Artist To Watch: Amjad Mrad

Take us back to the beginning. What was your musical upbringing like in Lebanon, and how does it influence your music now?

Amjad: I didn't necessarily grow up in a musical household, but Lebanon has such a vibrant artistic and creative scene. Growing up, I was surrounded by music, films, and this really exciting creative energy that I think I appreciate even more now that I've moved away.

I definitely think my upbringing and culture shape the music I make and the stories I tell. I feel like I bring a unique perspective to songwriting because of my experiences growing up in Lebanon. Even when a song isn't literally about my life there, those influences naturally find their way into my work.

I also grew up listening to both Arabic music and English pop, and I think those influences sometimes come together in a really organic way. Even when I'm making contemporary pop music, there might be subtle melodic influences from what I grew up listening to. I love that my background gives me a unique perspective, both musically and in the stories I tell.

Tell me about the new song. What's the story and inspiration behind it?

Amjad: It's funny because the song is called "Liar," but I actually think it's one of the most honest songs I've written. And for the record, I'm a terrible liar. I genuinely cannot lie to people. You'd probably find out the truth within 30 seconds!

The song is really about the lies we tell ourselves. I think we all do it, sometimes without even realizing it, and recognizing those moments can completely change your perspective.

I've always had really positive responses when I've been vulnerable and honest in my music, and this song feels like another step in that direction. It's me being completely myself, and I'm really excited to share it.

What were the moments in your career that felt like real turning points?

Amjad: Releasing my debut single, "sick of u," was definitely a huge turning point. I did absolutely everything myself, from writing and producing to mixing, mastering, cover art, and the lyric video. Seeing it go viral, reach No. 6 on Anghami's charts, get played on Virgin Radio Lebanon, and attract attention from record labels and industry professionals was surreal. It completely changed my perspective on what I was capable of achieving.

At the time, there weren't as many artists in Lebanon making the kind of contemporary pop music I was making, so seeing the song achieve that level of success was especially meaningful to me.

Another turning point was moving to the US. I went from studying music in New York to winning a songwriting competition that earned me a scholarship at LAAMP in Los Angeles, where I eventually became Head of Content.

I've since had the opportunity to work with some incredible artists, songwriters, and producers, and lead creative projects at Warner Chappell Music. It's been really exciting to see how far things have come.

What made you decide to move to Los Angeles, and what has that transition been like creatively and personally?

Amjad: It actually wasn't really the plan! I initially moved to New York, which I'd dreamed of living in since I was a kid. But I came to LA for a visit and immediately fell in love with it.

The weather, the landscapes, the ocean, the people. So much of it reminded me of Lebanon, and it felt like home almost instantly. I also realized that so many of the opportunities I was pursuing in contemporary pop were connected to LA, so moving here made sense both creatively and professionally.

It's been incredible both creatively and personally. I've built an amazing community of friends and collaborators, picked up surfing and rock climbing, and spent so much time outdoors. I love New York, but LA gives me the balance and space I need to feel inspired.

Who are some of the artists or collaborators who have shaped you the most, and what did working with or learning from them teach you?

Amjad: This is such a hard question because there are so many!

Stargate definitely comes to mind. When I was around 12, one of the first songs I ever performed live was Rihanna's "Diamonds," which they wrote and produced with Sia. I also grew up listening to songs like Katy Perry's "Firework." So finding myself regularly working with the people behind those songs years later was surreal.

One thing I've learned from them is not to overcomplicate the creative process. They're incredibly accomplished, but they trust their instincts and keep things simple.

I've also had the opportunity to work with Martin Garrix on multiple occasions, and I've always admired how talented, kind, and grounded he is. I remember watching Benson Boone rehearse before a show and being completely blown away by his voice, but also by how relaxed and funny he was.

I think that's something I've noticed with so many accomplished creatives. You can be incredibly successful and still be humble, kind, and genuinely fun to be around.

What do you hope listeners feel or take away when they hear your music?

Amjad: Honestly, I hope people can take my experiences and make them their own. I hope my music resonates with them, inspires them, or helps them feel validated in something they're experiencing.

One of my favorite things about songwriting is storytelling and seeing how people interpret those stories through their own experiences. I love that a song can mean something completely different to the person listening than it did to the person writing it.

What's next for you, and where do you want to see your career go over the next few years?

Amjad: More music, more collaborations, and continued growth! I'm really excited about the music I've been making and the people I've been working with.

I'm constantly trying to grow as an artist, songwriter, producer, and person, and I'm excited to keep challenging myself creatively. I've built a career and community that I'm genuinely proud of, and I feel like I'm in such an exciting chapter of my life.

I know I'm on the right path, and I'm really looking forward to what's next.

Keep up with Amjad on Instagram | Spotify