Saudi band brings together aspiring artists, fans with online music store

Saudi band brings together aspiring artists, fans with online music store
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Named after the band that founded it, Earth Tones is an online shop that sells instruments, CDs, albums and anything related to music. (Supplied)
Saudi band brings together aspiring artists, fans with online music store
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Named after the band that founded it, Earth Tones is an online shop that sells instruments, CDs, albums and anything related to music. (Supplied)
Saudi band brings together aspiring artists, fans with online music store
3 / 4
Named after the band that founded it, Earth Tones is an online shop that sells instruments, CDs, albums and anything related to music. (Supplied)
Saudi band brings together aspiring artists, fans with online music store
4 / 4
Named after the band that founded it, Earth Tones is an online shop that sells instruments, CDs, albums and anything related to music. (Supplied)
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Updated 01 February 2024
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Saudi band brings together aspiring artists, fans with online music store

Saudi band brings together aspiring artists, fans with online music store

JEDDAH: On the surface, Earth Tones is an online shop that sells instruments, CDs, albums and anything related to music. It is owned by Rayan Jubehi, Abdullah Al-Humaid and Ahmed Edrees. But the Jeddah-based store is more than a music retailer — it is a haven for artists and enthusiasts alike.

“We all have a deep passion for music, which is what initially brought us together. We discussed how we could support the expansion of the music scene in the city and how offering albums and instruments for fair pricing may help with that,” Edrees told Arab News.

When Earth Tones was first launched, its founders were merely a band that wanted to be involved in the community. They enjoyed performing cover songs at local events that brought people together.

“We play mostly rock and pop music because it’s the easiest for everyone to jam along with. But every now and then we throw in some jazz and blues to those who know how to play along,” Al-Humaid said.

After a while, they decided to open the store, demonstrating their abilities and encouraging people by using their musical talents as a tool of marketing. Jubehi and Al-Humaid split the guitar and bass duties, with Edrees handling the drums.

“After inspiration struck, Rayan took the initiative to construct Earth Tones store, which was then displayed in Jeddah in June last year with all of us at each other’s sides,” Al-Humaid added.

Earth Tones is a store where customers can find fair and reasonably priced classical LPs, CDs and cassettes from their favorite musicians to listen to at home or add to their collections. It sells a wide range of genres, including R&B, soul, vintage Arabic music, rock in all its forms, modern and classic hip-hop, and much more.

“Though we are a business with a primary goal of selling musical products, we care the most about the music community. With a direct partnership with Monochrome Community, we’re able to hold events where people are able to try out instruments and listen to music with us in person,” Jubehi told Arab News.

Monochrome Community creates events in Jeddah that bring together local companies and vintage store owners.

On the kinds of clientele Earth Tones attracts, Al-Humaid said: “People of all backgrounds come to us, but the one thing they have in common is their shared love of music. The ages of our customers ranges from 16-30 because those are mostly the people who attend the events to see us.”

The music store is especially great for beginners, Edrees added.

“For people who are looking to start practicing an instrument and are looking for the best prices in the market, Earth Tones is the best place to start. Since all of our instruments are second hand, we’re able to sell them at an affordable price suitable for beginners.”

In addition, Earth Tones is an ideal location for musicians to network and try out new musical genres. With a drum kit, guitars, and bass available, people can perform live and enjoy jam sessions, which is the main purpose of Earth Tones.

“We are a business first and foremost but we love being a band as well because it really helped grow our community to what it is today,” Jubehi added.


Health campaign promotes quality care in Saudi Arabia

Health campaign promotes quality care in Saudi Arabia
Updated 33 sec ago
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Health campaign promotes quality care in Saudi Arabia

Health campaign promotes quality care in Saudi Arabia

RIYADH: The Ministry of Health has launched a campaign to promote health by enhancing access to and the quality and efficiency of health services and raising awareness of health risks, the Saudi Press Agency reported Monday.

The campaign “A Vibrant, Healthy Nation” introduces a modern healthcare model, offering integrated, individual-centered services aligned with Vision 2030’s goal of fostering a healthy society.

The ministry is committed to “enhancing public health, improving quality of life, and raising the Kingdom’s global healthcare standing.”

The campaign highlights the health transformation initiative’s positive impacts and informs citizens about its main features, aiming to engage all segments of society, SPA reported.

It emphasizes a shift from treating illness to prevention, involving primary care doctors and early detection programs.


Saudi environment ministry launches program to develop green tech

Saudi environment ministry launches program to develop green tech
Updated 7 min 40 sec ago
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Saudi environment ministry launches program to develop green tech

Saudi environment ministry launches program to develop green tech
  • Scheme seeks new ways to repurpose wastewater, looks at impact of microplastics

RIYADH: The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has opened applications for a new program to find ways to develop sustainable technologies in Saudi Arabia.

The Sustainable Innovation Fellowship Program aims to find ways to repurpose by-products from water treatment for the benefit of the environment; develop sustainable technologies for recycling membranes used in water treatment; and explore methods to reuse treated wastewater in desert and arid regions.

Supported by the Environment Fund and the Research, Development and Innovation Authority, the fellowship program will also assess the environmental impact of microplastics in water treatment plants, sewage, and wastewater.

In line with Saudi Vision 2030, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture is also introducing new e-services in accordance with international standards.


Industry meets creativity at Athar festival in Riyadh

Industry meets creativity at Athar festival in Riyadh
Updated 19 min 29 sec ago
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Industry meets creativity at Athar festival in Riyadh

Industry meets creativity at Athar festival in Riyadh
  • With workshops, discussions, and awards, the festival aims to drive growth in Saudi Arabia’s creative sectors

The second Athar Saudi Festival of Creativity will take place in Riyadh from Nov. 5 to 6.

Hosted by UAE-based Motivate Media Group and communications consultancy TRACCS, the festival will gather over 1,500 professionals and leaders from the creative marketing industry, featuring 100 regional and international speakers.

Ian Fairservice, managing partner and group editor in chief of Motivate Media Group, will chair the event, alongside Vice Chairman Mohammed Al-Ayed, CEO of TRACCS.

Pre-festival activities began on Nov. 3 with the Young Talent Academies, including the Student Creative Academy (in partnership with the Middle East Communications Network), the Student Marketers Academy, the NextGen Creative Academy, and the NextGen Marketers Academy.

These academies, featuring keynote sessions from industry experts, workshops, and a 24-hour hackathon, are open to full-time university students aged 18 to 25 and professionals under 30 in creative communications, marketing, or advertising.

The festival will continue on Tuesday and Wednesday with panel discussions, presentations, and fireside chats focused on redefining and growing the creative landscape in Saudi Arabia, the Middle East, and beyond, covering various sectors such as sports, entertainment, and tourism.

The event will conclude with the Athar Awards ceremony on the evening of Nov. 6.

Notable speakers include Sir Martin Sorrell, founder and executive chairman of S4 Capital PLC; Matt McKie, director of marketing for Manchester United; Waseem Kashan, executive director of marketing at ROSHN Group; Yahya Hamidaddin, vice president of corporate communications at ACWA Power; and Houda Tohme, CEO of Havas Media Middle East.

Sessions and keynotes will explore themes such as purpose-driven marketing, brand growth strategies, artificial intelligence, technology, cross-sector innovation, and unlocking creative potential.


Saudi Arabia and Iraq sign MoU on military cooperation

Saudi Arabia and Iraq sign MoU on military cooperation
Updated 31 min 25 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia and Iraq sign MoU on military cooperation

Saudi Arabia and Iraq sign MoU on military cooperation
  • Two defense ministers reviewed longstanding relations between their countries, focusing on ways to enhance defense ties

RIYADH: Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman and his Iraqi counterpart Thabet Al-Abbasi signed a memorandum of understanding on Monday aimed at strengthening cooperation in the military field.

The agreement, signed during a high-level meeting in Riyadh, represents a significant step forward in defense collaboration between the Kingdom and Iraq, Saudi Press Agency reported.

During their discussions, the two ministers reviewed the longstanding relations between their countries, focusing on ways to enhance defense ties.

They emphasized the importance of continued cooperation to foster regional security and stability, particularly amid ongoing regional tensions.

Both ministers discussed recent developments and shared efforts aimed at de-escalating conflicts, prioritizing actions that support peace and security in the region.

The MoU establishes a framework for increased collaboration on military matters, allowing Saudi Arabia and Iraq to address shared security challenges more effectively and pursue mutual goals in defense, SPA added. 


Saudi Islamic affairs minister receives Chinese envoy

Saudi Islamic affairs minister receives Chinese envoy
Updated 41 min 39 sec ago
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Saudi Islamic affairs minister receives Chinese envoy

Saudi Islamic affairs minister receives Chinese envoy

Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance Dr. Abdullatif Al-Asheikh received Chinese Ambassador to the Kingdom Chang Hua in Riyadh on Monday.

During the meeting, they exchanged cordial talks and discussed issues of common interest, particularly those related to Islamic work and promoting moderation and peaceful coexistence, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar received Ambassador of Iran to the Kingdom Alireza Enayati in Riyadh on Monday. They discussed bilateral relations and other topics of common interest.