The Vapornet by Claudia Khachan & Ziad Moukarzel

"In this project, Khachan and Moukarzel stage a conversation between equals, a dialogue constructed almost in fragments that sometimes take on a more extended form, where melodies intertwine and disappear, often into a dense yet elusive, nebulous soundscape—at times intangible (most of the time), and yet so tangible, so relentlessly physical." – Pino Saulo, The New Noise

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The Vapornet is the result of a unique collaboration between sound producer and musician Ziad Moukarzel and artist Claudia Khachan. Born from their long-distance dialogue through sound, the album captures an evolving meeting point—both a creative exchange and the foundation for a lasting artistic partnership and friendship. As Ziad traveled across Europe and Claudia remained in the hills overlooking Beirut, their exchange of files became a conversation—a back-and-forth that transcended the distances between them.

The album unfolds as a cathartic process set against a backdrop of distance, uncertainty, and stillness. Ziad’s contributions, marked by drone ballads, deep bass, and restless drum loops, serve as the backbone, while Claudia’s layered organ swells, melodica melodies, sparse guitar strumming, and drifting vocals shape the atmosphere. The collaboration is intuitive yet structured, contrasting but never clashing—each sound carefully woven together in a fragmented dialogue that mirrors the quiet pulse of Claudia’s heartbeat.

The title Vapornet reflects the essence of this exchange: hazy atmospheres, unstable frequencies, and reverbs dissolving into one another, creating a sonic landscape where boundaries blur, and sound is both constructed and deconstructed.

In November 2023, Ziad and Claudia reunited in Beirut for a final studio session, at which point the album was largely complete. Minor adjustments were made, and the album was mixed by Sary Moussa at Tunefork Studios in February and March 2024. The Vapornet is a 25-minute, five-track exploration of space, connection, and constraint—an invitation to witness a dynamic interplay of offering and transformation, all conveyed through sound.

Catching feelings and building upon

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