A Palestinian you should know: Lena Seikaly
What’s your name?
Lena Seikaly
Who are you?
I'm a jazz vocalist
Where do you live?
Washington, DC
How has your experience been in the music scene there?
I'm from the DC area originally, so have loved growing up in -- and into -- the city's rich music scene. There is a long jazz history here, ever present when I get to perform at notable jazz venues,
What type of music do you make and how did you get into it?
I primarily sing jazz, and got into it as a teenager at the encouragement of early music educators/mentors (nudges for which I'm eternally indebted). I began by studying and imitating singers like Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan, singing with big bands and combos while pursuing a B.M. in classical voice (opera) at my university. Over the ensuing years, I listened to everything I could get my hands on -- vocal and instrumental alike -- and began incorporating more contemporary styles into my singing and writing. I have pursued many fusion projects inspired by my varied musical interests, but I always remain rooted in "classic" jazz and find myself returning there again and again.
What kind of themes do you explore in your music / lyrics?
I love attempting to explore complicated feelings in my lyrics. Growing up, unrequited love, learning your way through a relationship, identity, etc. I also enjoy not writing words, and letting the music and title speak for itself, like a painting -- this allows for much more interpretation and connection for the listener, I think.
What's your favorite lyric you've ever written?
These are from a song I wrote called "Here Again," about returning to a fond place from childhood:
I thought I left these things/
All the songs I used to sing double back in the wind/
I find the stream/
Where I wrote dream after dream in a book.
Brag about yourself: have you collaborated with any cool artists?
I think a career highlight is having my lyrics performed by famed jazz vocalist, Kurt Elling. I've also had the pleasure of sharing the stage with Byron Stripling, Christian McBride, Sean Jones, Cyrus Chestnut, Norman Simmons, Michael Feinstein, Duduka da Fonseca, and singing with some of the area's top jazz big bands like the Airmen of Note. Also I had the unique opportunity of collaborating with touring the West Bank with Ramzi Aburedwan and the Dal'Ouna Ensemble in 2015, which was an incredibly special memory and homecoming for me.
What are the dream collaborations that you're trying to manifest?
One day, I would love to do a jazz/Arabic fusion project, similar to Rima Khcheich's crossover work. I had the opportunity to study with her many years ago, and she inspired me in many ways -- I love the idea of melding my personal/ethnic and musical identities together. This would mean collaborating with instrumentalists who are dually versed in Arabic and jazz improvisation and styles... it would be a total dream to work with musicians of that caliber.
How does your Palestinian family / friends / community support you?
My family has been my #1 support from day one, between the piano lessons and singing lessons and general encouragement to follow my heart and craft to music school and beyond. I have no idea how I'd be at all successful without their belief in me. And the Palestinian community in DC has been so supportive of me and my endeavors since the early days of my career. I think a Palestinian American embedding herself in a uniquely American art form has resonated very positively, and many Palestinian and Arab Americans have repeatedly turned out to my shows over the years. I feel loved and nurtured by this group, and am honored to be a part of it.
How does Arabic or Palestinian music / culture find its way into the music you make? (if at all)
I believe that having Arabic music as a soundtrack to my childhood afforded me some unique musical insights I wouldn't have had otherwise. I had no idea at the time, but as a performer of western music, being able to hear and sing quarter-tones was invaluable for my ear-training and pitch precision. Arabic music styles don't often manifest themselves in my original compositions or arrangements, but it is a part of my upbringing and training that I hold very dear.
What kind of future would you like to see for diaspora Palestinians in music?
I think the best future for all descendants of the diaspora is one where they become the best and most honest artists they can be, all while maintaining a loud and proud link to their Palestinian identity. If as Palestinians we cannot hold a place on a world map, we can still -- and must -- hold a place in the collective consciousness and societies to which we belong.
What's the best career advice you've ever received?
It might sound cliche, but I was told to "not be afraid to be myself," both in regards to my heritage/identity, as well as to my innermost musical/creative instincts. While the former comes more naturally, I've come to realize that the latter is a lifelong process... silencing my inner critic has always proven difficult.
In the near future, Palestine is free, we're throwing a big party there to celebrate, and everybody gets to play some music, what records (not your own) are you bringing to play at the party?
Well I simply cannot WAIT for that.
Milton Nascimento and Lô Borges - "Clube Da Esquina" (hands down, one of the best albums of all time!)
Charles Mingus - "Mingus Ah Um"
Duke Ellington - "New Orleans Suite"
and anything by/recorded by Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, and Billie Holiday. And we can dance all night to Stevie Wonder, The Beatles, Thundercat, Knower, and 47Soul!
What are your social media handles and website(s)?
www.lenaseikaly.com
Instagram = @lenaseikaly
