#Sikka14 - Score Vol.2

SIKKA Score Vol.2 is a music CD compilation of both emerging and established UAE-based artists that is available for purchase at the price of AED 50 per copy at SIKKA14. Being a music fanatic myself, I wasn't really sure what to expect from the album when I bought it, but I thought given that I am immersing myself into this year's art season's offering, I should go for the whole works and not miss out on any experience.

I can tell you that I was pleasantly shocked with most of the tracks that are on the album. In fact, I can nearly say that it was one of the best things I have decided to purchase in a while. The album as a whole can be categorized as a fusion of jazz, alternative, indie, Arabic, and hip-hop music. My favorite on it were tracks by David Beats Goliath - 'Maisie &Neville', Craig Perry - 'Stop', Gayathri ft. Hamdan Al Abri - 'The Unknown', and Charlie Al Maameri - 'I Don't Know Yet'.

David Beats Goliath

With a folk-indie reminiscent of the likes of Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros and Mumford and Sons, this UK/Dubai based band are one of the city's best kept secrets. Quirky, catchy melodies, and heartfelt lyrics to make you ponder, David Beats Goliath are poised to take the Dubai music scene by storm in the coming months.

Here's their song titled 'Maisie & Neville' that is featured on the SIKKA14 Score Vol.2 CD:

Craig Perry

Dubai's newest rising star, Craig Perry, has been an unstoppable force on the local music scene since his debut as part of The Fridge Singer/Songwriter showcase in June 2013. Chosen as runner-up in the 2013 Rolling Stone ME Street to Stage competition, and having recently released his debut solo EP "Small Steps, Big Shoes" his now trademarked brand of heartfelt music is making big, big waves.

Here's his song titled "Stop" that is featured as track 4 on the SIKKA Score Vol.2 compilation:

Gayathri

With songs that range from evocatively low rumbling and moody ambiances to brutal and intense anthemic melodies, Gayathri's voice is her identity. A champion of the independent movement with a growing and active fan base, her debut album 'The  Unknown\ is the result of a successful crowd-funding campaign that raised over USD 23,000 in just 10 days! One of the highest rated unsigned artists to date by Rolling Stone ME, Gayathri's released 'The Unknown' independently in March 2013.

Here's her Sikka14 Score Vol.2 song 'The Unknown' featuring Hamdan Al Abri:

SIKKA14 runs until March 25, 2014. Don't miss out on checking out the on-stage performances.