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Hailing from Lebanese, Palestinian and Scottish backgrounds, and having spent her formative years between Kuwait and Paris, Tamara Qaddoumi has emerged as an influential force in the contemporary music scene. Upon her arrival in Beirut in 2018, Qaddoumi made an indelible mark with her debut EP, Dust Bathing. Subsequently, she released Soft Glitch in 2021 and has recently introduced her latest single, Under The Knife, anticipated to be a part of her forthcoming EP, Sorry Signal.
Tamara Qaddoumi describes her musical style as “Cold Pop,” a compelling fusion of Dream Pop and Cold Wave. Her musical odyssey, replete with varied influences, has been eclectic. Yet, she experienced a genuine artistic booming in Beirut. During her stay there, she collaborated with Antonio Hajj, who took on the role of her dedicated producer for projects after Soft Glitch. This partnership fostered a distinct sound that sets Tamara Qaddoumi apart.
When asked about the motivation behind her musical pursuits, the singer candidly admits that it primarily serves as a personal therapeutic outlet. Her compositions mirror her innermost sentiments and personal experiences. She often channels her experiences into melodic creations that resonate deeply with many.
Under The Knife, her recent single, delves into the intricate theme of grief. The track, underscored by an evocative melody, navigates the multifaceted stages of loss. It encapsulates the concept of confronting agony only to subsequently transcend it.
‘Under the sleeve of the earth beneath
With the crooked hand of death
I fall behind
Creasing the veil
With tears I’ve dried
Faster than time’
Those lyrics elucidate the notion that life’s tribulations are integral to the human experience, suggesting that one can only liberate oneself from negative emotions by truly experiencing them. The complementing video, directed by Karl Hadife, depicts Tamara Qaddoumi submerged underwater, a poignant visual metaphor for this intricate emotional process. The video also features a secondary figure, akin to a “death monster,” adorned with pearls and jewels, symbolizing the inherent beauty, even in harrowing experiences.
The artist will soon be launching her third EP, Sorry Signal, which promises fresh sounds and emotionally-charged lyrics. Furthermore, she is preparing for a European tour, poised to broaden her reach and open new avenues.
Tamara Qaddoumi stands out as an artist deeply attuned to life’s nuances. Her multicultural background, boundless creativity, and ability to transmute pain into art render her an invaluable voice in the music realm. Audiences should keenly anticipate her upcoming EP, Sorry Signal, scheduled for release this fall.
By Amin Zorkot
This article was originally published in French on the Agenda Culturel website.