Dive into the soul-stirring melodies and compelling narrative of El Sam, an Arabic British Alternative, Indie pop Singer-songwriter, and producer. With roots embedded in Syria, El Sam's musical journey took a poignant turn when he returned to the UK shortly after the onset of the Syrian war. Channeling the emotions stirred by these life-altering experiences, El Sam found solace and expression through music.Having penned and self-produced two evocative albums, El Sam's artistic prowess shone brightly in two successful sold-out album launch parties. His sonic exploration gained acclaim in 2018 with the release of singles that resonated across multiple radio stations, including the prestigious BBC introducing. The following year marked a pivotal moment as El Sam secured a spot in the top 25 artists for BBC Introducing's "Artists to Watch Out for in 2019," a testament to his distinctive sound shaping the musical landscape.Recognition continued to pour in as El Sam earned nominations in two categories at the Birmingham Music Awards in 2019, affirming his status as a "Best Solo Male" and "Best Pop Act." Despite the challenges presented by 2020 and 2021, El Sam's creative spirit endured, promising an abundance of new music for his devoted audience.Beyond his musical endeavors, El Sam shares a deeply personal narrative in his documentary, "Uncaged." The documentary offers a poignant glimpse into his life, exploring the challenges and triumphs of being gay in Syria. Titled with significance, "Uncaged" has earned a personal rating of 5 stars, reflecting the authenticity and impact of El Sam's storytelling.As we journey with El Sam through the highs and lows of his musical and personal odyssey, anticipate a cascade of emotions and the promise of more profound musical expressions in 2022 and beyond. El Sam's story is not just a melody; it's a symphony of resilience, creativity, and the power of self-expression.   Hosted By Saskhia Menendez Saskhia Menendez  FRSA – Introducing Saskhia Menendez FRSA, a distinguished figure in the music industry, celebrated for her innovative contributions as an Innovator at Keychange and a member of the Board of Directors at The F List Music. As a LiVE Diversity Expert Panel Member, Saskhia's multifaceted role encompasses being a multi award-winning equality and diversity ambassador, researcher, public speaker, mentor, artist, and social change activist. Saskhia is deeply committed to reshaping the music industry landscape, striving for improved representation, equity, and inclusion. Drawing on over a decade of experience in the music industry, she passionately educates and enlightens others about the issues and barriers faced by underrepresented groups. As a multi-racial trans woman who transitioned 12 years ago, Saskhia brings a unique perspective to her advocacy efforts. In addition to her impactful work, Saskhia is a devoted parent of two children and is currently in the process of creating brand-new tracks set for release in 2024. Her commitment to academic excellence is evident as she prepares to undertake a PhD in gender equality in music, with a primary focus on trans and non-binary inclusion. She recently completed her MA in Music Marketing in 2021, building upon a musical education that began at the age of 8. Saskhia's journey is marked by a tireless dedication to driving positive change in the music industry, both through her professional roles and her creative pursuits. Stay connected with Saskhia Menendez via her LinkedIn profile (<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/misssaskhia/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/misssaskhia/</a>) and gain further insights into her endeavours on Instagram (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/mizsaskia/">https://www.instagram.com/mizsaskia/</a>).<a href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2020328/support">Support the show</a>

Episode 6 - Echoes of Identity: El Sam's Journey as an Arabic British Artist, Being Gay in the Music Industry