Let the music breathe

For Bahrain-loving bedroom musician Abdullah Ali Mutawa, who performs under the monicker ‘Abel’, making music is not about rushing through releases but letting the lyrical ideas breathe and bringing the melody to life naturally.

The 23-year-old Saudi musician who used to live in Saar and routine returns to the island to perform is working on his second single Someone I Am, set to be released soon. 

“I never rush the songwriting process,” he told GulfWeekly.

“I believe every song needs time to develop naturally, so I allow ideas to evolve until they feel authentic. 

“I draw inspiration from other musicians, everyday experiences, and the world around me. 

“Most of the time, I begin with a melody, and that melody inspires the lyrics and the story I want to tell,” he added.

Abel’s music blends elements of pop, rock, and blues with a strong focus on storytelling and influences from his own life. 

Through his original tunes and lyrics, Abel hopes to connect with people around him on a deeper level.

“While performing covers helped me grow as a musician, I realised that I wanted to share my own stories and connect with people on a deeper level,” Abel noted.

“One of the most rewarding feelings is seeing listeners relate to my songs and find comfort or inspiration in them. 

“I believe music is one of the first languages human beings understand – even before words. 

“For example, when a baby hears music, they instinctively begin moving or dancing to the rhythm. 

“That natural connection reminds me of music’s ability to bring people together regardless of age, language, or background.”

His musical journey began in 2017, when the young musician taught himself to play the piano. 

Since then, he has expanded his repertoire to include the ukulele, oud, classical guitar and electric guitar, as well as singing. 

It was only five years later in 2022 that he finally took the plunge into creating original music, with his first single Cuz U Are.

“Music is a powerful way to connect people and communicate emotions that words alone cannot always express,” he explained.

“My songs explore themes of self-discovery, hope, love, resilience, and personal growth. 

“I aim to create music that is honest, relatable, and emotionally meaningful.

“Through my music, I want to share messages of hope, love, and kindness while encouraging others to believe that nothing is impossible. 

“If my songs can positively impact even one person’s life, then I feel I have achieved my purpose as an artist.”

While his originals are solo projects, Abel continues to hone his stagecraft with cover music performed with his band Extra Sauce, with whom he has performed at a number of open mic acoustic events around the kingdom.

“Practicing and performing with a band is a collaborative experience that requires teamwork, communication, and trust,” he explained.

“Every member plays an important role, and it teaches responsibility, adaptability, and how to work toward a shared goal. 

“Recording or performing as a solo artist is different because every decision and responsibility falls on you. 

“While it can sometimes be more challenging, it also allows complete creative freedom and is incredibly rewarding for artists who enjoy expressing themselves independently.”

With music inspired by the likes of John Mayer, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Chris Buck, Abel is drawing from their fountain of inspiration to combine technical skill with heart-felt emotion and powerful storytelling, as he continues to let several new additions to his discography blossom in the coming days and months.

For more details, follow  @abbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbel on Instagram.