One of the most talented electronic music producers to emerge out of the Middle East in the past few years, BluePaper is the gift that just keeps on giving. Following the internationally celebrated release of his five-part Elephant Rock EP in March 2022 – and an exquisite contribution to the subsequent remix package which followed in June – the burgeoning Saudi talent now looks to expand on the success of his first two releases on WTR, as he unveils the next single in his ever expanding musical arsenal – Sunsets in Marrakech.

Steadfast in his resolute commitment to originality, BluePaper’s impressive musicality shines front and centre, together with his long-standing affinity for organic, arabesque, electronic soundscapes. Delivering a beautifully nuanced underground house cut awash with warm polyphonic textures, beautiful harmonies and a steady groove that bolsters the record throughout, BluePaper’s latest offering is an absolute masterclass from the off; its pulsating heartbeat and ethereal character sweeping and soaring with intense delight.

Staying true to his roots, BluePaper takes the listener on a deep, emotive journey across the single, which finds an undeniable high in its beautifully crafted breakdown. Made for the dancefloor with its warm basslines and hypnotic beats, the record shows confidence but at the same time feels honest and fragile. Subtle yet immense, Sunsets in Marrakech is produced with the poise and elegance of an artist who has been captivating hearts and minds across the Middle East, and beyond, over the past few years.

We caught up with BluePaper to find out more.

Hi BluePaper, it’s a pleasure to have you with us at House Music With Love. For those that don’t know your story, please can you tell us a little bit about your background, and how you came to be a musician.

Growing up between Taif, Saudi Arabia and New Orleans, Louisiana definitely shaped my paradoxical musical persona. Heavily influenced by the Mardi Gras carnivals I’ve witnessed as a Kindergarten child and furthered inspired by the music of Michael Jackson, Metallica and Bryan Adams, while receiving the backlash of a culture-shock returning to the small village of Al-Hada in Taif, Saudi Arabia up in the mountains, where the only music available (and socially acceptable) was Saudi folk music. Being an addict to the fresh sounds, while holding on to the mixed-roots; the BluePaper project was finally born in 2020, on the sideline of the sheer amount of free time I had during the Covid lockdown.

Who have been your biggest supporters in your career so far?

My 11 year old daughter, Basma.

What inspires you the most when making music? And how do you stay inspired?

Reflecting on life. By being nostalgic and practicing gratitude.

What is the coolest venue you have ever played and why was it so special?

Jax District in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The intimate capacity of 200 attendees at this warehouse venue, while being in my hometown; which made it possible for all of my closest friends to attend made this experience unlike anything else.

What can you tell us about your new single Sunsets in Marrakech?

‘Sunsets in Marrakech’ is an ode to one of my favorite cities in the whole world. Marrakech was the very last place I visited right before the Covid lockdown in 2020. And holding onto its fond memories really helped me find tranquility in the midst of the darkness that followed. Still haunted by the side winding alleys, long and narrow passages and the vibrant souls that wandered between those venerable red walls. And further inspired by the days I’ve spent at the rooftop terraces of the old Medina; hypnotized by the allure scenery of el-Fnaa square, while the sun sets down.

Do you have a longstanding relationship with WTR?

I believe I was the very first artist to be signed on WTR back in early 2021, and some of my biggest releases to date came out of that fantastic label. I look forward to further building on the success of this partnership.

If you could put on your own show anywhere in the world, where would it be and who would you have joined you on the lineup?

Oh, that’s a great question. Definitely Marrakech, Morocco and Al-Ula, Saudi Arabia.

Dream lineup would be:

• Maxxim
• Nōpi
• Krasa Rosa
• Dowden
• Teklix

Beyond the new single release, what is coming up next in the world of BluePaper?

I have a couple of releases lined up in October and November, as well as a few shows in the works. Hope to share the details soon.

Where is the best place to stay up to date with you?

SoundCloud:
https://soundcloud.com/bluepaper-music
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/bluepapermusic/
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/bluepapermusic
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/BluePaperMusic

Thanks for chatting to us today BluePaper! Hope to see you on a dance floor very soon.

Thank you!

BluePaper – Sunset In Marrakech is out now via WTR.