Iqaa the Olivetone

Here’s a special treat for all you instrumental freaks out there. I came across this about a month ago through Narcy’s blog.

The man calls himself El-Iqaa (his real name is Joe Namy; pictured on the right). Apart from being a musician, he is also a graphic and video artist under the moniker Olivetones. And he is part of the OTHER: Arab Artists collective. The guy hails from Detroit and is of Lebanese origin. As the note on the first page of his website says,

El-Iqaa (which means “rhythm” or “drummer” in Arabic) is in no way related to El-Qaeda (which does not mean “rhythm” or “drummer” in Arabic). So please don’t be scared or uncomfortable.

Not too long ago, he released an online-only instrumental album called “Detro!t Be!rut” which you can download from his website. There are two ways to do this. Either you donate a bit of cash to Iqaa and get a high-quality 320 kbps version of the album, or you take the free ride and download the tunes at 128 kbps. But even the 128-k version is of good quality—no static or anything like that, as you so often get with low-quality MP3s.

Iqaa’s words:

This music was made with live drums, with samples from old 45’s and new mp3’s, with a mixer and a mic, Michael’s Moog, technics and technique, some claps and snaps, a g4, pro tools, sticks on cymbals from Istanbul, fingers on a Kevork riq, masking tape, kahwa araby, sweat, pride and love (infused with a little camoon).

Go cop that:

El-Iqaa – Detro!t Be!rut (2007)

Here’s a nice version of the album cover to go along with that…

Take my word for it, this is dope material.

Peace,
3ardrumm3r