New York-based Sudanese musician releases debut album

Ahmed Gallab, known as Sinkane, shoots his latest music video London – Amna Bagadi Ahmed Gallab, the Sudanese born musical prodigy known as Sinkane, started out thrashing drums in high school during the post-hardcore scene in Ohio. This year he was snapped up by independent electronic label DFA Records, after self-releasing the single “Runnin”.
His latest sound is an experimental record of East African-inspired, 70’s layered cosmic moods with serious Arab shoulder shaking beats. With an impressive group of collaborators, including George Lewis Jr (Twin Shadow) and Jason Trammell (Yeasayer) who feature on his DFA debut,  Sinkane's music is already making waves.
I talked to the Brooklyn based multi-instrumentalist about touring with a back catalogue of stellar bands, his first official video, incorporating the “Oud” into his music and his plans to take Sinkane to the moon.

You started off in the hardcore scene in Columbus. What was it about that scene that initially drew you in?
The DIY scene is very communal. People work together to keep it alive. That’s how things should be. It was nice to converse and collaborate with like-minded people in Columbus. It was, and still is, very inspiring.

What did you learn from touring with Of Montreal, Caribou, Born Ruffians and Yeasayer and how did this influence Sinkane?
I learned a lot in the past four years. A lot about the music business, song writing, band dynamics, touring. It was like going to University. Had I not joined those bands and just did Sinkane at that time I think I would have failed miserably. I feel blessed to have been taught and mentored by some amazing people.

How would you describe your sound on this record?
It’s groove-based music. I wanted to make a record that people could enjoy at home or at a party or on the train going to work, etc. It differs from the past few records in that it is much more cohesive and has a lot more singing.

As a multi-instrumentalist how does Sinkane work?
I had some people play on the record, mainly to do things that I wasn’t as good at. George Lewis Jr is a much better guitar player than I am and I knew he could slay a guitar solo exactly how I wanted. That’s pretty much how I went about bringing people in. Now that we’re playing live, Sinkane has turned into a band and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I have the pleasure of working with three of the greatest talents on Earth: Jason Trammell, Mikey Freedom Hart and Ish Montgomery. Sinkane is a better group with them in it and I am eager and excited to continue playing with my boys.

Why “Mars”?
Mars is a metaphor to describing something foreign or alien. I am a part of a large community of children who have grown up between cultures. It’s hard to call any place home but it’s also beautiful because you are forced to blaze your own trail and be yourself.

Congrats on the signing to DFA. How did it come about?
They reached out to me after I released the “Runnin” single on my own in March. They’re great. Their office is close to my house and both Jonathan Galkin and Kris Petersen are easy to get along with. Working with a label based in New York is a blessing. Whenever I need something they are there to help. They’ve also been at every single show we’ve played and that kind of encouragement is great. It means a lot to work with people who care about your art. Now if only I could stump Jonathan on music. That guy knows everything!

Your music is quite textured and psychedelic with some serious grooves that will surely get people dancing wherever they come from. I played “Jeeper Creeper” to my Sudanese mother and her shoulders and neck instantly started moving. You left Sudan in 1989 when President Bashir came in. Your father as you describe was“politically exiled”. How has your journey from Sudan to Ohio and now New York influenced your sound?
I’ve been able to see and experience a lot of things. My parents have been very good about maintaining our Sudanese identity. I am very happy about that. But growing up around so many different kinds of people I got to learn so many things. I have friends from all over the world and they are all so different. I love being in that kind of environment. There’s a place for us scattered and uprooted peoples. A place we all know as home with elements from all of our homes. I want to find or create that place.

Do you use traditional Sudanese instruments, like the Oud in your music?
No but my sister, Azza, plays Oud and I hope to collaborate with her in the future.

In the “Runnin” video released last week a revolutionary gets shot. What inspired the video?
Phillip Di Fiore (Antibala, Caveman, Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, Caveman) directed the video and he did an amazing job. We wanted to shoot out the gate strong with a video that would grab people’s attention. “Runnin” is a pretty self-explanatory song. My father would always tell me, that because I am black, Muslim and considered a foreigner, I have to work harder than anyone to prove myself.

Would you like to play in Sudan at some point?
Yes. It is a dream of mine. I hope to do it soon.

Future plans for Sinkane?
Next stop: The moon!

What are you listening to at the moment?
I’m listening to a lot of Morra DeRey & Heavy Quarterz, Jorge Ben, Kendrick Lamar, Caveman, Skaters, Mo Kolours, Tame Impala and Daphni.

Sinkane will tour the UK this summer. Mars is out now on City Slang/DFA records.