Ziyad Al-Samman – Pleasure Complex

His studio is his sanctuary, the stage his fuel. Ziyad Al-Samman’s love of life is deeply rooted in his Syrian and Jordanian roots, and he shares that love in his psychedelic disco- pop songs and supercharged live shows. Inspired by hours of listening to Prince, Pulp, Gorillaz and Egyptian singer Amr Diab, his debut EP Pleasure Complex leads us into astroboscopicfrenzy-theperfectsoundtracktoaneverydaylifewewishwerehappier, lighter and more vibrant. Ziyad Al-Samman, now based in London, is a true crooner. He's a performer with a melancholic aura, who draws us with moments of joy, as well as profound sadness, the experimentations of his voice as well as his cries for love. When you listen, you are guaranteed a connection with his ardor. In his presence, you find yourself motivated by his passion for his craft.

Backed by synthesizers that bounce, jump, contort and make you dance, Pleasure Complex is a pure concentration of joy, creativity, spontaneity and elation, but always with a piercing, esoteric melancholy lurking in the background. Ziyad loses himself in songs that explore love, friendship and identity, enthusiastically taking us into a less dreary and more exhilarating version of everyday life.