Kamal Musallam is a musician who uses his oud to explore new cultures. The Kuwaiti-born Jordanian virtuoso is one of the region's leading fusion artists, and through countless gigs demonstrates the instrument's potential in complementing foreign genres, ranging from Latin America to South East Asia. His new project is a case in point. After a trip to Rome last year to perform with local musicians, Musallam used the experience as a catalyst for his latest album, Homemade in Rome. The new collection is an evocative postcard to an ancient city where history and inspiration meet.
Where are you right now?
I am talking to you from Amman in Jordan where I am on a family trip. I still relate to this city in so many ways – particularly its old features. I also enjoy the weather – the evenings are nice even during the summer. There is also, of course, the diversity of natural beauty, as the city is built on top of seven mountains. The only thing I don’t like are the tourists that come here during the summer; but I hang out with my friends and family and avoid the popular spots.
How often do you go on holidays?
Not often to be honest, perhaps once a year. That’s why I try to make a lot of my work trips into mini-holidays. I always add on a day or two with each tour just to hang out and enjoy the city. Recently, I went to Japan for an event for six days, so I added an extra four days to spend more time in Tokyo and to see and meet the people.
Where do you call home?
The place I relate to the most is Dubai. I live in Al Qusais and it is very convenient as it is not far from the airport. I also have a nice set-up there, as the space is both my home and my studio. I do all my creative and business work there.
Where do you plan to go next?
I am looking forward to my next trip to Indonesia, where I have been invited to play at a bunch of festivals in Bali and Sumatra. It will be my seventh trip to the country, which I love for its islands, greenery and the cities. What I love most about Indonesia is the nature of its people. They are very diverse but what’s common about them is that they have this sense of peacefulness. They are friendly and generous despite the level of poverty that some experience. I have a lot of followers there, so it’s always a pleasure to perform for them.
What do you love about travelling?
It keeps me alive and fresh, I feel like it’s a chance to be reborn again. I leave a country and go someplace new and that place gives me an opportunity to look at myself from a different perspective. I feel mentally clear and go back home, but with new experiences of things I learnt, tasted, touched and heard. It is like pressing the restart button.
What do you hate about travelling?
Carrying my bags and guitars. It is a struggle as I am always over the weight limit. This is especially true when I am playing shows, as I bring my recording equipment with me, CDs for sale, some extra instruments and cameras. So if I am allowed 30kg, then it is going to be 50kg. When I am travelling to my family home in Amman, I go light as I have my set of guitars and an oud there. I can just pick it up when I feel inspired.
Do you prefer simplicity or luxury?
Simplicity with the occasional luxurious splurge. By simplicity I don’t mean poor; it has also got to be very good quality. I feel more in control and focused if I have fewer choices. If I am in a vast resort with lots to do, then time will never be enough. I would be running around and not savouring the quality. I prefer to spend more time doing less.
What has been your favourite trip?
I love all my trips but the most memorable one for me was a recent trip to South Korea, where I visited a few cities, including Seoul. I connected so much with the place — its history, people and food. It was full of great memories.
What is your favourite city for a weekend?
I enjoy going to Abu Dhabi for a weekend if I don’t want to fly out to a destination. I like coming there, checking into a hotel and hang out with some friends. Abu Dhabi is a totally different set-up than Dubai. It has a different energy and I do find myself more relaxed when I am there.
What do you never travel without?
My gadgets that I need to have with me every day — laptop, phone and most recently, my iPad.
What is your idea of a perfect weekend?
It would be with my perfect partner. We would wake up very early and take a plane to a destination that is not further than three hours. Find a nice quiet spot to stay on the beach, shut off all communication with the world and focus on each other.
What is your ideal romantic destination?
A romantic destination for me would be one by the sea where we could watch the sunset together. Another option would be the top of a hill that overlooks the valley, where I can be with someone that I love and enjoy the moment.
As a touring artist, what is your favourite music city?
Rome. My last album, Homemade in Rome, came as a result of my trip there, meeting some musicians and just recording whatever came to us during that experience. It is a very inspiring place, because in Rome every stone in every building has stories to tell. It immediately evoked something inspirational in me.
• For more details go to www.kamalmusallam.com