Palestinian-Jordanian singer, songwriter, and producer Dana Salah shares her journey graduating from Duke University to DJing in New York City and writing songs in Jay-Z's studio to transitioning to creating and performing songs in Arabic. She discusses the impact of DJing on her music writing, and the importance of staying connected with her culture. She reflects on her musical influences and the challenges of blending modern and traditional elements in her work. The conversation covers her songwriting process, her response to the current situation with Palestinians, and anecdotes around her tracks "Weino", "Ghazaleh", and "Ya Tal3een", delving into the Palestinian "tarweedeh" style of singing and writing.  

00:00 Introduction 

01:31 Early Career Struggles and Successes

03:32 DJing and Musical Influences

09:17 Songwriting Process and Inspirations

13:58 Transition to Arabic Music

19:36 Performing and Connecting with Audiences

22:15 Balancing Nostalgia and Cultural Identity

24:04 Strategic Decisions and Creative Process

25:08 Balancing Multiple Roles in the Music Industry

26:55 Discovering and Recovering Palestinian Folk Songs

29:37 Emotional Connection to Music and Family

38:26 Production Techniques and Song Preferences

45:35 Influences and Future Aspirations

Dana Salah is a Palestinian-Jordanian singer and songwriter blending Arabic folk with modern pop. After starting her career in New York as King Deco, she returned to Jordan to embrace her Arab roots. Known for hits like Weino and Rajieen, she’s a leading voice in contemporary Arabic music and was the first female Jordanian artist featured on a Times Square billboard.

Connect with Dana Saleh 👉 https://instagram.com/danasalah

Hosted by Mikey Muhanna

Connect directly with Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://instagram.com/mikey_mu

Theme music: Peninsular, Tarek Yamani 🔊 

https://spoti.fi/47I59ns

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