Global Notes: Bassel & The Supernaturals

Bassel & The Supernaturals pride themselves on having “Syrian heart” and “Chicago soul.“
Bassel & The Supernaturals pride themselves on having "Syrian heart" and "Chicago soul."
Bassel & The Supernaturals pride themselves on having “Syrian heart” and “Chicago soul.“
Bassel & The Supernaturals pride themselves on having "Syrian heart" and "Chicago soul."

Global Notes: Bassel & The Supernaturals

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Syrian American artist Bassel Almadani and his band, Bassel & The Supernaturals, weave lyrics about love, loss and the now seven-year-old Syrian civil war into their blend of funk and soul music. Bassel’s own parents are from Aleppo, and before the war, most of his extended family lived in Syria. The band has collaborated with artists across the globe, from Aesop Rock and the Dandy Warhols to renowned Senegalese singer Youssou N’Dour. Released in May, Bassel & The Supernaturals’ new album “Smoke & Mirrors” carries forward the band’s motto of “Syrian Heart, Chicago Soul.” For this installment of Worldview’s “Global Notes” segment, Catalina Maria Johnson, host/producer of Vocalo’s Beat Latino, chats with Bassel Almadani about bringing a message from Syria to American audiences.