Lebanese outfit sandmoon offers an original take on indie pop-rock, infusing it with subtle Middle-Eastern intonations and melancholy, and a certain timelessness. Singer-songwriter Sandra Arslanian, who initiated the project, was born in Lebanon, raised in Belgium and has Armenian roots – a contrasted blend that is perceptible in the music.
They released a first album “Home” in 2014, an EP “#IntheEnd” in 2016 and in 2018, a 3-song EP “Beirut-Berlin Session” produced by Victor Van Vugt (Nick Cave, PJ Harvey…). Sandmoon released their second full length album, “Put a Gun/Commotion” produced by Fadi Tabbal in May 2020.
In 2016, sandmoon also wrote the original soundtrack to Lebanese director, Philippe Aractingi’s feature film ‘Listen’, which received the Award for Best Soundtrack at the Lebanese Movie Awards 2017.
Sandra Arslanian has been working on a few side projects, of which "Odyssée, Ode to the City" with poet Corinne Boulad, , which has been selected in festivals in Beirut, Europe (Germany, Italy, Greece) & California, and won the Award for Best Spoken Word Poetry at the Monologues & Poetry International Film Festival.
A new full-length album, “While We Watch the Horizon Sink” was released early November.
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“One of the more alluring outfits to emerge in the region over the past decade” - Cairo Scene.
“Characterized by sophisticated orchestration and folk-infused songwriting, Middle-Eastern inspired elements supporting Arslanian's sweetly quavering voice,” - IndieShuffle.
“Arslanian herself invoking a bit of Joan Baez and Joni Mitchell with her vocal and lyrical stylings,” - RedBull Music Academy Radio.
“Each release brings slightly different colors and emotions – but always great melodies,“ - Beehype.
"The band has some thought-provoking dualities at its core, not only looking East and West culturally, but also to the past, present and future for musical inspiration" - Analogue Trash.
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The Musicians /
Sandra Arslanian - vocals, keys, ukulele, rhythm guitar
Sam Wehbi - lead guitars
Georgy Flouty - bass/soundscapes
Dani Shukri - drums
