Renowned indie artist Maii Waleed has teamed up with John Murchison on a new EP titled 'Hedeyya', marking a significant musical shift from her signature indie folkstyle as recently showcased in her solo EP 'Nemow'. Sung entirely in Fusha, 'Hedeyya' highlights Maii’s poetic, soulful approach to songwriting, coupled with her subtle, emotive vocal delivery.
The EP is a continuation of Maii’s ongoing exploration of her sound and serves as another joint project that reveals a different facet of her artistry. She has previously ventured into various genres and styles in her solo works, as well as her collaboration with Lebanese legend Zeid Hamdan in their project 'Maii and Zeid'.
'Hedeyya' maintains a cohesive soundscape through carefully crafted, understated arrangements that incorporate a range of musical elements. Jazzy inserts, folk guitar lines and minimalistic percussion lay a foundation for Maii’s airy vocals, which feel contemplative and comforting. Her songwriting is a well-constructed stream of consciousness, inviting introspection.
The EP opens with 'Sela', an intriguing instrumental featuring eerie synth pads that set the tone for the record. This is followed by 'Etha', where Maii’s subtle vocals engage in a lyrical dialogue with the music. Throughout the EP, her vocals remain mellow yet deeply expressive, evoking emotion and reflection. John Murchison’s instrumental contributions add depth to the project, enriching Maii’s performances and enhancing the EP’s overall emotional resonance.