Nuance, an event created by BIMM Berlin students as their final year project focuses creativity and talent that fights for the freedom to be who you are, self-expression and love. The event will take place at ACUD MACHT NEU on the 24th of April at 19:30h.
The beauty of this event is that it’s paying what you can and all the profit made will be donated to Glad.t. a charity that engages on different levels in the fight against racism, sexism, trans- and homophobia, ableism and other forms of discrimination.
One of three performers set to entertain is Rasha Nahas. Born out of a roaring Palestinian underground scene, Rasha blends dirty electric guitar tones and classical technique with bold, unabashed poetry.
indieberlin: Tell us a little bit about your musical background
Rasha: I consider myself a songwriter first. I studied classical guitar since the age of 10 and I began really singing when I started performing my songs because I felt that for me, the performance and the execution of the songs are an integral part of the composition. I combine my poetry with classical guitar technique played on electric guitar and open howling effects.
indieberlin: How did you get together as a band?
Rasha: I moved to Berlin only last summer, and the process of finding the band actually happened very naturally as I was adjusting to the city. On the drums there’s Basel Mfarij, that I knew back from the Palestinian music scene in Haifa. On the cello, there’s Gabor Hartyani that I met through a common friend when I first got here, and on the bass, there’s Gidi Farhi that I found thru the one and only: Facebook.
And of course, my dear friend and partner in crime – Shaden Nahra on the violin.
We’re currently working on the new album (Out Fall 2018)
indieberlin: How does the songwriting process work for you?
Rasha : For me, with every song it’s a different journey, some songs start with an idea of the lyrics and the harmonies just wrap them in few minutes, some songs start with an improvised melody on the guitar, some songs wait for months on the shelf until they’re finished and some are never finished. It always fascinates me to start with a song and see where it goes.
indieberlin: If you had to describe your music to a deaf person, what would you say?
Rasha : Desert in black and white.
indieberlin: Where do you get your inspiration from?
Rasha: My inspiration comes from the constant search of something deeper in the things I encounter. whether it’s love, or changes or the ongoing encounter with my Palestinian identity, my feminine identity, and my art.
indieberlin: What music do you listen to when you’re touring?
Rasha: hmmm, Caetano Veloso? Some Joni Mitchell, and Spice Girls (in the mornings).
indieberlin: How do you feel about covering a song?
Rasha: I love covering songs, there are so many great songs out there and it’s always nice to redo them with your own understanding of them.
indieberlin: Do you prefer to play big festivals/stages or smaller club gigs?
Rasha: I think I prefer closed venues over open festivals, but I definitely had strong musical experiences playing on stages in festivals.
indieberlin: With whom would you never share the stage with?
Rasha: with anyone who doesn’t respect my views and ideologies.
indieberlin: In ten years you look back to today and think:_____________
Rasha: ok.. ok..
