Bader Shashit’s ‘On Speed’ EP: A Club-Ready Ode to Syrian-Libyan Roots

Cover Photo by Luay Al Ganim

Bader Shashit has released his latest EP, ‘On Speed’, on Soundcloud, a genre-defying electronic array of explosive, high BPM sounds introduced with an all-caps caption that reads, “THIS IS NOT TECHNO.”

Having spent his childhood in between Benghazi and Damascus, Bader grew up imbued with Syrian classical music and Libyan tagaza majrouda rhythms, a sonic duality which he creatively weaves into his musical identity. Similarly, his move to Belgium as a young adult was particularly influential. Curious about the club scene, Bader explored various nightclubs and spaces, and his extensive background in visual arts aided him in working for a number of collectives, brands and artists.

Bader began to get involved with Yalla Soundsystem, curating events that featured Arab artists like Toumba, Muskila, Cheb Runner and more. Soon enough, Bader began experimenting with sounds of his own, blending heavy bass patterns with traditional music from the MENA region and creating his unique rhythmic identity.

Featuring DJ and producer 5amaseen, Bader’s new EP entwines his multiple cultures with each other, exploring the various ways to artistically blend and tie classical sounds with contemporary club music.