#music

58 stories

Beit ed-Dine Palace | قصر بيت الدين

Beit ed-Dine Palace | قصر بيت الدين

Anastasia Chrome2 min read

She organizes the summer festival at Beit ed-Dine Palace. He's the conductor whose orchestra is headlining. Between rehearsals and revelations, they orchestrate their own duet. 'Inti el symphony el kamle' (أنتِ السيمفونية الكاملة).

arabiclebanesebeit-ed-dine
Brixton Bassline

Brixton Bassline

Anastasia Chrome2 min read

Sound system operator Destiny's bass makes Brixton shake—but when shy producer Nathan remixes her riddims, she shows him that collaboration extends well beyond the studio.

ebonycaribbeanjamaican
Cumbia Connection | Conexión Cumbia

Cumbia Connection | Conexión Cumbia

Anastasia Chrome2 min read

Two women from different countries bond over their shared love of cumbia and find rhythm in each other

latinaspanishbilingual
Harlesden Heart

Harlesden Heart

Anastasia Chrome2 min read

Reggae record shop owner Marcia keeps the vinyl soul of Harlesden alive, and when rare record collector Jonathan comes seeking obscure pressings, she shows him treasures not found in any catalogue.

ebonycaribbeanjamaican
Marimba Magic | Magia de Marimba

Marimba Magic | Magia de Marimba

Anastasia Chrome2 min read

A marimba player and her biggest fan discover that some music creates connections that last

latinaspanishbilingual
Montserrat Melody

Montserrat Melody

Anastasia Chrome2 min read

In Montserrat's legendary recording studio, sound engineer Delilah has worked with stars—but when producer Jonah arrives to mix his album, she creates her own kind of hit with him.

ebonycaribbeanmontserratian
New Cross Nights

New Cross Nights

Anastasia Chrome2 min read

Jazz singer Maxine performs late nights in New Cross, but when music producer Leon discovers her voice, he finds her body and soul even more harmonious than her songs.

ebonycaribbeanjamaican
沖縄の三線奏者 | The Sanshin Player of Okinawa

沖縄の三線奏者 | The Sanshin Player of Okinawa

Yuki Tanaka2 min read

南国沖縄で三線の調べを奏でる女性の物語。A tale of a woman playing sanshin melodies in tropical Okinawa.

japanesenihongookinawa
موسیقی ایران | The Music of Iran

موسیقی ایران | The Music of Iran

Dariush Mehraban2 min read

داستان‌هایی از نوازندگان و خوانندگان ایرانی... Stories of Iranian musicians and singers...

persianfarsiiran
Plaistow Passion

Plaistow Passion

Anastasia Chrome2 min read

Gospel choir director Sister Marcia leads her congregation in worship—but when new pianist Jerome joins the choir, they make music that's definitely not for Sunday service.

ebonycaribbeanjamaican
Rainham Rhapsody

Rainham Rhapsody

Anastasia Chrome2 min read

Music teacher Folake's star pupil has aged out of lessons—but the thick Nigerian woman who was once a shy teenager now wants adult instruction of a different kind.

ebonybritishnigerian
Reggaeton Romance | Romance de Reggaetón

Reggaeton Romance | Romance de Reggaetón

Anastasia Chrome4 min read

A music producer and a dancer create fire in the studio and heat that burns long after the track is finished

latinaspanishbilingual
Saydet el-Najat Bells | أجراس سيدة النجاة

Saydet el-Najat Bells | أجراس سيدة النجاة

Anastasia Chrome3 min read

She rings the bells at the church of Our Lady of Deliverance. He's the composer seeking sacred sounds for his requiem. In ancient bronze, they find resonance. 'Inti el jaras el wahid' (أنتِ الجرس الوحيد).

arabiclebanesechurch
The Broummana Pianist | عازفة البيانو ببرمانا

The Broummana Pianist | عازفة البيانو ببرمانا

Anastasia Chrome3 min read

She teaches piano in a fading Broummana mansion. He's the concert pianist recovering from a hand injury. Between keys, they discover that broken things can still make music. 'Inti ahla lahne' (أنتِ أحلى لحنة).

arabiclebanesebroummana
The Islamic Nasheed Singer | منشد الأناشيد الإسلامية

The Islamic Nasheed Singer | منشد الأناشيد الإسلامية

Anastasia Chrome3 min read

He sings nasheeds that make millions cry. She's the journalist who profiles him—and discovers the man behind the voice.

arabicnasheedsinger
The Kurdish Singer | المغنية الكردية

The Kurdish Singer | المغنية الكردية

Anastasia Chrome2 min read

She sings forbidden songs of Kurdistan in exile. He's the record producer who wants to share her voice with the world. Their collaboration heals old wounds.

arabickurdishsinger
The Mariachi Man | El Mariachi

The Mariachi Man | El Mariachi

Anastasia Chrome4 min read

A mariachi serenades her every weekend until she finally opens her window—and her heart

latinaspanishbilingual
The Quran Reciter | قارئة القرآن

The Quran Reciter | قارئة القرآن

Anastasia Chrome3 min read

She has the most beautiful Quran recitation in Indonesia. He's the record producer who wants to make her famous. Their collaboration becomes communion.

arabicindonesianquran
The Sufi Whirl | دوران الصوفي

The Sufi Whirl | دوران الصوفي

Anastasia Chrome4 min read

A musician joins a Sufi order in Konya. The sheikh's daughter shows him that ecstasy comes in many forms—not all of them spiritual.

arabicsufikonya
טיילת בת ים | Bat Yam Boardwalk

טיילת בת ים | Bat Yam Boardwalk

Anastasia Chrome2 min read

A retired singer from the 80s and a young music producer meet on the Bat Yam boardwalk—and discover that some melodies never fade.

israelihebrewbat-yam
Béchar Boundless

Béchar Boundless

Yasmina Khadra2 min read

Zhara plays traditional ahellil music in Béchar. When ethnomusicologist Thomas arrives recording Saharan sounds, she sings him songs that can't be captured. 'El ghina mn el qalb' (الغناء من القلب) - Song is from the heart.

algerianbecharahellil
Bristol Bass

Bristol Bass

Anastasia Chrome6 min read

At a Stokes Croft record shop, vinyl collector Simone introduces shy newcomer to the city's legendary sound system culture—and her own legendary curves.

britishbbwbristol
مغنية الجاز | The Jazz Singer of Casablanca

مغنية الجاز | The Jazz Singer of Casablanca

Yasmine Benali2 min read

A saxophone player falls for an aging jazz singer in the smoky clubs of Casablanca.

arabicmoroccancasablanca
Classical Harmonies

Classical Harmonies

Anastasia Chrome1 min read

Aliya teaches classical Pakistani music to preserve tradition. When businessman Kamran enrolls to connect with his late mother's culture, he finds more than harmonium lessons.

pakistanibritishmusic
Exeter Cathedral

Exeter Cathedral

Anastasia Chrome4 min read

Cathedral choir director Eleanor has trained voices for forty years. When composer David arrives to premiere a new work, she shows him what sacred music truly demands.

britishbbwexeter
مغني الأعراس | The Wedding Singer of Fez

مغني الأعراس | The Wedding Singer of Fez

Yasmine Benali2 min read

A traditional wedding singer discovers passion with an ethnomusicologist studying Moroccan celebrations.

arabicmoroccanfez
ليلة الكناوة | Gnawa Music Night

ليلة الكناوة | Gnawa Music Night

Yasmine Benali2 min read

A Gnawa musician discovers passion with a woman who falls into trance during a healing ceremony in Essaouira.

arabicmoroccanessaouira
Isle of Wight

Isle of Wight

Anastasia Chrome5 min read

At the legendary island festival, backstage coordinator Linda manages chaos. When headliner Marcus's tour manager creates problems, she creates solutions—and more.

britishbbwisle-of-wight
Jazz Junction

Jazz Junction

Layla Al-Rashid2 min read

Jazz pianist Mona performs at Riyadh's first jazz club. When bassist Jerome joins her trio, musical harmony becomes personal melody. 'Al musiqa tuwahid al arwah' (الموسيقى توحد الأرواح) - Music unites souls.

saudijazzpianist
Liverpool Rhythm

Liverpool Rhythm

Anastasia Chrome6 min read

DJ Mariah spins tracks at a Cavern Quarter club. When sound engineer Marcus fixes her broken equipment, they discover a different kind of harmony.

britishbbwliverpool
Melodies of Manchester

Melodies of Manchester

Anastasia Chrome2 min read

Asiya sings at Pakistani weddings to pay her bills while dreaming of stardom. When record producer Malik hears her voice at his brother's wedding, he hears something worth developing—both professionally and personally.

pakistanibritishsinger
Miliana Music

Miliana Music

Yasmina Khadra2 min read

Rym repairs antique musical instruments in Miliana's old city. When luthier Stavros arrives sourcing Algerian woods, she shows him that some instruments play their makers. 'El 'oud y'aref 'azafou' (العود يعرف عازفه) - The oud knows its player.

algerianmilianainstruments
Music Manuscript

Music Manuscript

Layla Al-Rashid3 min read

Musicologist Amina preserves traditional Saudi melodies. When composer Oleg seeks authentic sounds for his symphony, notes become more than music. 'Al musiqa lughit al ruh' (الموسيقى لغة الروح) - Music is the soul's language.

saudimusiccomposer
Oran Oceanside

Oran Oceanside

Yasmina Khadra3 min read

Nawal runs a seafront café where raï legends once performed. When music journalist Patrick arrives documenting the scene, she gives him stories no interview can capture. 'El moussiqa f'el dam' (الموسيقى في الدم) - Music is in the blood.

algerianorancafe
Qawwali Night

Qawwali Night

Anastasia Chrome4 min read

At a late-night qawwali in Birmingham, Zoya locks eyes with Rehan—a qawwali singer whose voice has haunted her dreams. When he sings directly to her, the spiritual becomes sensual.

pakistanibritishqawwali
Raï Nights in Oran

Raï Nights in Oran

Yasmina Khadra3 min read

Leila sings raï at a legendary Oran nightclub. When music producer Youssef arrives from Paris seeking authentic sounds, she makes him feel rhythms no studio can capture. 'Ghanni m'aya' (غنّي معايا) - Sing with me.

algerianoranrai
Relizane Rhythms

Relizane Rhythms

Yasmina Khadra2 min read

Saadia plays bendir drums at Relizane's Sufi gatherings. When ethnographer Paolo arrives studying spiritual music, she beats rhythms into his understanding that books can't teach. 'El daqqa mn Allah' (الدقّة من الله) - The beat is from God.

algerianrelizanesufi
Русские Истории | Russian Culture Tales 16-20

Русские Истории | Russian Culture Tales 16-20

Natasha Volkov5 min read

Five passionate tales of Russian music, dance, and winter traditions. Пять страстных историй о русской музыке и зимних традициях.

russiancyrillicwinter
Русские Истории | Russian Culture Tales 86-90

Русские Истории | Russian Culture Tales 86-90

Natasha Volkov5 min read

Five passionate tales of Russian music, poetry, and artistic souls. Пять страстных историй о русской музыке и поэзии.

russiancyrillicpoetry
The Blues Musician's Duet

The Blues Musician's Duet

Anastasia Chrome3 min read

Bessie still plays the chitlin' circuit at sixty. When a jazz producer wants to record her, she discovers some blues need singing together.

ebonybbwmature
The Dholak Player

The Dholak Player

Anastasia Chrome2 min read

Aliya plays dholak at Pakistani weddings—a tradition passed from her grandmother. When handsome wedding videographer Imran keeps filming her instead of the bride, she notices.

pakistanibritishdholak
The Gospel Singer's Encore

The Gospel Singer's Encore

Anastasia Chrome3 min read

Sister Marlene hasn't sung solo in twenty years. When a record producer rediscovers her old recordings, she discovers some voices never truly retire.

ebonybbwmature
The Music Teacher of Birzeit

The Music Teacher of Birzeit

Layla Khalidi3 min read

At Birzeit University, Professor Omar teaches traditional Palestinian music—until his brightest student Dina composes something that changes their entire relationship.

palestinianarabicbirzeit
The Piano Teacher's Passion

The Piano Teacher's Passion

Anastasia Chrome4 min read

Miss Dorothy has taught piano for forty years. When a retired music producer enrolls for lessons he doesn't need, she discovers harmony isn't just about notes.

ebonybbwmature
The Qanun Player

The Qanun Player

Layla Khalidi3 min read

At a private concert in Jerusalem, music journalist Rania interviews qanun master Adel—and discovers his seventy-eight strings can play more than notes.

palestinianarabicjerusalem
The Record Store Romance

The Record Store Romance

Anastasia Chrome4 min read

Vinyl Vibes is the last Black-owned record store in Brooklyn. When a collector walks in looking for a rare pressing, the owner spins him a different kind of record.

ebonybbwmature
The Studio Session

The Studio Session

Anastasia Chrome2 min read

Music producer Layla works with British Pakistani artists, blending traditional sounds with modern beats. When rising star Daniyal walks into her studio, their creative chemistry ignites something more.

pakistanibritishmusic
The Wedding DJ

The Wedding DJ

Anastasia Chrome2 min read

DJ Zara rules Pakistani wedding dance floors across London. When the groom's handsome best friend Amir keeps requesting songs just to talk to her, she finds a rhythm she didn't expect.

pakistanibritishdj
Welsh Choir

Welsh Choir

Anastasia Chrome3 min read

Choir director Angharad has led the valley's male voice choir for twenty years. When music documentarian James records their sound, harmonies develop beyond the hymns.

britishbbwwales
Beckenham Beauty

Beckenham Beauty

Anastasia Chrome2 min read

Music teacher Efua gives piano lessons from her Beckenham home. When adult learner Marcus struggles with rhythm, she shows him that keeping time requires a very personal touch.

ebonybritishteacher
Dulwich Divinity

Dulwich Divinity

Anastasia Chrome3 min read

Gospel singer Adanna leads the choir at Dulwich Community Church. When sound engineer Isaiah sets up for their recording session, the divine spark between them becomes very earthly.

ebonybritishsinger
King's Cross Queen

King's Cross Queen

Anastasia Chrome2 min read

DJ Adaeze rules the King's Cross warehouse scene. When music journalist Marcus interviews her for a feature, she shows him that her beats hit harder in private than on any dancefloor.

ebonybritishdj
Walthamstow Wildcat

Walthamstow Wildcat

Anastasia Chrome4 min read

DJ Nia runs the hottest underground nights in East London. When music journalist Devon comes to interview her, she shows him there's a reason they call her the Wildcat.

ebonybritishdj
Through the Wall

Through the Wall

Zahra Osman3 min read

She hears him playing oud through the wall every night—beautiful, melancholy music she can't ignore. When she finally knocks to complain, he opens the door, and she realizes she doesn't want him to stop playing. She wants him to play for her.

british-somalineighborsmusic
Bass Drop

Bass Drop

Zahra Osman2 min read

She sings—traditional Somali music fused with UK garage. He's the producer who wants to sign her but can't keep the sessions professional. Between the beats and the harmonies, they create something neither expected.

british-somalimusiccreative
The Music Teacher

The Music Teacher

Anastasia Chrome9 min read

Piano lessons at fifty-three. She teaches him more than scales.

tabooteacherbbw
The Singing Rocks | الصُّخُورُ المُغَنِّيَةُ

The Singing Rocks | الصُّخُورُ المُغَنِّيَةُ

Anastasia Chrome2 min read

A girl discovers that certain mountain rocks produce beautiful music when the wind blows

classical-arabicarabicomani
The Musician's Secret of Granada | سِرُّ المُوسِيقَارِ في غَرْنَاطَة

The Musician's Secret of Granada | سِرُّ المُوسِيقَارِ في غَرْنَاطَة

Anastasia Chrome4 min read

In the Alhambra's shadow, a blind oud player discovers that his most beautiful compositions are born from touching a woman whose voice guides him through darkness.

classical-arabicarabichistorical