This one was interesting. I was really trying my best to be d’angelo. how’d I do? lol I enjoyed making this one a lot. It had a lot of bounce and when I finally got the final version down, it was because of Charlie, my manager and co-producer that pretty much told me to mash-up two versions together. It went so hard that I immediately mixed and mastered it and we started the release rollout shortly after. Music is so messy and I love it. All these photos express this song’s parts. Items that inspired and also were used to make it.
Ryad Chaoui returns for another Dopeness of the Week. Previously we went into his last project, holygrail(punk) and now we dig deeper into his most recent song. Some songs last for a moment, every song has its moments, others take you to a moment, some songs make you appreciate the moment, and there are songs that prepare you for the moments in life ahead. What We Built accomplishes much of the latter. The song opens with a slow, rhythmic strum of a guitar and the intro touches upon standing taller despite being in a meadow of sorrow. It’s a personification of resiliency and being able to rise above it all and keep perspective.
The next verse draws another comparison in nature ending with the lyrics: “Then I plant the seeds/the apple tree/so it grows taller, just like me”. This time by comparing an apple tree’s growth to his own. Notably, a tree that grows fruit. When an apple tree grows taller, it doesn’t just grow on its own, it also grows fruit for other forms of life to use and consume for growth. The seed is planted for another tree as the cycle of growth for yourself and others continues. It may be a stretch but judge for yourself.
The last verse appears to have a more uplifting tone and focus. As mentioned, all the previous verses were on resiliency and growth, while this verse appears more focused on appreciating life and being built for what life may have ahead. It builds upon the lessons from the previous two verses to not only withstand what life may bring but, better yet, embrace what lies ahead.
Only the artist truly knows the full intent of their song but as listeners we can translate it to our own experiences. Standing tall, growing taller, and having life that’s built from experience through life. It all builds upon creating a firm foundation that we can stand tall on and prepare for what life may have by relying on what was built. Give the song a listen and don’t hesitate to share your thoughts. It’ll be fascinating to hear how this song complements a potential future project from Ryad.
Amalgam eX is one of my top 3 favorite artists that I’ve worked with. A godly gifted big-hearted genuine positive creative. Bless to even be in the room to experience such greatness.
Mereba, you’re so swaggie. Thank you for choosing me to engineer your project. I’ve learned so much priceless knowledge about being an artist. @ommaskeith you are a forever brother. Shout out to @samhoffmanmusic and @mcclenney for the production knowledge and good vibes. Also big shout out to everyone who helped make this project what it is. @sorahimself @hellastrings @mixedbyjoncastelli @arimaederra Here are some shots from the AZEB sessions. Many more blessings to come for all of us. This one is for Virginia. All of these photos were taken through the 2-3 years of the making of this ep.
p.s. if you try to look up my credit on this record it says “Ryan Yassine Chaoui”. yolo.
What a perfect name for a project. “Nomad” out now. This project is sand, seaweed, candy, movies, laughter, anger, confusion, revisions, voice memos, wood, wind, adventures, heartbreak, quiet, distance, mountains, clouds, sunlight, doc martens, questions, hard lines, fear, faith, couches, water bottles, stickers, driving, breaks. These photos were shot throughout the 2 year process of making this ep.
sheesh! Talk about anxiety. This album and/or collection of singles scream stressed, scared, sad. This album was created within the first year of me moving out to Los Angeles. They say the first year is the hardest. Thankful for everything I’ve gone through so far.
A magnum opus of ideas. This is me at the start. Not knowing what direction I’m going, but knowing that I wanted to be loud and bouncy and moody. That tunnel vision.
