As he prepares to release his new summer ballad, Not the Kind of Heart That Falls Apart we wanted to spend some time and get to know queer Canadian Lebanese music artist el Hashem.
For the often time Arabic singer, the upcoming single is one of the first releases he has written fully. This is an exciting new era for the artist who, while only started releasing music recently, has made great strides representing queer arabics in music and video. As we always say, representation is vital, and artist el Hashem is helping to clear a path for his fellow community members.
So as we all prepare for another stellar Pride season, let’s take a moment to get to know…el Hashem!
What first got you into music?
Since I was a little wee one I loved music. I come from a musical family, with one of my aunts in Lebanon considered an iconic trailblazer of women in music. So I always was surrounded with that energy, and with some of the Middle East biggest composers hanging around my aunt’s place. But I really didn’t take any steps to get into singing, and instead concentrated on a thriving career in media. Until covid lockdowns when I had more time so I decided to give my passion a go.
Who are the artists that inspired you to make music?
OMG I can’t even tell you lol. My taste is so wide and varied in song and music. As evident from some of the live performances I’ve been doing on Facebook. I can say the oldies and the greats like Fitzgerald and Sinatra, to Dorris Day and Bette Midler, the 80’s has so much inspiration for me Duran Duran and Culture Club, I like Dolly Parton’s work, also so many new artists. Honestly I love seeing these artists do their thing, but I’m inspired by a good song, that tells a good story.
How would you describe the music that you typically create?
I like a good story. I first started with covers as a way of getting familiar with music and working in it. Then I wrote a personal song about loving our moms. But now I have written 5 news songs to release in 2022, and the common theme in them is they tell a story. It’s things inspired by my life, but that’s how I see songs, as little stories. I’m a lyrics guy lol
How would you describe your creative process and how you approach?
I guess with all the new songs I wrote, they just came to me, from memories of things I have experienced. I usually write the basic story of the song, then start building the lyrics.
Who would be your dream artists to collaborate with?
I would love to sing with Gaga. She has proved to be a powerful artist. I have to say I dismissed her at the start. Also probably Cher, because I am a big fan.
el Hashem & Count Klassy Collaborate on ‘I Miss You Mom’
Has your music style changed much since you first started creating music?
I’m still new. Ask me in a year lol
What is one message you would give to your fans?
Believe in yourself
Do you sing in the shower? What songs?
Gosh do I ever lol, my showers take long because I don’t want to interrupt the songs I am singing. I probably would have an oldies playlist on when I am showering
What do you get up to when you’re not making music?
Community work and my media business, and family and friends. I also watch a LOT of movies, I’m a huge movie buff
What is your favorite thing about making music?
Everything!
What is your least favorite thing about making music?
The marketing side of it
el Hashem – Not the Kinda Heart That Falls Apart
Release Date: May 27, 2022
Pre-Save Now
What is it about music that makes you feel passionate?
When I sing a song I feel it in my body. It’s the time I am most at peace. Also I love how songs connect us
Have you played any Pride festivals? What was the experience like??
I did Pride Toronto, but during the pandemic so it was virtual, I imagine it is a lot more fun when we are back in person. And I guess I am about to find out. I have been booked to perform at Pride Toronto’s Middle Eastern stage “Yalla Barra” for this year. Equally terrified and excited. Being new to this I have never sang in front of such a huge audience at one of the world’s biggest LGBTQ+ festivals.
How do practice self care while dealing with the challenges of the music industry?
Meditation is a big part of my everyday, and I love bubble baths
What does the next year look like for you?
Busy, 5 or 6 releases plus music videos will keep me going non stop
Describe your worst performance.
I just had some health troubles and was at hospital for a couple of days, and no sleep and I had a scheduled Facebook live performance to promote a new release, and everyone said I should reschedule, but I insisted I can do it. One song in and pulled the plug (I felt words coming out of my mouth but didn’t even know what I was saying lol, I was on painkillers). The lesson is respect your body 🙂
If you were stranded on an island and could only have one album with you, which one would it be and why?
The best of Celine Dion, I don’t know why, maybe because I can sing every song with her lol
Follow el Hashem on Social Media