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Tanjaret Daghet

Tanjaret Daghet (Arabic: تنجرة ضغط, lit. 'Pressure Pot') is a Syrian alternative rock band based in Beirut. The band was formed in 2008 in Damascus and originally consisted of four members: Dani Shukri (drums), Khaled Omran (lead vocalist and bassist), Tarek Khuluki (lead guitar, backup vocalist, and electronics), and Nareg Abajian (keyboard).

History

Dani and Khaled first met each other through the Higher Institute of Music in Damascus, which they both attended. Outside of the institute, they visited the same parties and musical events as Tarek and Nareg. This is where the four band members met and eventually came to the idea to start jamming together.

In 2011, Dani and Khaled became acquainted with the music industry in Beirut. Khaled spoke with Eqa'a, a small record label, who agreed to record with them. During this time, Khaled and Dani worked on the songs Tanfisseh (Pressure Vent), Badeel (Alternative), Taht el Daghet (Under Pressure), and Wahietak (I Swear to You). The group did a gig with the four of them in Beirut, after which Dani, Khaled, and Tarek decided to stay in Beirut for better music oppertunities and to escape military service after the Civil war broke out in Syria. Nareg decided to return to Damascus. From this point onwards, the band continued as a trio with Dani, Khaled, and Tarek.

"Pressure Pot"

In an interview with Arab News, Tarek Khuluki addressed the pressure people in Syria, but also those who have fled are living under and how the band tries to release this pressure through their music. The band's name reflects this pressure. Being away from home is difficult for the band members and comes with great anxiety, as many of their family members are still living in Syria. Dani Shukri explains "it's hard to talk about hope and forward motion when your home is being torn to pieces. But this particular struggle and existential schism has helped us understand better who we are, what we want and pushes us daily to find a way to make it come true." However, despite the band's lyrics inspired by their experiences regarding the civil war, the band does not want to take a political stance on the conflict in Syria. Instead, they focus on strengthening their ties with the local scene in Beirut.

Music

Tanjaret Daghet has become one of the most respected bands of Beirut. Their music is influenced by artists from the range of Michael Jackson, Nirvana, Radiohead, and Pink Floyd to Arabic rooted bands such as Oum Kalthoum and El Sheikh Mohamad Omran, and modern electronic pop groups like Brazilian Girls. They take a bit of inspiration of everything, mixing it all together in their productions. The band expresses their feelings on the Syrian Civil War through their music. They sing about oppression, societal pressure and the loss of voice. The working environment that the band has created is very casual and free. When they perform at gigs and do session work, they sometimes work together and sometimes independent. When they receive requests for performances they determine their price based on their interest level in the project and their relation to the people hiring. This shows the easy-going and informal environment the band has formed for itself.

In Syria, the band is not allowed to perform. The Syrian government has prohibited rock music, as they claim it's a form of worship of the devil. However, the band has expressed that they don't view it as a restriction. They believe the whole world is "theirs" and that they don't belong to one country.

Discography

• 180˚ (2011)
• Mareed (2016)