SceneNoise x XP Conversations: Lina Makhoul

In this episode of the SceneNoise x XP Conversations series, we sat down with Palestinian artist Lina Makoul, an artist whose work is inextricably linked to the complexities of her identity and the soil she hails from.

Makoul opens up about the immense difficulty of sustaining a musical career within Palestine. She speaks with striking honesty about the daily urge to leave - a choice that promised mental relief and a simpler life - only to find herself pulled back by an unshakable commitment to her roots. For Makoul, staying isn't just a personal choice; it’s an act of cultural preservation.

As the regional music scene undergoes a rapid transformation, Makoul expresses a nuanced concern regarding the ‘Westernisation’ of Arab music. While she acknowledges the excitement surrounding the global attention currently focused on Middle Eastern artists, she cautions against losing the traditional heritage that has been built over generations. Her fear is one of dilution - that in the rush to sound 'modern', the unique stories and sonic textures of the region might fade into a generic global pop landscape.

Makoul also reflects on her evolution from being a pop puppet - a teenager singing in English and chasing a manufactured dream - to an independent artist who has reclaimed her narrative. After breaking free from the constraints of traditional labels, she has navigated an industry she describes as often unfair and unclean.

Today, Makoul stands as a fully realised version of herself; she is a storyteller who knows exactly where she comes from and, more importantly, where she is going. By prioritizing ownership over her art, she ensures that her music remains a true reflection of her soul rather than a product for consumption.