- Title: Rocking Riyadh's stages, Seera's all-female band blends rock and tradition
- Date: 17th December 2024
- Summary: (SOUNDBITE) (English) SEERA ROCK BAND LEAD SINGER WHO GOES BY THE ARTIST NAME NOURA SAYING: "It's very exciting for us to be able to shed light on this genre. i think there's a lot of misconception around rock music, and a lot of times people don't understand it's just about, you know, screaming, letting out some energy. and we all do that at home sometimes. so why not put that forward and embrace that side? We're just looking forward to, you know, encourage Saudi women to just express himself in any form that they find suitable for their character for their style." SEERA ROCK BAND GUITARIST WHO GOES BY THE ARTIST NAME HAYA, PLAYING (SOUNDBITE) (English) SEERA ROCK BAND LEAD SINGER WHO GOES BY THE ARTIST NAME NOURA SAYING: "Well, you see, my community has always been around the artists in the region. I mean, way back when our history was full of poets and storytellers that's naturally in our like roots and heritage, but the people i surrounded myself with were always the creatives. So once, i mean, they were always pushing me to go and do this thing, to be myself. prior to being in a rock band, i tried out different styles and genres, but this one really resonated with me the most." MEESH TALKING DURING REHEARSAL THING PLAYING DRUMS
- Embargoed: 31st December 2024 09:21
- Keywords: ART BAND DRUMMER GUITAR ROCK SAUDI SAUDI ARABI WOMAN
- Location: RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA
- City: RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA
- Country: Saudi Arabia
- Topics: Arts/Culture/Entertainment,Middle East,Music
- Reuters ID: LVA002750816122024RP1
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: From the underground rehearsal sessions of their garage, Seera, an all female rock band from Riyadh went to conquering crowds in a cultural journey spreading through the kingdom's society.
The band, which formed two years ago, find its pride in mixing different genres, from classical, traditional Arabic music and grunge, its members, guitarist Haya, drummer 'Thing,' bassist Meesh, and lead vocalist and keyboardist Nora, told Reuters; bringing to the stage sounds new to the Saudi music scene with a taste of heritage.
Speaking about their journey in the renewed music business of the kingdom, Seera's members recalled how they found each other and built a synergy that floods from the stage to their audience during their performance.
In a country undergoing a deep transformation where some cultural and social constraints are being overcome through the Vision 2030 reform plan - a package of economic and social policies designed to free the kingdom from dependence on oil exports - the band says they've found extensive support both within and outside their private networks, hoping to be an example for any Saudi woman who wishes to pursue their dream in the music industry.
The release of their debut album on December 4th, 2024, is not just about the music, the artists said; it's a testament to the evolving role of women in the Kingdom's cultural landscape.
(Production: Mohammed Benmansour) - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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