Kazdoura [CA] + Support: Killing

A scorching desert heat with Kazdoura mixing traditional Arabic music with psychedelia, funk, and soul. Kazdoura-meaning "to stroll" in Levantine Arabic-embodies the spirit of exploration, nostalgia, and groove. Founded in Toronto by Syrian vocalist Leen Hamo and Lebanese multi-instrumentalist John Abou Chacra, the duo craft a sound that bridges modern and traditional Arabic music with psychedelia, funk, and soul. Their music radiates a vintage-tinged, psych-soul atmosphere, with Leen's ethereal, ornamented vocals soaring over lush, hypnotic arrangements.

Their debut album Ghoyoum surpassed one million streams, earning them nominations for Best New Artist at the 2025 Canadian Folk Music Awards and at CFMA. They received Best Album of the Year at the Ontario Folk Music Awards, where they also won Best Music Video of the Year. Having performed across Canada, the UK, and Egypt, and showcased at WOMEX, Mundial Montréal, and APAP, Kazdoura continue to expand their global footprint while working on their highly anticipated second album.

Support: Killing is the sound of glittering lo-fi drug disco, Californian slacker surf, and Casio kitsch on worn speakers. The music is uneven, warm, and full of longing-like an old videotape with memories of forgotten vacation days and sticky plastic sofas, where time stood still and the sun never set. It may not always be pretty, but it feels right.