In a groundbreaking turn of events, XP Music Futures, the annual 3-day conference that took place from 7-9 December, has successfully etched its name in Saudi Arabia’s music in a daring move to include heavy metal in its programming for the first time ever, setting a precedent for future events and initiatives in the Kingdom’s ever-evolving music landscape.
Known for its diverse programming across keynotes, demo sessions, panels, workshops, podcasts, and initiatives, this year’s XP edition proved to be a transformative and inclusive platform for music collectives and artists of all genres. The conference’s overarching goal of elevating the GDP of the MENA music and entertainment found tangible expression through the landmark introduction of heavy metal to the Saudi music scene through an unprecedented collaboration with Heavy Arabia Entertainment, Saudi Arabia’s dedicated heavy metal promotion company, to curate a showcase featuring a lineup of 3 rock and metal acts. The visionary leadership of Heavy Arabia, led by CEO Gigi Arabia, played a pivotal role in making this musical milestone a reality.
Jax District X2 Warehouse, the venue for the heavy showcase, buzzed with metal music enthusiasts in band T-shirts, denim or leather attire adorned with patches, sturdy boots, and accessorized with wristbands or chains, predominantly in dark colors. Their edgy and individualistic appearance reflected their passion for the music being showcased, emanating an excitement as the conference fulfilled its ambitious mission of embracing tradition, inspiring innovation, and uniting the global music community in Saudi Arabia.
“This year, XP Music Futures featured heavy metal bands for the first time ever — a testament to the Kingdom’s evolving music industry and its commitment to inclusivity. The rock and metal bands that showcased on Thursday represented the Western Province, Central Province, and Eastern Province,” remarked Gigi Arabia, reflecting on the significance of the event.The three exceptional bands that were showcased were 9Six6, Dusk, and Sound of Ruby.
With roots in Jeddah and Vancouver, 9Six6 was the first band in the showcase lineup. Formed in July 2022 by Faisal Al-Alamy and Jude AlDajani, two key figures in Saudi Arabia’s early metal and rock community, 9Six6 presented a harmonious blend of sounds that symbolized the unity, diversity, and growth Saudi Arabia has undergone in recent years.
The second band in the showcase, DUSK, a modern metal band founded by Meshari Sangora, left an unforgettable mark on the audience with the heavy guitars and growls. The band performed a blend of old and new songs from their latest album, ‘Spectrums,’ released in June 2023 under the Italian-based record label Wormholedeath. This album highlighted collaborations with both local and international artists, showcasing a multi-lingual expression that reflects the evolving Saudi music scene.
Sound of Ruby is Dammam’s post-punk and alternative rock pioneers. Led by founder Al-Hajjaj, the band took the stage and captivated the audience with their multifaceted repertoire spanning grunge, indie, punk, and blues. Notably, their latest single “Fannan” was not only a radio favorite in Europe but also featured in the hit Saudi comedy movie Sattar.
As the final chords reverberated through Jax District, it was clear that the XP Music Futures and Heavy Arabia collaboration had successfully shattered stereotypes and opened new avenues for heavy metal in Saudi Arabia. The historic showcase marked a crucial step toward making heavy metal a normalized genre, contributing to the creative and culturalrichness of the region.
Media Contact
Company Name: Heavy Arabia Entertainment
Contact Person: Gigi Arabia
Email: Send Email
Country: Saudi Arabia
Website: heavyarabia.com.sa