Bedouine’s honeyed debut single “Dusty Eyes” introduced the Syrian-born singer/songwriter to the world, and now she’s shared another track off her gorgeous, self-titled folk debut. NPR debuted the “Solitary Daughter” video this morning, a clip that displays both Azniv Korkejian’s immense poise and her elegant guitar playing. Her songwriting is meditative and slow, unfolding like a flower blooming or some other natural act.
There are few performers who make their art feel as innate to who they are as Korkejian, once she starts, it’s hard to imagine a time when she was not singing and playing. Watching this, an anecdote about Matthew E. White signing her to his Spacebomb imprint upon a single listen feels completely logical in every way; she seems to be made of music, or come alive in a new way once she begins.
The best comparison I have for her phrasing on “Solitary Daughter,” is the late, great Leonard Cohen, as she delivers lines like “I don’t need your company to feel safe.” The video is designed to mimic an early TV or radio show performance, with clapping before Korkejian begins to sing, and a wild round of applause afterward. Occasionally the images fade in and out with natural landscape, or facts about her life flash across the screen, but none of these elements compete with her quiet, strong voice and simple, elegant playing. Watch above.
Bedouine is out 6/23 on Spacebomb. Pre-order it here.
