Mishaal Tamer In Conversation With FAULT Magazine

Mishaal Tamer is the musician on everybody’s radar right now. Today he released his latest single, ‘ITTY BITTY,’ co-written with Maria Vertiz and co-produced with David Balshaw. This track, part of his upcoming debut album Home Is Changing, delves into themes of heartbreak, betrayal, and acceptance. We caught up with Mishaal to find out more about his process, upcoming projects and his FAULTs.

Growing up in an environment where music was initially forbidden, how did you cope with the challenges and restrictions, and what kept your passion for music burning despite the obstacles?

I’d say that if anything, the restrictions only served to increase my interest in music as well as the art within the worlds it creates. What got me playing initially was the fact that it was physiotherapy for the nerve damage in my broken arm at the time. What kept me playing was the therapy and peace it brings to the soul.

Is there a method to choosing which language you decide to sing in, or do you write more depending on feeling?

It’s always dependent on feeling, though I am open to using my ability with languages for collaborations in the future.

Could you tell us more about the concept behind your upcoming debut album, “Home Is Changing,” and how it reflects different aspects of your journey and identity?

The title essentially reflects what is happening right now in my country. Home is changing. Seventy percent of the population is under 30, and we all grew up on the internet, exposed to people and art from across the globe. The world needs an update on who we are. This is my first album, my debut. All I do in the album is tell you my story, a simple human story. That’s it.

What do you hope listeners take away from the record?

Whatever they need to. This album is open for interpretation; I want it to be whatever you need it to be for you. It is yours now.

You recently performed your first headline show in Saudi Arabia, featuring support from female Saudi musicians. What does it mean to you to be part of a growing movement to showcase diverse Saudi talent on the world stage?

It means everything. I thought this would be impossible. Nothing is impossible.

After a track hits the heights of ‘Can’t Love Myself’, is it difficult to not feel like you are in competition with yourself with every subsequent release?

Actually, ‘Can’t Love Myself’ isn’t even a finished song. That was just my first Instagram post. I didn’t even want to be a public artist at the time; my account was anonymous. My work just got sampled a lot. Now that being an artist is my job, I might finish it someday.

What is your FAULT?

I care what you think.