Hometown: Beirut, Lebanon
Music:Electro pop.
Plays: Bass and synths.
RAKANS is a Palestinian- born artist. He was raised in Lebanon although his ethnic background casts a German heritage. He fronts a musical project called “RakanS” which can be collaborative. All his life, a plan was laid out for him to be a ‘responsible’ adult until music found him. The rest is history. His song Jesus Kinda Likes Me is getting positive reviews in Europe and is slowly seeping into the US territories. The popularity is brought about by the remixed version. The original one is more hard hitting with almost industrial intensity but still fascinating in its way.
So what is exactly the message behind the song? I asked the artist himself to tell us more about JKLM:
“It is mainly about the contrast of good and evil. It’s quiet a weird story but I was sitting on the balcony one late night and I saw the light of the moon. It was so strong so I imagined how would it be if Jesus was there at that moment looking after me and saving me from all the things that surrounds me , the things that want to hurt me or control me! Its all about trying to resist the evil urges we all have. For example, when I said: kinky master you’re my guard, I was referring to the dark urges and by saying: Jesus kinda likes me..is saying good is on my side.”
This style is melodic dance pop with few shadings of Euro trance and house. He also makes use of his perky tenor voice on top of a cute accent. The bass guitar was the first instrument that he bought from his own savings. He further stated ” After buying my bass guitar, I bought a midi, and then a keyboard piano. I now play the bass parts of my songs on the keys.”
When asked about the top 5 albums in his collection. He stated:
Amy Winehouse – Back to Black
Rihanna Unapologetic
Queen – Made in Heaven
Lady gaga – Born This Way
Marilyn Manson – Born Villain
Type of music:
“I label it as pop since its very diverse and experimental….for example I’d put a harsh beat on an organic sound such as a trumpet, or violin, or synth and electronic sounds.”
More surprising detail:
“I have a BA in Graphic Design.”
To learn more about this artist, visit: http://www.rakans.com/
The indie music blog 