Syria’s 2016 Electronic Dance Music Scene

Syria’s electronic dance music scene is heating up in 2016, with a growing number of clubs and festivals catering to the growing demand for EDM. If you’re looking to get your groove on in Syria, check out our guide to the best clubs and festivals in the country.

Introduction

Syria has been in the news a lot lately, but not for its Electronic Dance Music scene. In fact, many people are surprised to learn that Syria even has an Electronic Dance Music scene. Despite the country’s current political and economic situation, Syria’s 2016 Electronic Dance Music scene is thriving.

This article will give you an overview of Syria’s 2016 Electronic Dance Music scene, including its history, the current situation, and what the future holds for this growing music genre.

The History of Syria’s Electronic Dance Music Scene

Syria’s electronic dance music scene has been growing rapidly in recent years. With the help of the internet, Syrians have been able to connect with each other and share their love for music. The scene has been growing steadily since the early 2010s, and it has become one of the most vibrant in the world.

The Early Days: 1990-2000

Syria’s electronic dance music scene began in the early 1990s, when a group of young DJs and producers started making music using rudimentary equipment. One of the earliest and most influential figures in the scene was DJ Firas Tarabichi, who is credited with introducing trance and techno to Syria. Tarabichi also founded Syria’s first EDM label, Domatic Records, which released a number of groundbreaking compilations that featured local artists.

The late 1990s and early 2000s saw the emergence of a number of new clubs and promoters, who helped to grow the scene even further. Notable figures from this period include DJ Osama Al Rashidi (who founded the respected label Oxytech Records) and DJ Amjad (who ran the popular Trcons parties). By the mid-2000s, Syria’s electronic dance music scene was flourishing, with regular parties taking place in Damascus, Aleppo, Latakia and other cities.

Sadly, the outbreak of civil war in 2011 brought an end to Syria’s vibrant EDM scene. Many of the country’s leading DJs and producers have since fled abroad, and it remains to be seen whether the scene will ever recover.

The Golden Age: 2001-2010

From 2001 to 2010, Syria’s electronic dance music scene was booming. The country’s clubs and festivals were some of the most popular in the region, and Syrian DJs and producers were at the forefront of the Arab electronic music scene. However, with the outbreak of the Syrian Civil War in 2011, the country’s electronic music scene was dealt a major blow. Many of Syria’s clubs and festivals were forced to close, and its DJs and producers were forced to flee the country. However, in recent years, there has been a resurgence in Syria’s electronic music scene, with a new generation of DJs and producers emerging.

The Modern Scene: 2011-present

In the early 2010s, the Syrian electronic dance music scene was small but growing, with a few local clubs and a handful of DJs beginning to make a name for themselves. By 2011, the scene had exploded, with new clubs and restaurants popping up all over Damascus and other cities hosting regular EDM nights. The music itself began to evolve as well, incorporating elements of traditional Arabic music and influences from around the world.

The Syrian Civil War put an abrupt end to the country’s burgeoning EDM scene, as nightclubs were forced to close and DJs fled the country. In the years since, Syrians in exile have continued to produce and perform electronic dance music, keeping alive the country’s rich musical tradition.

The Music of Syria’s Electronic Dance Music Scene

The Early Days: 1990-2000

In Syria, the electronic dance music scene began in the early 1990s, with a handful of young people experimenting with making and playing their own music. This was a time before the internet and social media, so information about equipment and techniques was hard to come by. Nonetheless, these early pioneers persevered, and by the end of the decade there was a small but vibrant community of DJs and producers in Damascus.

The first few years of the new millennium saw a rapid growth in the scene, as more and more young people were drawn to its energy and creativity. By 2005, there were regular parties being held in various locations around the city, featuring both local and international DJs. This was also the period when Syria’s first club dedicated to electronic dance music opened its doors: Club 360, which quickly became a focal point for the scene.

The 2010s have been a turbulent time for Syria, with the outbreak of civil war in 2011 leading to widespread violence and displacement. In spite of this, the electronic dance music scene has continued to grow and thrive. Today, there are dozens of active DJs and producers in Damascus, many of whom have gained international recognition. The city’s clubs are still operating, albeit with reduced hours due to the security situation. And new parties are being held on a regular basis, bringing together people from all walks of life who share a love for dance music.

The Golden Age: 2001-2010

The start of the 21st century saw a golden age for Syria’s electronic dance music scene. The country’s key cities – Damascus, Aleppo and Homs – were abuzz with activity, with nightclubs and bars hosting regular parties and events. Local and regional DJs would come to play, and the music was a mix of styles from across the Arab world.

However, this golden age came to an abrupt end with the outbreak of the Syrian Civil War in 2011. Many of the country’s leading DJs and producers fled the conflict, and those who remained were forced to go underground. The nightclubs and bars closed their doors, and the electronic dance music scene effectively disappeared.

In 2016, though, there are signs that the scene is beginning to recover. A new generation of Syrian artists are emerging, inspired by the legends of the past but determined to forge their own path. The future of Syrian electronic dance music is looking brighter than it has for many years.

The Modern Scene: 2011-present

The modern Syrian electronic music scene started to emerge in 2011, following the outbreak of the Syrian Civil War. In the years since, the scene has been shaped by the conflict, with many musicians forced to flee the country.

The music produced by Syrian electronic musicians reflects the country’s diverse cultural heritage, borrowing from a range of genres including Arab pop, hip hop, and electronic dance music. While the sound of the scene is constantly evolving, it remains united by its DIY spirit and its commitment to creating a space for expression and resistance.

Despite the challenges faced by Syria’s electronic music scene, it has continued to grow in recent years, with new artists and collectives emerging and finding creative ways to keep the scene alive.

The People of Syria’s Electronic Dance Music Scene

In 2016, Syria’s electronic dance music scene was one of the most vibrant in the world. The war had displaced millions of Syrians, but it also created a new generation of electronic music producers and DJs. In the clubs of Damascus and Aleppo, people danced to a new kind of music that was a blend of traditional Arabic melodies and Western electronic beats.

The Early Days: 1990-2000

Syria’s electronic music scene began in the early 1990s, at a time when the country was opening up to the outside world and exposing its people to new ideas and cultures. The first electronic music club, called Club Aman, opened in Damascus in 1992, and it quickly became a hotspot for young people looking to connect with each other and dance to the latest Western pop hits.

The early days of Syria’s electronic music scene were shaped by two main influences: the rave culture of Europe and the Arab world’s rich tradition of dance music.Syrian DJs would often mix Arabic pop songs with European techno beats, creating a unique sound that was both familiar and new. This mashup of styles soon caught on with Syrian youth, who started heading to Club Aman in droves to dance the night away.

The popularity of Club Aman led to the opening of more electronic music clubs in Damascus and other major Syrian cities. By 2000, there were dozens of clubs across the country pumping out thumping basslines and catchy melodies. Syria’s electronic music scene was thriving, and its sound was quickly evolving.

The Golden Age: 2001-2010

Syria’s electronic dance music scene flourished during the early 2000s. This was a period of great musical experimentation, with artists drawing from a wide range of influences to create unique sounds. During this time, the scene was dominated by a small number of highly talented producers who pushed the boundaries of what was possible with electronic music.

However, the golden age came to an end in 2010, when the Syrian Civil War began. The conflict has had a devastating effect on the country, and its music scene is no exception. Many of Syria’s leading DJs and producers have been forced to flee the country, and those who remain are struggling to keep their scene alive.

Despite the challenges, there are still a handful of Syrians who are passionate about electronic dance music and determined to keep the scene going. In 2016, a group of these activists launched Syria’s first electronic music festival, which was held in the city of Aleppo. The festival was a small but significant step towards rebuilding Syria’s once-thriving dance music culture.

The Modern Scene: 2011-present

Since the start of the Syrian Civil War in 2011, the country’s once-thriving electronic dance music scene has been all but destroyed. In the early days of the conflict, many clubs and venues were closed down due to the fighting, while others had their power and water cut off, making it impossible to continue operating. As conditions in Syria worsened, many DJs and clubgoers were forced to flee the country, scattering to different parts of the world.

In recent years, however, there has been a resurgence of sorts in Syria’s electronic dance music scene. A new generation of DJs and producers are using their music to comment on the current situation in Syria, as well as to provide a much-needed sense of escapism for those living in war-torn areas. While the scene is still a far cry from its pre-war heyday, it is slowly but surely starting to rebuild itself.

The Future of Syria’s Electronic Dance Music Scene

The Early Days: 1990-2000

In the early days of the Syrian electronic music scene, parties were mostly organized by foreigners living in the country. Local DJs were influenced by Western music and although there were a few homegrown tracks, most of the music played was imported. This changed in the late 1990s when Syria’s first nightclub, Noga Club, opened in Damascus. Noga quickly became the centre of the electronic music scene, with regular parties featuring local and international DJs.

Despite being small and somewhat underground, the Syrian electronic music scene flourished in the early 2000s. This was due in part to the increasing availability of musical equipment and software, as well as to the growing number of clubs and bars that were beginning to host DJ nights. By this time, there was a healthy mix of local and foreign DJs playing a variety of genres including house, techno, trance and breaks.

The Golden Age: 2001-2010

After the 9/11 attacks, Syria’s electronic dance music scene entered a golden age. nightclubs began to popping up all over Damascus, Aleppo, and other major cities, and young Syrians flocked to them in droves. The early 2000s saw the rise of several homegrown EDM stars, such as Anas al-Taweel and Omar al-Aziz. Albathar Jamal’s “I am Syrian” became an anthem for a generation of young Syrians.

However, the golden age came to an abrupt end in 2010 when the Syrian Civil War broke out. Many nightclubs were forced to close down due to the violence, and EDM stars began leaving the country in droves. Anas al-Taweel was one of the first to leave, relocating to Lebanon. Others soon followed suit.

In the years since the war began, Syria’s electronic dance music scene has slowly begun to recover. A new generation of EDM stars has emerged, such as Darwich al-Assad and Raed Jazdarat. In 2016, Damascus hosted its first major electronic music festival in years, called “Euphoria.” The event was a huge success, and it showed that there is still a demand for EDM in Syria.

The future of Syria’s electronic dance music scene is uncertain, but there are signs that it is slowly beginning to recover from the devastating effects of the war.

The Modern Scene: 2011-present

In the last five years, the Syrian electronic dance music scene has exploded in popularity. Clubs and festivals dedicated to EDM have popped up all over the country, and Syrian producers and DJs have started to gain international recognition.

However, the future of the scene is uncertain. The ongoing civil war has caused many clubs and festivals to close down, and many producers and DJs have fled the country. But some Syrians are determined to keep the scene alive. They believe that electronic dance music can help bring people together and offer a moment of joy in a time of hardship.