Bassel & The Supernaturals w. Jackson Kidder

Bassel s experience as a first generation Syrian-American using soulful melodies, funk inspired rhythms, and captivating lyrics regarding love, loss, otherness, and the war in Syria. They are making their national television debut in May 2024 as part of a new PBS docuseries starring Dule Hill entitled The Express Way, regarding the transformative power of the arts.Echoing Stevie Wonders rhythm and blues, Jamiroquais social justice centered lyricism over jazz-infused funk, and Steely Dans seamless amalgam of American music, Bassel & The Supernaturals evoke joy and thoughtfulness in diverse audiences throughout hundreds of cities across North America. In addition to performing in major festivals, performance halls, concert series, and clubs, the group works closely with organizations on events and residencies that build awareness and empathy for Syrian refugees and immigrants. Deeply inspired by Otis Redding, Bassel uses the stage as a vehicle to unite his listeners and share the story of his cultural duality. A substantial portion of their proceeds benefit the Karam Foundation, a non-profit organization focused on building a better future for Syria.Their sophomore release, Elements (2017), was premiered by Noisey/Vice, generating impressive buzz with their music video Lost, a moving, tragic song about his young cousin who was fatally caught in crossfire, a casualty of the ongoing conflict in Syria. This led to their involvement in the nationally-acclaimed SXSW 2017 showcase ContraBanned: #MusicUnites featuring artists from the diaspora of countries targeted by the travel ban. Theyve since been featured on PRI, Al Jazeera, Reuters, Paste Magazine, Huffington Post, NowThis, and many others.Bassel Dour, Aesop Rock, Emancipator, Brother Ali, The Dandy Warhols, Sinkane, and many others.The bands national television debut on PBS (May 2024) highlights Bassels story as a product of Syrian immigrants, challenges growing up as a Muslim in America after 9/11, and his profound connection to the arts as a channel to process his own experience while amplifying the voices of refugees. Bassel & The Supernaturals also plans to release a new EP in 2024.