“Melodic and bold” – this is how heavyweight Saudi entertainment brand MDLBEAST describes DJ and producer Cosmicat’s signature sound.
The latter adjective might be considered surprising from someone who would call herself an introvert and who loves the peace of her own company the most. But being self-sufficient and independent doesn’t necessarily mean being timid or unadventurous – and certainly not in the case of Cosmicat, whose passion for creating music has taken her on a journey from her own bedroom to the underground scene to touring the world.
Right now, she’s back in Jeddah, her home city, enjoying a stint of self-care ahead of her set at this year’s Soundstorm.
Here, we find out more about her unique perspective on today’s industry, plus what makes her tick, both melodically and otherwise.
What would you say are the challenges that persist for Saudi music makers today, both at home and abroad?
I believe, today, most of the challenges and the stigma surrounding Saudi artists at home have been resolved: we have studios and up-and-coming music labels founded by local artists, many education opportunities, and countless platforms to host our talents. As we continue to nurture our relatively fresh scene, the global music industry, however, is more saturated with musicians than ever before, music tracks are as short as two and a half minutes, and thanks to TikTok and streaming platforms, a musical piece is now just referred to as “content.”
And what are the challenges for female Saudi music makers in the Kingdom, in 2024?
Again, I believe we are now experiencing an era where music is actually encouraged, art is supported, and women are given the spotlight they deserve. So, probably the biggest challenge comes from within and finding the bravery and wisdom to lead an unpredictable but super rewarding career.
What or who are your main musical inspirations?
I grew up listening to everything you can think of, but I was especially heavily influenced by R&B and hip-hop. Right now, ever since I started producing music, I have been super open-minded about different types: I listen to classical, Khaleji, psychedelic rock, bedroom pop, and many other genres that don’t really relate to electronic music but have very interesting sounds, such as Radiohead and James Blake.
How important is Soundstorm for the Saudi dance music scene?
Soundstorm was a big initiative to show us we can dream big as Saudi artists. But other smaller, local events are equally important to keep the scene authentic and alive throughout the year, for example madhaūs and Desert Sound festivals from Riyadh are amazing, have high-level production, and host international music artists. There’s also WEEKends and Groove On The Grass, which are actually international and local festivals that happen in Saudi but also move around the world every year.
What are you working on right now?
Right now, I'm working on my mental health.
I had a super busy couple of years travelling the world, and now it’s time for me to lay low, dive into my own world again, and create freely. I’m cooking a couple of interesting collaborations with artists I find super interesting from everywhere in the world.
Stay tuned.
Tell us about your artistic and creative process.
After all these years, I find myself going back to my default setting – the girl who likes to sit alone in her room. I’m introverted, and I enjoy my time alone the most. I like to listen to new and old music till something strikes my interest and see how I can implement that element into my production. But whenever I’m collaborating with someone, I like to schedule a listening session first. I would listen to the artist’s previous work, and we would sit down and listen to music we both like till we have a spark.
For other female Saudi DJs just beginning their career, what would your message be?
Pick an instrument, make music, practise.
Photography: Osama Jaberti and TahaKattan
Photography Assistant: Mohammad Kanafani
Creative Consultant: Ali Abdelhakim
