Middle Eastern soul artist Hajaj announces ‘In the Meantime’ EP + Shares new song “Yours or Mine”

Hajaj possesses the uncanny ability to make any note sound soulful with his cosmic blend of funk, R&B, and Motown-inspired music. After reaching an unforgettable milestone opening up for the legendary Stevie Wonder in London’s Hyde Park, the Jeddah-born, London-based singer and songwriter announces In the Meantime, a six-song EP due out on October 24th via Nettwerk. “Yours or Mine” is the latest chapter delivering an understated, textured retro-sounding groove and a melodic bass solo (played by Joe Stoddart) that’s smoother than velvet. Hajaj reunites with his producer and co-writer, Aidan Glover, to bring his vision to life.

Hajaj and Glover explain, “The song has a danceability to it. It’s harmonically open with florid textures and a heavy groove. It feels like an elegant evening gown. A song of contemplative juxtaposition.”

“Yours or Mine” follows recent singles “The Waiting Room” and “Maybe It’s You,” which will appear on In the Meantime.

LISTEN & SHARE HAJAJ “YOURS OR MINE” HERE:
https://hajaj.ffm.to/yoursormine

ABOUT HAJAJ:

Singer-songwriter and producer Abdul Rahman Hajaj has always had a knack for a life on the road. In the span of eight years, he went from living in Jeddah to Villars-sur-Ollon, Orange County, Los Angeles, Oregon, Colorado, Barcelona, and now calls London home. There, he was introduced to producer and multi-instrumentalist Aidan Glover, who executive-produced Hajaj’s Last Call For Coco (2021).

Last Call For Coco features some of London’s finest jazz musicians along with co-writing by Rhys Lewis, mixed by Richard Wilkinson (Amy Winehouse, Lianne La Havas, Paolo Nutini), and mastered by Gwyn Mathias (Gerry Rafferty’s Baker Street). The EP is structured and sequenced in twenty minutes to tell the story of an undiagnosed bipolar relationship cycle.

Hajaj was interested in Arabic poetry and started writing lyrics from a young age. Playing around the house was an extensive blend of music ranging from Arabic influences like Feiruz and Talal Maddah, to artists like Paco De Lucia and Pharrell. Realizing that music as a communicative vehicle was far superior to simple talking, he felt like he came from two worlds but belonged to none. Hajaj found refuge in making music.

Not much is known about Saudi, let alone being Saudi. Even though Hajaj’s past has had constant discontinuity of narrative, he finds great stability in self-evaluation and asking questions in his writing. The most common word used in all of the songs he has written is “why”. In Hajaj’s music, there is a sense of longing for a home, nostalgia, and the futility of a romantic utopia.

Stay tuned for more music from Hajaj…