The critically acclaimed project of Jafar Sandouk – is pleased to announce the release of “Dresden”, the first single from his forthcoming album, accompanied by a visually stunning music video, brimming with symbolism.
Following a year of unprecedented times, “Dresden” will be thematically relatable to most listeners, as we navigate isolation and divisiveness while ultimately holding on to an underlying hope for connection and unity.
About “Dresden”
“I’m the sinner in this hole you made
Ain’t no single winner in this soft parade
This house is on fire with the ghosts of our lies
How long can you keep the wool over your eyes?
“The expansive soundscape. and luring hypnotic vocals are punctuated with notes of urgency, perfectly encapsulating the complacency we feel when isolated battling with a passionate need to evoke change and instill hope.
When asked about the track, Jafar Sandouk says:
“The past few years have been exhausting for so many of us, on top of dealing with a pandemic, and having to negotiate with all these forces that are totally disconnected from reality. The climate-change deniers, QAnoners, the white supremacists. I keep hearing how divided we all are but it’s not really a divide if the other person doesn’t even see what planet we’re on.”
While the past year has been challenging. Sandouk took full advantage of the changing pace of life and landscape noting: “The bright spark to being stuck indoors all year has meant more time to just play around with different sounds and instruments.”
Sandouk was inspired to write “Dresden” while playing some of his last live shows on tour in Europe and had this to say about the influences that lay the foundation for the song’s creation and its evolution:
“I started writing this song while on tour in Europe, shortly after playing a show in Dresden but lately I’ve been inspired by a lot of art and music from the Middle East and connecting with my Iraqi roots especially since I’ve not been able to visit home in the UK and see my family and friends.”
When asked how the recurring lockdowns and “stay at home” orders in his hometown of Toronto, Canada had impacted him, Sandouk has a positive outlook that we can all draw inspiration from stating:
“This time has made me more grateful for the connections and friendships I’ve made since moving to Canada, and just so thankful to be able to do what I love in spite of the chaos and madness all around us.”
About the Video for “Dresden”
For the music video for “Dresden”, Howlin’ Circus partnered again with the incredible video team who directed and shot the video for “Run The Wrong Way” – which is currently a finalist in the Canadian Independent Music Video Awards. Rich with light and water imagery, the video is both visually stunning and poignant.
The music video’s director Rachel Elizabeth McKim says: “Jafar’s warm, luring melodies accompanied by his lyrics surrounding isolation, struggle, and oppression are the driving force behind the concept for Dresden. We explore these themes through the lenses of both innocence and complacency, and find out how far some people will go to feel connection and understanding.”
