Damascus, (SANA) – Young music bands form a new wave of musical composition based on modern rhythms that combine Arabic language with different musical styles to reach youths, fusing rock, jazz and classical tarab music.

Musical composer and founder of the band "Harara Aliya" (High Temperature) Maan Khalifah said his band, which was formed in 2002, is a step on the road of supporting Syrian songs without setting itself apart from pioneering Syrian composers.

Khalifah said the band is currently rearranging songs of renowned Syrian composers in order to revitalize the contemporary heritage of Syrian music according to Eastern musical formulas, stressing the need for Syrian radios to broadcast Syrian music.

For his part, Syrian singer Anas Fakhri, who helped found several Syrian bands, said he is keen on remaining different by providing a contemporary mix of music that relies on Oriental singing and Western rock and electronic music.

Fakhri added that he studied both classical Arab music and rock, and that he mixes various styles due to his commitment to supporting contemporary Syrian music, noting that today's music reflects the cultural and intellectual state of the people.

In turn, Shadi Ali, the lead singer in the band Jean, pointed out that Syrian music has no specific mold, and that Syrian music cannot be considered Oriental since Syrian society isn't purely Eastern and is open to other cultures.

Ali said that the members of Jean play rock music with an Oriental flavor through the subjects of their songs, combining progressive rock that uses strong lyrics that require certain musical intensity and beat, with lyrics by Syrian and Arab poet in addition to lyrics written by the band members themselves.

Manager of the band Marmar, Nazir Kebbeh, said that his band focuses on songs with a youthful and heritage vibe, presenting them in a new style by rearranging folk tines to appeal to the tastes of youths.

Kebbeh noted that the band is working on songs with lyrics in the spoken Syrian dialect, combined with jazz, pop, rock, soul and rai music.

H. Sabbagh