It's complicated for my music to be accepted, even in Lebanon and the Arabic world - I sing in Arabic, but there's no lute, no classical instruments. Maybe with the Internet opening things up, things will change.
— Yasmine Hamdan
I was raised by strong women, and the role models I had in music and cinema were strong, too - liberated and provocative.
I've always had a sense that I am doing something very important, something vital.
I went from the most underground band in the world to signing with Madonna's producer and a record label that is extremely mainstream - it was interesting.
Without freedom and without humor, our cultures can't have a healthy evolution.
When I read the Koran or hear it read, the images and the poetry, the sound of the language is very inspiring.
I sing in Arabic as a statement. It's art, and it's a challenge.
I was born in the middle of Lebanon's civil war.
I set the bar very high. I'm very tough on myself.
I don't believe that there is a separation between art and political consciousness.
Collaborating with other artists is an emotional thing. Obviously, you don't do it unless this person inspires you.
The Arab world is mediatised in a way that gives too much space to these people - puritans, extremists, whatever you want to call them. There are a lot more people like me in the Middle East than you might think.
I'm inspired by many artists whose language I don't understand.
My dad was a brilliant civil engineer. My parents later divorced, but we lived in Abu Dhabi, Greece, Kuwait.
I wanted to pursue my own thing - I had desires, ideas I wanted to accomplish, and I needed to be on my own for that.
Singing is a very sensual activity! You engage in it with all your senses and your heart.
There are many positive values that come with a Muslim upbringing. But when religion becomes about rules and hierarchies, when it starts to feel like a prison, I'm not interested.
I follow my desires, and I'm prepared to take the consequences.
