot announce at the moment. I also am planning a major concert in
November, which, if it goes to plan, will be a great step forward in Kuwait’s music scene. What advice would you give for a young musician who lives in Kuwait? Practice till your fingers bleed; play what you like not what people want to hear, never give up. It also helps to be able to say no. It will help you out in the long run as people would otherwise take advantage of you.
For more information on Avant Garde Music Projects visit www.facebook.com/pages/Avant-Garde-MusicProjects/302130436502573. You can also keep up to date with Ali on Twitter @AliSleeq or through his blog www.speaktheblues.blogspot.com. 133