Almwaya – Ethammili
“"Ethammili" is dedicated to the struggles of life, fighting spirit and thirst for freedom. Bossa nova and Folk elements, smoothly fused in a song that starts slowly in order to reach peak in the final part. Interesting ideas and solid production too.”
-Nagamag.com
Artist said about this song:
The story of Ethammili begins on June 10, 2020, with a call between Andrew E.Khalil - the lyricist - and me (Wael). Andrew is a great music lover, he lives in Russia. We talked about relationships: difficulties, ups and downs, and stages. Not only between two or more persons but also between the mind and the soul. Between one and the various "I".
After the call, Andrew wrote to me and sent me the refrain:
Take a step in any direction
All restrictions are there to break
Who has survived in life with fear?
Who amongst us can bear captivation?
It was a clear message for me to break and reconstruct: borders, beliefs, ideas, norms and conventions.
The words echoing in my head absorbed me for weeks. I wrote different melodies and sang them with the oud and the piano to find a satisfying form. For me, two aspects were apparent: the song is in bossa nova style and the precise phrasing of the tune.
In March 2021, I met with Maya in Athens and on the second day I told her: «I have a song that I want to share with you, remind me later, please». We talked about humans and relationships and our various "I", and about music and our favorite artists and musicians until we came to the bass player Björn Meyer. I admire Björn a lot as a musician and as a human being. We listened to his piece “Three Thirteen” and became very inspired.
Maya took the guitar and we started to jam. The words of Ethammili resonated in my mind. We followed the bossa nova irregularly, the chords coming from Maya with a first bassline. I began to sing and soon we started to flow.
We sent Björn a voice message thanking him for his spiritual presence and impulse. We didn't know that he would be part of our journey later on and would collaborate in our project as the mixing and mastering producer.
Maya started the music production on the same day and we almost finished Ethammili. With Maya's music, we reached the essence of the melodies and the rhythms. We kept the bossa nova, but in 7/4, which perfectly reflects this self-talk's sweetness and, at the same time, the insecurity and the doubt. The first part of the song is a soft, irregular, demanding dance. The second part is the march of the rebellion with the screams and calls for freedom and breaking the boundaries; the pasodoble, where flutes and synths support the eternal demonstration: we don't quit!
Ethammili is a song about everyone and for everyone. It's about our struggle, frustration, decisions and liberation. It's our message for our soul and our various “I” - various souls that are ours, and other people’s souls outside, for whom we care about, care for and love.
Ethammili is also about humbleness and acceptance. The song is a dancing battle that has no end and a message to never let the chains of life be in control of your path. The instrument that represents the humbleness is the bass serenading the main melody in a shy and smooth way. The infinite beat and chorus enter like a mantra: never give up on your dreams, no matter your surroundings and live for today. Fight fear, the only thin wall between you and freedom.
Ethamilli is a lullaby and a protest.
It's the resignation and the objection.
It's the eternal quarrel to exist, be, and move on.
Reviewed by Nagamag on April 7, 2022