Malek Hanna – Beautiful Stranger

By starrymag | March 2, 2021

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) Hi there and thank you for having me on your platform! I would describe my sound as being unique, as it fuses elements of being a blue-eyed soul singer with classic and pop tones. I like to fuse different musical elements, textures, and instruments in my songs, it’s a mélange if you will – nostalgic of older music yet still contemporary. Think of a modern-day George Michael with Josh Groban feels.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) I am a huge admirer of power vocals and artists such as Aretha Franklin, Billie Holiday, Paul Anka, Frank Sinatra, Tom Jones, Whitney Houston, Stevie Wonder and Lara Fabian. Some of my musical influences are George Michael, Luther Vandross, Josh Groban, Lionel Richie, Queen, Sade, Billy Joel and Sam Smith.

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Beautiful Stranger.”

 

A) The story behind “Beautiful Stranger” is all about “the search” and the recognition that the answers are ultimately within yourself.  My intention with this song is to have people question…”this thing called love,” and its many forms. My inspiration for the song came from the need to connect, to be able to understand the power of love and all its forms.

 

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

 

A) I think that fans are able to connect to the song because the search, questioning and desire for love in its many forms is something that is innate within every human being. Everyone wants to be heard, loved and accepted – despite them putting a front or having fear dictate their behaviors. One of the verses in the song is, “I’m a lone wolf, a fish out of water.” I truly believe that if people are honest with themselves, they can agree that at some point in their life, they felt like an outsider or… a “fish out of water.” I think people are yearning for connection whether they admit it or not and that desire is a part of the human experience. Especially in our current times, there is a cosmic reset occurring; people have more time on their hands and have another chance to get it right…We have a choice – to dig deep or keep it shallow? I believe people crave to dig deep but sometimes they get in their own way or don’t know how, too. This song questions all of these themes and is a reminder that only through authentic self-love is when one is able to share it with others.

 

Q) Ersi Danou and Thouly Dosios directed the video for “Beautiful Stranger.” How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?

 

A) My dynamite duo directors Ersi Danou and Thouly Dosios were wonderful directors with a clear vision. Every shot is extremely thought out and with purpose in order to drive the next scene and propel the storyline, which constantly shifts from reality versus fantasy and represents a perception of the world. The music video for the track plays right into the message behind it, as the storyline questions love and its many forms. Visually, you see a vignette of three different types of couples at three different locations where I work as a valet in downtown LA, a carrousel ticket attendant at the Santa Monica pier and a leaf blower at a private house in LA. At each one of the jobs, I am constantly observing and questioning that love while continuously dipping in and out of a fantasy, which is represented by quick still pictures versus smooth camera shots and angles.

 

Q) With concerts currently on hold, have you given any thought to live streaming events to promote your debut?

 

A) The nature of the entertainment industry has definitely changed due to COVID. I have flirted with the idea of having live streaming events but have not planned any definite dates yet. If things continue to be off and on lockdown in Los Angeles within the next few months, it is definitely something I will do.

 

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

 

A) My writing process is always different depending on whom I’m working with. I consider myself flexible and easy to work with, but typically if I’m completely alone I start with a theme and idea and then start to free write. I don’t necessarily need music before creating lyrics, but sometimes if I do have it before, yes, the music or even a basic beat will inspire me to go in a particular direction. After I have the theme, I have the words and write it out in a song structure; all the while, I will create some sort of melody in my head.

 

Q) How much of hand do you have in the production of your music?

 

A) I am a part of every aspect of production from beginning to end. After I lay down the vocals, I am in constant communication with the producer regarding what instruments to add, whether we want backup vocals, how we want to segue into the bridge, etc., etc.

 

Q) Will there be a full album or EP coming in the near future?

 

A) Yes!! Absolutely – I am actively working on an EP and, if all goes to plan, hope to release it towards the later half of this year.

 

Q) You have collabed with some MAJOR artists. Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

 

A) I would love to collaborate with The Weeknd. His smooth vocals and style would be a nice fusion with mine.

 

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them? 

 

A) I really like Coldplay; the band members all vibe well together and make it look easy. It’s smooth, fun, vibrant and uplifting music that always puts me in a good mood.

 

Q) We absolutely love that you created the non-profit Nadia’s Kids, Inc. How can fans get involved and help out?

 

A) Thank you! Yes, mental health is a huge issue that, we as a society, need to tackle. There are so many kids out there who suffer from PTSD and do not have the means or resources to heal in a timely manner, therefore greatly impacting their mental health as adults. I believe that art education and therapy can greatly heal traumas.  I would love for fans to help out by either donating monetarily (every dollar counts and is not too small) or donating their time to either assist in fundraising initiatives to raise awareness and provide art supplies. Fans can also volunteer their time with kids through attending or supervising music, dance, film or painting workshops. For more information on how to get involved, check out nadiaskids.org

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

 

A) With every new technology, you always gain but also lose something. The way we communicate and share in today’s world is heavily reliant on social media; it is a powerful tool that can be used to connect, share and experience artistic expression without physically being at a particular place. I think that is the nature and evolution of technology, having that shared global experience. It is crucial as an artist nowadays because without it, it would be a lot more challenging for my music to be heard by a global audience.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

 

A) I would like to thank all my fans and supporters out there for encouraging me to share my voice and to take my artistry to the next level. It means a lot knowing that my music resonated with people and brought them some joy on some level. I look forward to sharing more music and other artistic endeavors! Thank you for having me on your platform.