Mehdi Haddab

About

Mehdi Haddab isn't just playing the oud; he's weaponizing it. Forget the instrument's classical connotations; Haddab, whether with Speed Caravan, Ekko, or his solo work, treats the oud like a sonic Molotov cocktail, igniting traditional melodies with punk rock ferocity and electronica's glitchy pulse. He's a sonic disruptor, dismantling expectations and reassembling them into a frenetic, psychedelic tapestry. Hailing from France with Algerian roots, Haddab’s sound is deeply informed by North African traditions, but filtered through a lens warped by decades of exposure to alternative rock, heavy metal, and experimental electronic music. The formation of Speed Caravan alongside producer Pascal Teillet marked a pivotal point, injecting a jolt of energy into the global music scene. Collaborations with artists like Rodolphe Burger and collaborations under the "Ékko" moniker further cemented his reputation as a versatile and inventive force. He’s less interested in preservation than in evolution, twisting and contorting the oud’s voice into a potent, visceral experience. His recent ventures continue to push boundaries, suggesting an artist driven by insatiable curiosity and a commitment to sonic exploration.