By Gracey Murphy
Some say music is an expression of the mind and soul, that it can reveal one’s deepest emotions or even transport the audience to another country.
Notes, lyrics, and genre will take people from Iowa City to Sudan tonight when Sinkane, real name Ahmed Gallab, joins locals in celebrating great sounds. Sinkane is a musician who combines Sudanese pop with other genres of music, including jazz and rock.
Though he’s lived in the U.S. most of us his life, Sinkane uses his music to reflect his heritage. He takes key components of different African music, such as synth arrangements and horns, and mixes them with Sudanese music and haqibah — a harmonic and a cappella vocal style.
He finds inspiration from both Sudan, and the places in the U.S. he’s lived, such as suburban Ohio. In an interview with T Magazine, Sinkane noted that he enjoys the vibes of Michael Jackson and adds distinct melodies like his, paired with Sudanese bass lines.
Sinkane not only uses his childhood in his music but also as a means of help with his work. Greg Lofaro, one of his longtime friends, helped create the distinguished and powerful sounds in Sinkane’s album Mean Love.
Songs such as “Omdurman,” “Son,” and “Moonstruck” relate to Sinkane’s nostalgia about Sudan. He uses language and memories from his childhood to add to his rhythms.
While sharing worldly music, Sinkane also spreads his word far. Throughout his music career, he’s visited such places as Colorado, New York, Ontario, and California. He visits all sorts of places to spread his joy of song.
Others playing with Sinkane include Jaytram (drums), Ish Montgomery (bass), and Jonny Lam (guitar). Sinkane will also have special guest performers including David Byrne, the Lijadu Sisters, Money Mark, members of Hot Chip, Damon Albarn, LCD Soundsystem, Blood Orange, and the Rapture.
Additionally, the band Jack Lion will open for Sinkane. The band, much like Sinkane, combines genres to get its sound, primarily working with electronic music and jazz.
The musicians will perform at 9 p.m. today at the Mill, 120 E. Burlington St.