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.
By Kamil Bobin
Discovered via Musosoup
Hi Sandra Arslanian. I'm pleased to be able to interview you. What first got you into music?
My mom. She sat me at the piano when I was 7 and made sure I was playing my minuets right.
What do you think your role is in this world?
Make it a better place one day at a time.
Your latest track is 'Wake Up'. Can you share with us the background of its creation and did any unusual things happen during its creation?
I sat at the piano. Started singing. And there it was. It all came about pretty naturally, as it does in automatic writing. The happenings of the months prior (Beirut revolution, covid,…) must have surfaced and manifested themselves: “Wake Up”.
A few days later, Beirut exploded.
What is one message you would give to your fans?
Listen with your heart.
How do you spend your time?
Playing music, playing with my dog, sports, making films, discussing with friends.
What are you most proud of?
I’ll answer that in 40 years.
If you could go open a show for any artist, who would it be?
Patti Smith
What are you doing to ensure you continue to grow and develop as an artist?
Never stop learning. There is always space to learn.
Do you think that technology is improving lives?
I think technology is a double edge sword.
What are your plans for the future?
To find peace of mind.