Whether it’s embarking deep into the heart and soul of an underground scene concealed within the confines of a distant Cairo building or traveling to a festival situated in a vast desert landscape somewhere in Morocco, ScenNoise passionately unravels the intricate tapestry of musical exploration. From the obscure to the mundane, the publication takes pride in shedding light on emerging scenes and promising talents throughout the MENA region, consistently positioned at the forefront of contemporary music journalism. Originating from the vibrant streets of Cairo’s wust el balad, ScenNoise has now elevated its musical influence with the unveiling of Noise Records, a dedicated record label and launchpad committed to nurturing the careers of aspiring musicians across the MENA region.
The grand inauguration of Noise Records in January 2024 will feature a genre-agnostic variety artists album, showcasing 17 cutting-edge talents from 11 countries across the Middle East and North Africa. These artists, who have defied genre boundaries while leaving a lasting impact on their respective scenes, epitomize the label’s commitment to embracing diversity and pushing artistic boundaries.
Timmy Mowafi, Co-Founder of MO4 Network, the force behind SceneNoise, questions the conventional purpose of a label in the contemporary landscape. In an era where Gen Z, armed with TikTok trends, can rival the impact of major label boardrooms, Noise Records emerges as an experimental space, unrestricted by conventional structures or genres. Mowafi emphasizes the need to rethink compensation models for artists in a region where financial struggles are prevalent and traditional revenue streams may not suffice.
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Noise Records, as Mowafi articulates, is a bold exploration of the undefined possibilities a label can embody. Breaking free from the shackles of past methodologies and genre constraints, the label embraces novelty as its guiding principle. Rather than viewing the music industry as broken, Noise Records sees it as evolving, particularly in the Middle East, offering an exhilarating opportunity to be part of this transformative journey.
The mission of Noise Records extends beyond merely disrupting the status quo; it aspires to champion cross-cultural and cross-discipline creativity, fostering vibrant communities around both the artists and the label. In the months ahead, Noise Records plans to introduce memberships, granting fans exclusive access to events and content, empowering them to participate in decisions related to label moves and artist releases.
As a stalwart voice in the independent music scene of the Middle East, SceneNoise seamlessly integrates reviews, in-depth interviews, documentaries, and various engaging content, appealing to the curiosity of music enthusiasts and anyone eager to explore the region’s diverse musical offerings. The introduction of Noise Records signifies more than just a label; it symbolizes the publication’s foray into creating a unique musical dialogue, extending its influence beyond traditional journalism.
