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The fusion of western music and Arabic influence has put Beirut on the map as the epicenter of the world's greatest cities. “Mashrik”, which translates to east in Arabic, is where the sun rises to the Mashriq region surrounding Egypt.
"Mashrik", aka Michael, who is Lebanese, moved to the U.S in 2014 after having grown up in Beirut his entire life. Being someone who has always loved electronic music, he had been constantly encouraged by his friends to become a DJ. After living in NYC for 2 years, he realized that the city had a lot to offer, exposing him to so many cultures and people with whom he strongly connected over music. He quickly realized the potential and decided to become a Dj / Music producer. His music is deeply influenced by his Middle Eastern roots.
Expect his sound to be unique and unorthodox, from Oud and Qanun blends with a variety of ethnic music incorporated into his sets. He hopes to eclipse and leave his trademark sound across the world. Currently residing in New York City, he can be found spinning weekly in various venues, where he established residencies, such as Gospël, Amaya, Gitano, just to name a few. This has solidified his footprint in another global city.
Throughout his Dj career, he played alongside renowned artists such as Bedouin(Saga), Armen Miran (Hoomidas Records), Davi (Crosstown Rebels), Lemurian, Elfenberg(Stil Vor Talent), Miichii (Wayu Records), Mandrake (Mayan Warrior), Dramian (Mayan Warrior), Magician on Duty, David Hohme, just to name a few . His footprint expands to other countries, such as Canada, Spain, Italy, Mexico(Tulum, CDMX, Playa Del Carmen) and many more. In CDMX, which is one of the cities he played the most internationally, he played at M.N Roy - the most exclusive private club in Mexico City.
In January 2019, Mashrik co-founded a monthly event series in NYC called Kuná, which has consistently sold out. He created the brand from ground up by sourcing international music producers and defining the sound of Kuná. The fanbase quickly grew to an average attendance of 650 people per event with a lot of partnerships that were formed around the globe. Pre-Covid, Kuná had events booked for all of 2020 into 2021. It is one of many projects related in music that Michael has started, which strengthens his foothold in the music industry.
He recently launched the Kuná music label through which he released his first VA compilation (Al Muruna) of 17 original tracks as a fundraiser for Lebanon’s explosion that happened in August 2020, with artists such as Bona Fide, Chambord, Double Touch, Pippi Ciez, Raw Main, The Soul Brothers, Timboletti just to name a few... The compilation was released in collaboration with Inward Records, which is the label co-owned by the duo Sparrow & Barbossa and Pippi Ciez.
He released his first soundtrack on this compilation, called “Mukawame”, which means “resistance” in Arabic, which reflects the resistance to corruption of the Lebanese population.