The New Government

Event information

The New Government live performance plus Lachefean, DJs Ramsay and Mo-Lu

The band was born in Beirut in November 2004. What initially came up was a 5 member (Jeremie, Zeid, Nabil, Cherif, Timothee) band who proclaimed themselves "The New Government" Since there was no official government at the time, it made sense.
The New Government performed many gigs in several Lebanese cities (Beirut, Byblos, Deir el Qamar), toured in Switzerland and France and have released a first EP with Lebanese indie label Mooz Records, as well as two full length albums in 2006 and 2007. In 2008, the drummer and bassist eventually left the band. Still, the 3 remaining members are active and regularly playing, using either a minimalist electro gear, or drums with a vintage organ. In May 2009 they completed new songs for their forthcoming album to be released in 2010.
Although each of the band members has a different musical background, The New Government managed to find its trademark sound: a mixture of indie rock and post-punk with a retro touch reminiscent of the 70s.


Music is Life
An exhibition of photography by Tanya Traboulsi

Lebanon’s original music scene is flourishing. Hip-hop acts such as RGB and 961 Underground have gained international recognition and record deals, while emerging local bands like Scrambled Eggs or Eileen Khatchadourian bring a distinctly Lebanese twist to their rocky punk sound.
Breakthrough artists Lumi launched their debut electro-dance album to huge acclaim in a homecoming gig in Beirut last May before heading off on a tour around the region and Europe. The gig confirmed in many minds that Lebanon’s music scene had made its mark.
The scene is supported by a host of quirky personalities, from the mustachioed Zeid Hamdan, the godfather of many Lebanese bands, to the colourful Malikah, one of the region’s only female rappers, plus a host of graffiti artists, DJs, dancers and music lovers.
Tanya Traboulsi grew up as a friend of many of Lebanon’s musicians and artists, giving her unique access to photograph this exciting, emerging scene.
(Text: Hugh Mcleod)

Gallery Open Sunday 15th November - Friday 20th November