Fusion Pop from John Lebanon

Based in Boston, John Lebanon is a project that blends irony, intimacy and infectious melody into something entirely its own. The moniker itself began as a playful misnomer, the banner of a Lebanese songwriter once told he looked like John Lennon, but over time, it’s become the marker for one of the most intriguing alternative folk and pop rock acts to rise from New England’s creative sphere. Joined by Roy, Matthew, Jihad and Deluccia, John Lebanon crafts songs that float across continents from the heat of Beirut and the cool winds of Boston and New York.

Since unveiling his sound in 2017 with the debut single “La femme que j’aime elle est lesbienne,” John Lebanon has been walking a unique artistic path paved by wit, warmth and musical curiosity. His early work, including the 2018 EP Disco Boi, positioned him as an artist able to bring together cultures and styles while a string of well-received singles have since struck a chord with fans all over the world.

Now, with his latest release, the brand new single titled “Disco Boi Beirut,” John Lebanon revisits the past to reimagine it in an exciting new setting. The single was initially penned during his New York City years back in 2017, reworked now with a faster tempo and a deeper emotional context. Linking up with Matthew Hatch on mixing and mastering and featuring the compelling vocals of Isabelle Malhame, the track distils his journey from one city to another, from nostalgia to renewal.

“Disco Boi Beirut” shimmers with genre-blending confidence, channeling the dancefloor energy of pop through the reflective lens of folk. But within its grooves lies something more personal, a story of infatuation told through shifting languages and textures; the track’s English verses land with simple, heartfelt directness, while the Arabic refrain translates to something that feels like a spell, a voice repeating, teasing and captivating.

Opened by the bright flutter of airy vocals, intricate clean guitar chords and pulsing bass lines are met with soft instrumental textures capped by alluring vocal leads. Flowing with the patter of mellow percussive patterns, the immersive arrangement casts a spellbinding listening experience that shines with emotion and memorable melodic flickers, forming an engrossing listening experience that puts John Lebanon’s fiercely unique sonic vision on full display.

Gliding with the soft rattle of drums and flourishes of hazy, processed vocals, the dashes of woozy instrumental lines melt into an intoxicating soundscape as Isabelle’s graceful voice enter to add silky vocal layers in the finale. It’s a stunning slice of forward-thinking folktronica that takes cues from different styles, eras and locations to deliver a magical musical moment unlike any other. As he shares more of his thoroughly unique and truly engaging sonic output, John Lebanon continues to go from strength to strength on his global musical adventure.

Listen to Disco Boi Beirut below

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