Aoun Hamid is Brooklyn-based producer and songwriter of Palestinian and Jordanian descent who’s recently stepped out under his first name, Aoun, after developing his musical vision over the course of a decade. His solo venture is a unique exploration of sound, shaped by the energy of New York City and collaborations with artists from around the world.
Influenced by various genres and styles, Aoun takes cues from the work of Black Country, New Road, infusing his compositions with vivid storytelling lyricism. His upcoming album, The Shepherd and All Her Beautiful Sheep, promises to deliver an engrossing storyline that chronicles a year-long journey with a past lover, capturing the highs, lows and struggles along the way.
Backed by a talented band of musicians, including Guillermo Goldschmeid on bass, drummer Eli Fowler, Sean Brennan on cello and Tree Palmedo on trumpet, Aoun’s sound takes is built on acoustic intimacy with vibrant brass layers and dynamic percussion. Last year he opened the first chapter of the upcoming album with the debut single “Kangaroos,” which was followed by his sophomore single and final song on the record titled “Smoker’s Cough (Afterword).” Now he brings us his latest release with the third single lifted from the record with “Shears.”
Across an expansive musical journey that unfolds across almost seven minutes of indie folk music, the song builds from an intimate acoustic sound to a rousing crescendo replete with bright brass layers, pattering drum strikes and impassioned vocal bursts. Featuring Brooklyn-based artist Big Dumb Baby who also co-wrote the song, “Shears” presents an enthralling listening experience from start to finish. Opened by the soft plucks of acoustic guitar, Aoun’s hushed voice applies delicate brush strokes to deliver his thoughtful storytelling lyrics that tracks the reflective period during the dying embers of a relationship with quiet emotion.
Joined by Big Dumb Baby’s vocals, the pair lay down an elegant duet as the distant taps of percussion gradually fold in rhythm and hint at the rising energy that lies ahead. Half way through, the gentle beat of drums inject a lilting sway as warm trumpet tones sweep across the and smooth bass lines fill the arrangement.
Dropping down to the sombre tones of lightly gritty guitar and the moving threads of Aoun’s solo voice build towards the explosive finale where crashing cymbals, striking guitar chords and emphatic vocals weave among the brass lines and fluttering strings to craft a truly unforgettable close to this sensational piece of timeless music.
Listen to Shears below
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