The fusion of western music and Arabic influence has put Beirut on the map as the epicenter of the world’s greatest cities.
Michael, aka “Mashrik”, who is Lebanese, moved to the U.S in 2015 after having grown up in Beirut his entire life. He started studying music theory since the age of 12 years old and learned how to play electric guitar and flute. Being someone who has always loved electronic music, he had been constantly encouraged by his friends to become a DJ. After living in NYC for 2 years, he realized that the city had a lot to offer, exposing him to so many cultures and people with whom he strongly connected over music. He quickly realized the potential and decided to become a Dj / Music producer. His music is deeply influenced by his Middle Eastern roots.
Expect his sound to be unique and unorthodox, with a variety of ethnic music incorporated into his sets. Currently residing in New York City, he can be found spinning weekly in various venues, where he established residencies, such as Avant Gardner (Brooklyn Mirage), Public Arts Hotel, Gospël, Soho House, Gitano, just to name a few.
Throughout his Dj career, he played alongside renowned artists such as Adana Twins, Áme, Armen Miran, Bedouin, Blondish, Carlita, Damian Lazarus, Davi, David Hohme, Dj Tennis, Faccundo Mohrr, Jan Blomqvist, Lemurian, Maga, Mandrake, Mira, Nick Warren, Oliver Koletzki, Pablo Fierro, Roy Rosenfeld, Sainte Vie, Sebastien Léger, Stavroz, The Soul Brothers, Who Made Who, Yokoo just to name a few… His footprint expands to other countries, such as Canada, Costa Rica, Bolivia, Egypt, France, Lebanon, Saint Martin, Spain, Italy, Mexico and many more…
He’s been on the go touring different cities across the world every other week, and playing international festivals…
In January 2019, Mashrik founded a monthly event series in NYC called Kuná, which consistently sold out. He created the brand from ground up by sourcing international djs/music producers and defining the sound of Kuná. The fanbase quickly grew to an average attendance of 650 people per event with a lot of partnerships that were formed around the globe. It is one of many projects related to music that Michael has started, which strengthens his foothold in the music industry.
He launched the Kuná music label in September 2020 through which he released his first VA compilation (Al Muruna) of 17 original tracks as a fundraiser for Lebanon’s explosion that happened in August 2020, with artists such as Bona Fide, Chambord, Double Touch, Pippi Ciez, Raw Main, The Soul Brothers, Timboletti, and more. The compilation was released in collaboration with Inward Records, which is the label co-owned by the duo Sparrow & Barbossa and Pippi Ciez.
He released his first soundtrack on this compilation, called “Mukawame”, which means “resistance” in Arabic, which reflects the resistance to corruption of the Lebanese population.