Vinyl Souk DXB Debuts VA Compilation ‘Made in The Emirates Vol.1’

Vinyl Souk DXB, a community-based platform dedicated to revitalizing analog and vinyl culture in the UAE, has recently released the first volume of its debut VA compilation album, Made in The Emirates.

Issued through their independent vinyl label, Vinyl Souk Records, the compilation highlights the vibrant alternative music scene in the UAE and the evolving musical landscape of the Middle East. It brings together a diverse mix of regional and homegrown talent. The album features nine tracks spanning an eclectic range of genres and sounds, including psychedelic funk, Khaleeji folk, jazz, electronica, and indie rock.

The record opens with Raise Your Words, a collaboration between the Kuwaiti modern jazz ensemble Boom.Diwan and musician Nduduzo Makhathini. The track creates an experimental musical dialogue rooted in Khaleeji sea-faring traditions.

Standout tracks include Ya Tiflati Min At-Teen by Amal Waqar, a rising Oman-born oud player, singer-songwriter, and producer. The track is an avant-garde exploration of Khaleeji folk, rock, experimental jazz, and classic Arabic rhythms. Meanwhile, Livin’ It Up by guitarist and producer Assad, also known as Bell Funk Zoo, offers psychedelic funk textures in a seamless blend of jazz and electronica, taking listeners on a lucid journey through the subconscious.

Physical copies of Made in The Emirates Vol. 1 will be available in record stores across the UAE starting January 2025.