What inspired you to create “Breathe In Love”
Our singer Sarah is a very committed environmental activist, and from her Muslim perspective, Mina’s Christian perspective and my own more humanist point of view, we all believe that the planet is a gift to us, and one we should take good care of. I’d done a Yogic breathing exercise/ritual that involved breathing in love and breathing in hate, and that was the start of the lyrics.
Can you tell us more about your musical influences and how you created your unique sound?
I studied with Minimalist composer Gavin Bryars, who worked with Eno on his early work, and later on became very into electronica by the likes of Leftfield, Portishead and Massive Attack. Those influences are added to by Mina’s Arabic and Coptic musical influences, as well as Sarah’s Sufi background, to produce our unique sound.
Do you have a track that shines out as a favourite to play live?
I like O Ignis Spiritus, which was our first single, as it’s just spine-tinglingly atmospheric. It’s based on a 12th century chant, so that makes it something extra special.
Does the songwriting process happen between you all?
We all contribute to the songwriting, starting with music, and then adding vocals, then more layers of music. We are very much a studio band compositionally, with the material being reworked and cut about to make the final piece.
How would you describe your music to a potential fan?
We are a blend of electronic chillout and world music instrumental sounds, with an uplifting vibe overall.
Who would you love to collaborate on a project with?
I’d love to collaborate with Tinariwen, they are like a Tuareg desert band of outlaws crossed with Jimi Hendrix, just the most amazing music.
What does the future hold for you?
We spent last year writing our album, and this year we’ll be promoting it. I think next year we’ll be out and about performing more hopefully. We’ve already started writing our second album though, and the first one isn’t even out yet, so we’re always looking forward.
Electric Sufi are announcing that they are releasing their debut album entitled “Breathe In Love ” which will be available to be listened to in full early 2023.