Lately, the music scene in Kuwait has been booming, with regular events across the city. But, Nour Al-Kawass has been a puppeteer and agent for music long before it became mainstream. This month, we would like to ask this avant-garde agent of sound and editor of Get Out Blog a few questions.
Regulations seem to be easing due to the nation’s inherent thirst for music. You were a part of the scene from its very inception. It is always difficult to be the one that paves the way. How did you navigate the terrain of the unknown?
Prior to 1990, Kuwait was known in the region for its exploration of many different and new forms of music and dance. Knowing that helped me figure out how important culture is to Kuwait, and that at some point it would return and expand again really fast. You can see now that we have many shows that don’t only focus on one genre. We have Arabic music, rock, hip hop, jazz, pop and many more. You can understand from this that the thirst for music has always been there and most of us waited for the right moment to take it and level it up. I think I got lucky in that I started to grow my networking and communication skills five years ago. At that time it helped me to get to know and understand most of the artists and musicians and begin to work closely together with them. Our purpose is to educate people about music and how it changes lives.
Blogs are also making a comeback. You seem to have a perception, a foresight, of what people want even before they do. Is there a secret?
I think blogs are more common these days because we have the freedom to express and implement without any guidelines. And I have no secret when it comes to knowing what people want before they do, because we all share the same passion and desire. The love I have for art and music is something I can’t explain with words. Music to me is everything and art is a way of expressing how I feel towards life.
Get Out Blog initially focused on events. But, lately you have invited writers to contribute. What are you echoing to the world through your website?
Through Get Out we share culture, experiences and opportunities. It’s a way to connect and communicate. The Middle East has so much to give out and share. And here, WE have much to give and are all working so hard to achieve that. Basically, the blog is an open platform for all artists to share and express freely.
Though it may appear glamorous, it takes a lot of bureaucracy – let alone stamina – to bring all the ingredients together when hosting an event. You know what it takes to be a mover and shaker, but how does it feel? Are you sated or constantly restless? Tell us.
I must admit that I am a control freak and a perfectionist. You do not want to see me when I’m planning and executing because I act insanely! I’m always all over the place and stressed, and that’s not because I’m afraid, but because I want to serve people in the best way I can. I keep pushing myself and what stresses me out the most is stepping out of comfort zones on a daily basis, hoping to inspire along the way. I’m here because I want to be part of a change, and I could never do it on my own. Thankfully, all my hard work over the years paid off where I constantly met people who are always willing to help in any way possible.
Though you delve into many fields, there always seems to be that one calling that rises above all the rest. What is it for you?
Serving and uniting the community! I do what I do because I am part of this beautiful world and creation that inspires me daily to learn, act and inspire people, while encouraging them to work hard and let them know that we are here for a reason!
To keep up with Nour, check out www.getout-me.com. Follow her on Instagram @getoutblog and @nourk, or email Nour@getout-me.com. Follow Nejoud on social media @nejoud.alyagout or visit her website: www.nejoudalyagout.com.
