Saudi DJ Yaser Hammad, also known as Adulsamee3 Allamee3, is dedicated to preserving the tradition of vinyl record collecting and DJing.
He specializes in Arabic musical treasures and prefers to be called a "selector" to introduce audiences to new classical songs.
Vinyl DJing is more complex than digital formats, requiring a hands-on approach and adding a unique ambiance to performances.
Hammad upholds this art form amidst changing online and digital music trends.
Hammad, a DJ with Hijazi heritage, plays music suited to the venue and audience.
He frequently performs in Jeddah's historic Al-Balad district, focusing on Hijazi female singers from the golden age, such as Touha and Ibtisam Lutfi, as well as renowned singers like Talal Maddah and Fawzi Mahsoun.
Hammad's love for Saudi classics and cultural preservation through music stems from his education.
His passion for vinyl records began during film school in Los Angeles at Amoeba, the world's largest record store, where he discovered Arabic records.
Saudi DJ Yaser Hammad, known as Adulsamee3 Allamee3, is dedicated to preserving the tradition of vinyl records in the Arabic music scene.
Having developed a passion for Arabic music during his time in Cairo and Beirut, Hammad returned to Saudi Arabia and met mentor Mohannad Nassar, aka Vinyl Mode.
Hammad began his DJ career with a performance at Medd Cafe in Jeddah before the
COVID-19 pandemic.
During the lockdown, he utilized virtual platforms like Zoom and Instagram Live sessions to explore new ways to showcase his music.
Inspired by the rich history of Arabic music, Hammad continues to seek out new genres and uphold the vinyl tradition in a digital world.
Yasser Hammad, a Saudi vinyl DJ, finds great joy in discovering Arabic music in record shops around the world.
He shares the story of finding high-quality pressings of Umm Kulthum's classics in Annecy, France, pressed by Arab migrants.
Arabic music, with its poetry and storytelling, is a significant part of Hammad's identity.
Performing through vinyl offers a unique, intuitive experience that enriches the audience's connection to the music, despite challenges in blending classical Arabic with modern DJing technology.
Yaser Hammad, a Saudi vinyl DJ and film director, shares the value of personal interactions with shop owners in discovering Saudi music.
Before the
COVID-19 pandemic, he rarely found Saudi music until joining Abu Mubarak's WhatsApp group for auctioning rare vinyls of folk Saudi singers.
Hammad finds inspiration in music for his writing and storytelling, as shown in his mix "Pass by Jeddah" on SoundCloud.
Growing up, he listened to Egyptian and Lebanese pop music but expanded his music horizons with his iPod after high school, discovering traditional Saudi singers.
Hammad, also known as Adulsamee3 Allamee3, is a Saudi Arabian DJ and musician who has gained recognition for his Arabic music.
He has performed at notable events and venues in Saudi Arabia and internationally, including the MENA Night at Cannes Lions Festival and the Islamic Arts Biennale opening night.
Hammad is committed to preserving the tradition of vinyl records in the face of changing music trends.
He finds fulfillment in performing in public venues, even if it means turning down popular TikTok requests due to the lack of a vinyl record.
Despite the challenges, Hammad cherishes the heartfelt moments when the audience appreciates Saudi singers' vinyl records.
Hammad advocates for Saudis to preserve their cultural heritage, specifically their music history, by valuing and keeping old cassette tapes, CDs, vinyl records, and similar items.
To explore Hammad's collections, listen to his SoundCloud show, Sama3i, or "listening sessions."