Driftwords from Elsewhere | Mâhfoud
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Mâhfoud is a vocalist, lyricist, multi-instrumentalist, composer, and producer whose music evokes what lies beyond the audible—a reflection of what remains hidden in the echoes of sound.
Born in Aleppo, Syria, to parents who migrated to Germany in 1992, Mâhfoud spent his formative years immersed in the rich interplay of cultural diversity and personal exploration. His passion for music was sparked early, deepened through classical guitar studies during his high school years, and expanded further after moving to the Netherlands in 2009 to study Social Sciences at Maastricht University. Following this, Mâhfoud pursued studies in composition, arrangement, and piano, further refining his craft and deepening his connection to music.
Mâhfoud’s music spans electronic soundscapes, cinematic compositions, and genre-bending rhythms, blending house, soul, and other dynamic influences. Drawing from a rich musical heritage rooted in the beautiful culture of humanity, he is inspired by jazz and shaped by his diverse experiences—traveling, collecting records, and collaborating with musicians from around the world. This exposure has influenced his sound, merging the improvisational spirit of jazz with modern electronic production. Whether using old synthesizers, guitars, or a mix of instruments—both expensive and humble—his approach balances innovation with authenticity. For Mâhfoud, inspiration can come from the grandeur of a church organ or the simplicity of an old Casio keyboard from his little brother’s room.
Mâhfoud believes in the power of art and music as a social catalyst for positive change. He is passionate about representing voices from the Middle East and building community through shared experiences, a mission embodied in his project Sun in X.
Collaborations with Yamaha Music and releases on renowned labels such as Diynamic Music, Exploited, and Get Physical highlight his rare versatility as a composer, performer, and producer. His creative approach unites the organic warmth of traditional instruments with the innovative pulse of electronic production, seeking to bridge the worlds of art, science, and sound.
Mâhfoud is a relentless innovator, guided by critical thinking and a commitment to constant reinvention. For him, music is not merely a medium but a reflection of life itself—a reminder that every moment is a new paradise waiting to be discovered.