Akram Hajj

Akram Hajj, born in Lebanon in 1987, is a musician.
Settled behind his toms and cymbals, he made his presence felt in 2014 as lead drummer of Lebanese post-rock band Kinematik. Since his breakthrough with his band, Hajj has initiated several improvisational artistic collaborations. Shot in the finger during a demonstration in Beirut, he developed a new drumming style by adding xylophone and electronic elements to his set. His recent work focuses on using an orchestral drum kit to amplify and highlight his rhythmic signatures, using hybrid piezoelectric objects from nature and his environment wherever he happens to be.

His project at Villa Medici

As an experimental drummer, Hajj creates unique, immersive sound experiences by integrating elements he gathers from his environment. His method relies on the use of piezzo microphones and electric pedals to amplify the sounds emitted by natural materials. These are performed on an orchestral drum kit, with a transducer glued to its lower skin receiving all the sound diffusions and instances performed. This combination of organic and electronic elements gives rise to a fascinating and innovative sonic exploration, bridging the gap between the natural world and modern technology.

Portrait © Rolland Ragi

Project photo © Elissa Assaf