ENRACINÉES DANS L’HISTOIRE
Enracinées dans l’histoire (Rooted in History) or The Quest for Self
The upcoming release Enracinées dans l’histoire – Vol. 2, this time in the language of Molière (French), continues in with global sounds. A delightful blend of Western music, Latin percussion, Middle Eastern and electronic sounds are delicately woven together in a soothing setting. Co-produced by Mark Alan Haynes and Nadine Altounji, Enracinées dans l’histoire... brings together five original compositions, including one instrumental track. This Volume 2 follows in the footsteps of the previous EP The Stories that Tie Us to Trees - Vol. 1. Like the rootsystem of trees, human beings are connected to each other through their shared experiences, stories, and wounds. From social awareness to self-awareness, from uprooting to opening up to others, the journey of self-discovery is long. Enracinées dans l’histoire... opens with a charming melody enveloped in the soulful tone of a female choir — Nora Toutain, Sarah MK, Nadia Bashalani — and Peruvian percussion — Joseph Khoury. A metaphor for our lives or turning inward, Dans la folie de nos temps is undoubtedly a catchy tune.
An anthem to sisterly love, arriving with its share of conflicting emotions, Petite soeur nestles into the affectionate bond of a perpetually renewed sisterhood. In reminiscence of the family heritage, the oud, darbuka, riqq, and bendir beautifully embrace Nadine Altounji’s mellow voice. Funded by the women, femme, and non-binary collective Lotus Collective and Canada Council for the Arts, the video features five pairs of sisters. Complicity and euphoria come together in this celebration of sisterly friendship. Directed by Nadine and Miriam Altounji.
Bercée dans tes bras (Embraced in Your Arms), on the other hand, takes us through heartbreak and its accompanied nostalgia. "Ocean waves soothing our troubles/A boat laden with your sweet words/I am intoxicated with passionate love/In this scorching land of possibilities."
With its entrancing Middle Eastern flavors and its own optimism, Je commence à me reconnaître (I Begin to Recognize Myself) opens the door to resilience and self-discovery. A true embracing of life! Like a phoenix rising from the storms of life and sorrow, Rise settles gently in this instrumental piece. Rise bids farewell against a tranquil backdrop, like the discovery of a new life direction, completing the loop of the last two EPs, The Stories That Tie Us To Trees – Vol.1 and Enracinées dans l’histoire – Vol.2.
In the madness of our times: or the scent of indifference.
Set to a laid-back ska tune, "In the madness of our times" portrays an uncertain future where individualism clashes with social indifference. To unite or disassociate? An epitome of post-pandemic expression, this new song lightheartedly reminds us of the ups and downs of our lives. "What do you do with your isolation? Do you dare to think differently? Are you caught in front of your screen? In the madness of our times.”
An anthem to sisterly love, arriving with its share of conflicting emotions, Petite soeur nestles into the affectionate bond of a perpetually renewed sisterhood. In reminiscence of the family heritage, the oud, darbuka, riqq, and bendir beautifully embrace Nadine Altounji’s mellow voice. Funded by the women, femme, and non-binary collective Lotus Collective and Canada Council for the Arts, the video features five pairs of sisters. Complicity and euphoria come together in this celebration of sisterly friendship. Directed by Nadine and Miriam Altounji.
THE JOURNEY
In 2018, Nadine Altounji undertook a four month journey in Ecuador and Peru to research regional musical traditions (the journey was made possible by a research grant from the Canada Council for the Arts). Upon arriving in Ecuador, Nadine set out to scale Pichincha, an active volcano, but one wrong step on the volcano’s slope halted her ascent. Her foot was broken. Despite this seemingly derailing turn of fate, she was still lucky — a group of off-duty firefighters and rescue workers found her and, twisting rope into a sling, the six men carried her for five hours down the slope to safety.