Karaa, 24 and recent graduate of Berklee College of music was chosen late last year to sing this new rendition Arabic adaptation of the iconic song by Jefferson Airplane "White Rabbit". The song was written and produced in Arabic by renowned composers and music producers Dawn Elder, Mark Batson, Hanin Omar under the direction of American Hustle's music supervisor Susan Jacobs. This is the first time Arabic lyrics are highlighted in such a manor in a major Hollywood film. This is a testament to David O' Russell's creative intellect. Mayssa Karaa's vocal performance in Arabic not only surprises audiences but her powerful and haunting vocals have been hailed by critics internationally as one of the movie's most dynamic songs. Her voice conveys the intensity of a pivotal scene featuring Robert De Niro, Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Jenifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper. Karaa's voice not only stays true to Slick's iconic performance, but finds its own unique color and powerful tone making the scene memorable. "This is who I am," says Mayssa, "not Middle Eastern all the way, not rock all the way. I am creating my own style."
Born in 1989, near the close of a 15-year conflict in Lebanon, Mayssa began singing at very early age in Beirut with her local school choir, and at the age of 7 singled out by the school's music director as one of the most talented out of hundreds. Recognizing her artistic talent, her parents encouraged her to pursue a musical education and enrolled her into the Conservatory of Beirut alongside her regular studies. Soon after, Mayssa was performing at a variety of events for non-profit charities including UNESCO.
Mayssa's manager, and co-author of the Arabic Adaptation of "White Rabbit" Dawn Elder says, "Mayssa has the capability to cross over like no other artist before her. The unique colors, perfect intonation, range and grittiness in her voice would be enough alone to make her a stand out star, but it is her versatility in both English, Arabic, not to mention Italian, French and Persian that makes her a one of a kind. This is rather unprecedented especially between Arabic, and English. Her passion for rock music and desire to bring an organic fusion with Middle Eastern music to her songs is both refreshing and exciting.". I knew she was the perfect voice for this song, and collaboration. Mayssa Karaa has gone on to perform the song at numerous premieres for American Hustle from New York to Dubai, stunning audiences with her amazing voice and charisma. O' Russell, Cooper, Adams, and audiences alike are thrilled with this rendition and what it brings to the movie.
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Amid all these projects, Mayssa is beginning work on her own debut CD, a groundbreaking combination of rock, pop, and Arabic music that will bring together all her diverse talents and experiences. “This is who I am,” says Mayssa, “not Middle Eastern all the way, not rock all the way. I am creating my own style.” And the world of international popular music may never be the same.
Mayssa Karaa - White Rabbit
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