Carla Chamoun: Voice, presence and emotion. (Credit: Courtesy of the artist)
Carla Chamoun’s music is an emotional journey that resonates deeply with listeners. Her soulful voice has captured the hearts of many, earning praise for its healing quality from her fans in Lebanon.
During a recent performance at The World of Hans Zimmer, Chamoun captivated the audience by infusing traditional Lebanese “Zalghouta” (ululation) chants into her rendition of a song from The Prince of Egypt soundtrack. This unexpected homage to her roots added a powerful layer of authenticity to her performance, leaving a lasting impression on all who were present.
“This was for me a way to salute my country,” Chamoun shared, reflecting on her recent return from a European tour. Performing in front of thousands of new fans was a profound experience, one that marked a turning point in her still burgeoning music career. Despite her earlier attempts to distance herself from the spotlight, this tour reaffirmed her passion and promise in the music industry.
“I’ve always known, ever since school, ever since the choir, that I had a talent for singing,” Chamoun said. “But I was determined not to make a career out of it. Everywhere in the world, it’s a difficult field for a young girl, and one where you often have to make sacrifices and compromises.”
While at university, Chamoun pursued journalism and took on multiple roles in local media outlets. However, music found its way back to her when a childhood friend encouraged her to audition as a singer for a children’s film produced by the production company 1:16.
“He persisted, so I decided to give the audition a shot. Although the film never materialized, I was offered a contract. That’s when I made the decision to pursue a career as an artist — an artist who depends on her voice, emotions and talent, far beyond surface appearances,” she said.
No more fear
Despite facing initial challenges, Chamoun and her producer Lou Salloum strived to establish themselves in the music industry while honing their craft. Chamoun’s talent took her to stages across the globe, from Amsterdam to Tunisia, Jordan, the Emirates and Syria.
She graced prestigious venues like the Unesco Palace in Beirut, the Damascus Opera House and the Rudolfinum in Prague. Online, her covers of classic songs like “Ya Aachikata al-Wardi” and “Khedni Maak” have garnered significant attention, with her online concerts providing further opportunities to connect with her audience.
Chamoun’s debut album, “Ajmal Chi,” recorded with the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra and produced by four-time Grammy Award winner Jan Holzner, strikes a unique chord — neither classical nor commercial.
“I started by interpreting existing songs until the day I felt compelled to compose my own music,” Chamoun said. “Today, I’ve released around ten singles, including the latest, ‘Ya Rayt.’”
“It’s fascinating to observe how these songs are perceived by the audience. For instance, during Christmas, I wrote a song as a tribute to two family members lost to the pandemic, but many interpreted it as a love song,” she added.
Commenting on whether the past concerns about the music industry have disappeared, she said, “There is nothing left!” “Even if men in this business, especially those with power, don’t always use it benevolently, I had to stay true to my principles and to not make any compromise on several occasions. Things take longer, but success is even more rewarding,” she said.
Carla Chamoun, soon to perform in Lebanon. (Credit: Courtesy of the artist)
World tour
While the industry can be cruel, it can also be surprising. On her way home in tears a few months ago, Chamoun received some good news. “I’d just heard on the radio a new song I’d recorded in the studio for a Lebanese composer, but performed by another artist,” she said.
“I had worked hard to make this song, which was supposed to be mine, an identity, but the composer had sent the demo to another artist for inspiration. It was copy and paste. I had been scammed. That’s when I opened my Instagram to read a message from the production company of international composer Hans Zimmer, asking me to audition for his worldwide show featuring tracks from his biggest movie hits, from Gladiator to Pirates of the Caribbean. It’s God’s work,” she said.
After sending the recording, Chamoun had to wait for Zimmer himself to make a choice. She was offered a place on the European tour. “Last summer, I traveled to Paris to attend his concert, and now I’m part of the tour. It’s a huge thing!” she said.
The casting director had seen her videos online when she was looking for new talent, she added. “I was told they wanted an artist who could adapt to different styles, alone or with an orchestra, and who was capable of performing on stage. They came across my videos and the Internet users’ comments,” she said.
On this first leg of the tour, which has just ended, she took part in 14 concerts, sometimes in front of 18,000 people. She performed the much-anticipated Gladiator track on the show, alongside Lise Gerard, who will no longer be part of the show.
“It was a way of introducing myself to the public, and we have a new three-month tour starting in October, in many places around in the world,” she said. Chamoun had the privilege of meeting Hans Zimmer personally.
Chamoun makes exceptional human and artistic discoveries during her travels and receives offers overseas. She has her sights set on an international career but hasn’t forgotten Lebanon. She is currently preparing a series of singles and a concert in Lebanon. “It is great to be known worldwide, but what I’d really like is for people here to be proud of me,” she said.
This article was originally published in L'Orient-Le Jour. Translated by Sahar Ghoussoub and Joelle El Khoury.