'Romantic songs is my niche' says Wael Jassar

Lebanese singer Wael Jassar is facing a race against time to complete his new album for release by mid-2013. In an exclusive interview with Arabstoday, the 36-year old explained that the album would feature a diverse collection of tracks, including songs with Lebanese, Egyptian and Gulf dialects, and music produced a few years ago but never publicly released. Jassar has worked with Arab poets Ayman Bahgat Amar and Nabil Khalaf, along with composers Walid Saad, Bilal Zein, and Nasser al-Assad on the album. Although the singer has been forced to postpone the official release date, he says that events in the Arab world have inspired him to produce a better product for his fans. "I'm just doing my best to bring something good and trying to finish my album so it is ready in time," he said. Jassar, renowned for his romantic tunes, admits he has found a niche for himself. "I enjoy singing romantic songs, even though I am an all-rounder and can produce all types of music. I feel that sad songs allow me to interact with the listener in a better way, which is why I prefer emotional songs," he explained. Jassar said that his track record of success in the industry with poet Khalaf, the composer Saad and distributor Adel Ayesh meant working with the trio again was an easy decision to make. "The three of us had worked on some great songs before, and we made an impact with the listeners in my last two albums, In The Presence Of The Beloved and Why Do You Pay Farewell. As a result, it was an easy choice to work with them again." The singer, who has previously collaborated with Nicholas Nakhle and the songwriter Mohammed Mady, praised his record company Arabica Music for developing his career. "Arabica [Music] has helped me to grow as a singer and provided me with everything. We succeeded together, but to clarify,  no company would sign an artist unless it is fully convinced that the move would be useful for it as much as it will be for him, and I think we have done well together," Jassar explained.