Rafi G. Baladi, creator of "Fields of Memories"
Meet Rafi G. Baladi, creator of "Fields of Memories"; the name of his film-music project. The Composer/Pianist was born in Cairo, Egypt 1951. His origins connect the composer/pianist to both Greek and Egyptian backgrounds, and he is well travelled with a collection of stories about music and life. Baladi holds a BA in Mass Communication and Modern Drama; he is also a 30 years scholar of music, music theory, harmony and piano and a composer of music. With such an impressive and diverse music background/culture, it is no wonder that his music is simply divine. In this spotlight with Junior’s Cave Golden Isles Online Magazine, Baladi speaks openly about his remarkable journey.

Isaac: It’s an amazing time to be a DIY artist/performer/band/musician. What do you enjoy the most about being an indie performer?

Rafik Baladi: Immediate recognition; it boosts my enthusiasm.

Isaac: If you had an opportunity to sign with a major label, would you sign now knowing you may have to give up some of what you have built up over the years about you in the process?

Rafik Baladi: I am flexible and I would do so; of course depending on what I will be giving up.

Isaac: I remembered Simon Cowell from American Idol talking about the “it” Factor that makes a musician/band stand out. What do you think is your “it” factor that makes you stand out from others in the music business?

Rafik Baladi: My music is far from being rock or pop. It is descriptive and reflective. My music's "it" lay in its ever so seducing melodies intercepted by powerful counter strings; hence its tensions are very dramatic and its tunes are lasting. One would listen to my music and hum it for days and weeks because it is easy to identify with.

Isaac: Why should music fans listen to your music? Describe what they are going to get when they listen to your music?

Rafik Baladi: Every now and then, we like to recline from life's challenges and to succumb to reflection 3 or 4 times a week for 20 to 30 minutes. This is what my fans will find in my music because it is tender and many times naive but with powerful orchestration. My fans would listen to it, and succumb to their roots; and then they would revitalize themselves and come back strong to cope with life. They will hear waves, see clouds and smell the sea. They will even run from their kitchen to their TV set if my music is playing on a TV documentary because my music is catchy and lasting.

Isaac: Briefly describe your humble beginnings that led you to where you are at musically now.

Rafik Baladi: I started learning music at kindergarten in an Italian Dominican Diocese in Cairo, Egypt with an elderly sister who had little patience for me. She let me go. At 15, I was contacted by another (slightly younger) teacher from the same school offering to help me. I could not afford her and she taught me for free over three years just until I started working and was able to pay for my lessons.

In between 6 and 15, I was an altar boy joining the choir occasionally and playing the church organ many times. I was first influenced by Bach and Handel and then, as I studied Drama and Modern Theatre at university, I shifted to life themes: poverty, hunger, joy, harvest, war, peace, encounter and separation. Hence I became a curious contemplator of this complex universe of ours interpreting life's ups and downs and portraying them on sheet music for piano or orchestra. When I play the piano, my audience falls into a trance. And I have presented various concerts on stage to audiences of 500 to 1000.

Isaac: You have some strong iconic influences. Of these influences, which artist/band do you relate to the most and why?

Rafik Baladi: (Bach, Handel and Scarlatti for structure and for their flame of faith; Rahmanninof and Chopin for their lovely lonesome tunes almost yearning for someone to listen; Pink Floyd, Emerson Lake and Palmer, Moody Blues, Seals & Croft, Elton John for breaking the rules, for their artistic endeavor and for the seriousness... and so many more.



Isaac: Do you feel that Indie music gets the respect it deserves? Why or why not?

Rafik Baladi: I am not sure my input would be fair as my type of music may not be considered Indie. It is for easy listening and for licensing to TV, films and documentaries.

Isaac: If you could change one thing about the music business, what would it be and why?

Rafik Baladi: I would break the myth that a Rock radio station or pop station for that matter, would solely air rock and pop. I would include, just every now and then, a different genre to enable rock or pop listeners see what is out there. Why? Freedom of knowledge; freedom of choice; freedom of appreciating music in all its styles!

Isaac: Do you think in the near future that DIY artists/bands will be the norm and big record companies will be very limited?

Rafik Baladi: I believe that the mob will stick to digital sales but that old-school fans (many, even, at the age of 20) will prefer to buy hard copy discs, because it is matter of pride. I do the same and still have my LPs from the early seventies. 

 

Isaac: What type of feedbacks have you been receiving about your music from fans and music critics?

Rafik Baladi: Many say it reminds them of a love scene, or a hurting lover, or some portraits. I heard people call my music: tender, powerful and lasting.

Isaac: I agree.

Isaac: If you knew that you would never gain fame and fortune with what you are doing now, would you continue to make music? Explain.

Rafik Baladi: Of course, financial stability is very helpful if I can attain it from what I love most: music and writing short stories. But with or without fame, I would cling to music; after all it is the most loyal endeavor I have ever engaged with. If I am too old to create, I will play my favorites on the piano to my family and friends.

Isaac: How do you handle negative feedback or negative energy about your music?

Rafik Baladi: It does not make me move an inch. I know my stuff and am grateful for it. So I wish negative critics well and have them go in peace.

Isaac: What role do your family and friends play in the equation of your pursuant of a music career?

Rafik Baladi: Other than my late music teacher Olympia Rossi, in Cairo, my family and friends have never put me down but they never encouraged me as I needed. The only two who have helped me are my Creator God and my beloved wife Laila.

Isaac: What is the best site/s that you can be found on the Internet?

Rafik Baladi: www.sonicbids.com/FieldsofMemories

Isaac: The floor is yours; final words…..

Rafik Baladi: Every single person on our planet can hum a tune. Hence every creation of God is a musician. Some hum, others sing, many play instruments and many invent music. The beauty of it all is that we are all different in tastes, color and passions. What we fall for when we listen to music is just a reflection of what we interpret when we invent it. Most if not all musicians want to be heard and approved of; they just want to share their experience, I am one and I have been applauded and encouraged by various rock fans and musicians; I would love to do more. As a composer, author of a book, writer of articles on various topics and photographer I am tempted to provide you with my website address: www.filmmusicmontreal.com