From sensational Arabic ouds to soul touching flute melodies, from jazzy grooves to Middle Eastern rhythms, Fusion Factory—a group of musically-talented individuals in Jeddah—has it all, along with talented singers who fuse the orient and occident together into one. The band's popularity has been on a constant rise after a bedazzling performance by the fresh and talented band at The Beat, a local event in Jeddah that showcased homegrown musical talents. The cheering crowd and their thundering applause corresponded with the dynamics of Fusion Factory's music. Having spoken to the band and its creator, Moiz Rehman, it is clear that Fusion Factory is more than just a group of highly talented musicians. These are thinkers and visionaries of our time, committed to the music they play and the lives they lead. The statement “Music can change the world” may still be up for debate, but in the case of Fusion Factory, you see a world within itself and music has everything to do with it.
SG: What is Fusion Factory? Moiz: Fusion Factory is a group of genuine musicians. We make music that has universal appeal and is rich not just in entertainment but also in artistic and personal merit. We believe that music should uplift the soul and the mind. We are makers of music, spreaders of joy, upholders of values and advocates of human progress and personal development.
SG: What is your role in Fusion Factory? Moiz: I arrange, compose and produce.
SG: How do you think listeners perceive Fusion Factory? What draws them in? Moiz: Familiarity and a sense of self is what draw people in. We are a group of musicians from different parts of the world and different walks of life. We are together to represent one world. The concept is for everyone everywhere to find a piece of themselves in our music, to remind them that they know us somehow and from somewhere. Our conscious intention and practice is to bring joy into the lives of our listeners through our music. Then there is also the diversity in our sound—the oud, the flute, Rock, Blues, Irish Folk, Pop, House and Techno and so on and so forth. As a fusion band, we are open to all and, I am sure, offer something to everyone.
Rusty: For myself, I think it is about reaching a point where you are not even playing an instrument anymore, rather the instrument becomes an extension of you and all that you wish to express flows through in a positive manner. I believe that is the most beautiful thing about music; the flow and exchange of energy as a pure form of communication because it is a language on its own. Through playing a note or two, I can communicate a certain emotion to a person or a group of people, and I think that is the most beautiful thing about playing music and making music.
SG: What do you say to people who want to play music and get into music? Rusty: I would say be patient because it is going to take a whole lot of playing. I mean, I remember when I was a kid, I would play till my fingers bled and I would not stop. It is the one thing that I never parked, my guitar. Patience helps you to avoid getting frustrated. Patience is what you need when you believe in yourself even if the people around you do not know what to make out of you or your beliefs. Then everything comes your way if you do it right and if you do it from the purity of your heart and soul and with passion. Everything else just comes together—the technique, the speed… Everyone wants to play fast these days, and I understand that, but you have got to know that your reasons for doing what you are doing are pure, and that is when you really start loving what you do, because the activity, or in my case playing music, just becomes so beneficial to your heart, mind and soul and your overall personality that it becomes a passion. It becomes a part of who you are in that you learn to identify yourself and be comfortable with whom you are in a new and powerful way.
Umar: What are your plans, dreams and aspirations now that you are touring and gaining more experience and popularity as a singer? Lou: Maybe my perspective on this would be different from most people, but I am not looking for fame, money or popularity. For me it is the joy of music, the happiness it brings me, the privilege of making others happy, and making them smile and forget their worries even if it is for a short while because just in that moment-I know that the person is not sad, miserable or self-destructive. He or she is better and free from all those things, and the world is a little more balanced with that. To be able to do something with that whole process is the main charm for me. This is regardless of whether it is just one person in the audience or a hall full of them. I am not in it for the fame, the spotlight, the money or status. I am simply in it for the good and pure joy that comes out of it.
Umar: You seem to be very particular about portraying the right image as a musician. What would you attribute this to? Lou: Well, as a person first, I think I share the loss of so many who are deprived of good quality music these days. From the makers of music to the listeners, we all know that something has gone wrong. With Fusion Factory and myself I would like to try and change that a little by showing that real music is so much more enjoyable and that it can be done with modesty, humility and personal dignity.
Umar: I have a question for Mohammed Hafiz. You were second place on the show Superstar on Future TV, signed deals with record companies, and appeared on Dubai TV and LBC. This is aside from the following you have in Beirut and Dubai from your live performances. What advice would you give to people who want to get into music? Mohammed Hafiz: I would say keep it simple, keep it pure and enjoy it! Have a genuine message and purpose, as a musician. Stay open to all kinds of music without getting stuck in genre and trends. Be it rock or Hip Hop or RnB, if it is done truthfully, it is real and is worthy of respect.
Umar: Within months of its formation, Fusion Factory has achieved what other bands achieve after several years. What do you accredit your successes to? Moiz: My team, each and every one of them, even the ones who are not in the band anymore. I attribute it to the purity with which they make music and their confidence in me. Aside from being highly skilled and talented musicians, they are genuine people who live consciously. That is what shows in our music and that is what I think our fans like about us the most.
