ِAutostrad (Arabic: أوتوستراد) is a Jordanian indie band from Amman, Jordan, formed in 2007.[1][2][3][4][5][6]
Autostrad أوتوستراد | |
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| Origin | Amman, Jordan |
| Genres | Alternative rock, Reggae, Funk, Indie |
| Years active | 2007–present |
| Members |
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| Past members |
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Members
Autostrad's original lineup consisted of
- Avo Demerjian - bass guitar and vocals
- Bashar Hamdan - saxophone and keyboard
- Hamzeh Arnaout - guitar and vocals
- Wisam Qatawneh - keyboard and vocals
- Yazan Al Rousan - guitar and main vocals
- Burhan Al Ali - drums and vocals
There has been some changes in the line-up of the band with Hamzeh Arnaout (guitar) and Wisam Qatawneh (keyboards) leaving and admission of Yazan Sarayrah (guitars) and Mohannad Shwayat (keyboards).
The present line-up is now made up of:
- Avo Demerjian - bass guitar and vocals
- Bashar Hamdan - saxophone and keyboard
- Yazan Al Rousan - guitar, percussion and main vocals
- Burhan Al Ali - drums and vocals
- Yazan Sarayrah - lead guitar
- Mohannad Shwayat - Keyboard
Music
Autostrad's music is influenced by a mix of rock, reggae, Latin and funk combined with their own lyrics written in the Jordanian dialect.[7] The topics draw inspiration from everyday life in Jordan, the groupconveys stories of love, struggle, financial challenges, drug abuse, and finding oneself through their music. The band has gained popularity amongst Jordanian youth because of their music evokes daily life in the country. They have released four studio albums: Fi Autostrad (2008), Autostrad (2011), Nitrogen (2013) and Turathi (2017).[8]
Tours and appearances
In 2014, they were invited to play in London as part of their tour. It was their first time playing outside the Arab World.[9]
They have also appeared several times on television, most notably when they were featured in a show by Ro'ya TV and also when they were hosted by Bassem Youssef on Egyptian TV show called Al Bernameg.[8][10] They have also appeared in a number of RedBull SoundClash concerts, their first being in 2014 against Jordanian band El Morabba3.[11][12]