Podcast Summary: All Of It – Nour Harkati's 'Mulena' (Live from CR5)

Episode Release Date: December 6, 2024
Host: Alison Stewart
Guest: Nour Harkati

Introduction

In this episode of All Of It from WNYC, host Alison Stewart welcomes Tunisian singer-songwriter Nour Harkati to discuss his forthcoming album, "Mulena." The conversation delves into the album's inspiration, cultural fusion, musical elements, and the personal journey that led Nour to create a work he describes as a love letter to New York City.

Album Overview: "Mulena"

Nour Harkati introduces "Mulena" as a deeply personal project that serves as a dedication to a higher power and a celebration of his eight-year residence in New York City. He emphasizes the album's focus on spirituality rather than traditional love stories or personal experiences.

[09:55] Nour Harkati: "Mulena means the closest meaning is the Lord. And it's obviously this is not a religious, necessarily a religious album, but it's all symbolic... It's something that's humbling and makes you a little bit grounded."

Nour explains that the album seeks to ground listeners by acknowledging a higher power, fostering humility, and encouraging a deeper connection beyond the self.

Cultural Fusion: North African Rhythms Meets New York Groove

"Mulena" embodies a fusion of North African rhythms and the vibrant sounds of New York City, blending traditional elements with contemporary urban vibes. This cultural amalgamation reflects Nour's journey as an immigrant artist navigating the diverse musical landscape of New York.

[08:20] Nour Harkati: "The noise machine, the guitar, the drums, the bass, the core of New York. So I think... it's a fusion between the North African sounds and the New York street noise."

This seamless integration highlights the dynamic interplay between Nour's Tunisian heritage and the eclectic influences of New York's music scene.

Musical Elements: Tradition Meets Modernity

Nour meticulously incorporates traditional North African instruments alongside modern instrumentation to create a unique soundscape. Key instruments featured in "Mulena" include:

• Gambri: An ancient string instrument with roots in Africa, crafted from camel skin and goat intestines, reminiscent of the banjo.

  [11:01] Khalil Lajmi: "This instrument is a very, very ancient instrument... made with camel skin, olive wood, and goat intestines."

• Bindir: A framed Tunisian frame drum providing percussive depth.

  [12:00] Khalil Lajmi: "And we have the New York stuff... the drums, the bass, the core of New York."

These instruments are complemented by contemporary elements like electric guitars, drums, and bass, ensuring that the album resonates with both traditional and modern audiences.

[12:15] Khalil Lajmi: "But also what represents New York to my ears."

Nour strives to maintain a balanced mix where neither Western nor traditional music overshadows the other, fostering an authentic and harmonious blend.

Live Performances: Showcasing "Rahman" and "Sidi"

During the episode, Nour and his band perform two pivotal tracks from "Mulena":

1. "Rahman" ([00:59] - [05:32]): Serving as the album's opener, "Rahman" is a spiritual piece dedicated to the graciousness of a higher power. Nour explains that repetition in the song is intended to induce a trance-like state, aligning with the album's thematic focus on spirituality.

   [07:14] Khalil Lajmi: "New York plays a big role in terms of the sounds."

   [07:58] Khalil Lajmi: "What my personal thing that I'm bringing with me, which is culture difference, inspiration."

2. "Sidi" ([12:52] - [13:05]): An Afrobeat-infused track, "Sidi" explores the challenges of life in New York, such as loneliness and homesickness, while maintaining an upbeat and festive tone.

   [13:18] Khalil Lajmi: "An Afrobeat song... it's very festive."

These performances exemplify Nour's ability to convey profound themes through engaging and rhythmic music.

Personal Background: A Journey from Tunisia to New York

Nour shares his personal story, highlighting his Tunisian upbringing in a musically inclined family. His mother, a singer, and his late father, a violinist, played significant roles in fostering his love for music. Despite his mother's initial reservations about a professional music career, Nour pursued his passion relentlessly.

[08:27] Khalil Lajmi: "My mom was a singer. My dad was a violin player... I was kind of bathed in music."

Nour's move to New York was fueled by love for music and his partner, a journey that involved living in Paris and Berlin before settling in the city that never sleeps.

[06:58] Noor Harkati: "Love of the music and love of my partner also. It's a combination."

This diverse background informs his music, blending various cultural influences into a cohesive and compelling sound.

Album Release Event: Celebrating at Public Records

Nour announces a special album release concert scheduled for December 11 at Public Records. This event marks the dual release of "Mulena" in both digital and physical formats, including vinyl.

[23:04] Khalil Lajmi: "She's going to be playing first... Odetta Hartman."

The concert will feature performances by other artists, such as singer-songwriter Odetta Hartman, adding to the evening's vibrant atmosphere.

[21:14] Noor Harkati: "I love when people clap from the heart... it's a whole energy that leaves your body."

Nour emphasizes the interactive and transformative experience he aims to create, encouraging genuine and heartfelt audience participation.

Conclusion

Nour Harkati's "Mulena" stands as a testament to the power of cultural fusion and personal expression. Through his music, Nour bridges traditional North African sounds with the contemporary rhythms of New York City, creating a unique and spiritually resonant album. This episode of All Of It offers listeners an insightful glimpse into Nour's artistic vision, his dedication to authenticity, and his celebration of New York as a vibrant cultural melting pot.

For those eager to experience "Mulena," Nour's live performances on the show provide a captivating preview of the album's themes and musical prowess ahead of its official release.

Notable Quotes:

• Nour Harkati ([09:55]): "Mulena means the closest meaning is the Lord... something that's humbling and makes you a little bit grounded."
• Khalil Lajmi ([08:20]): "The noise machine, the guitar, the drums, the bass, the core of New York."
• Nour Harkati ([12:46]): "I want to be equally mixed. And that's what I did on the album."
• Alison Stewart ([20:17]): "New York wants you to be bold."
• Nour Harkati ([21:14]): "I love when people clap from the heart... it's like a kind of a meditative thing."

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and highlights from the podcast episode, providing a rich and engaging overview for those who haven't listened to the full conversation.