M A R I F A

Sometime in the middle of 2024, around June, my friends mentioned that we will all meet in Turkey. Its been years since we have had a chance to meet, and especially with the two years of Covid , this felt like even longer.

Unfortunately due to some personal constraints, I was unable to make it to this trip. This was disheartening. I did not have much of a choice, I had to keep going on. I wish I had a chance to meet them, but I had to wait a while longer.

An allure of the desert

Desert landscapes are renowned for their mystique and allure, captivating travelers and explorers with their stark beauty and profound mysteries. From the towering sand dunes of Erg Chebbi in Morocco to the surreal chalk formations of Egypt’s White Desert, these environments evoke feelings of awe and contemplation. The vast emptiness of the desert serves as a canvas for the human soul, inviting introspection and spiritual exploration.

Among the most iconic desert attractions are the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, standing as testaments to ancient Egypt’s architectural genius and cultural prowess. These structures, built over 4,500 years ago, hold a deep historical significance and continue to intrigue visitors with their mysteries.

The Sphinx, with its enigmatic gaze, symbolizes strength and wisdom, while its construction date and purpose remain subjects of debate. The alignment of these monuments with celestial events further enhances their mystique, suggesting a cosmic connection that was integral to ancient Egyptian beliefs.

The allure of these desert landscapes and ancient monuments lies not only in their historical and architectural significance but also in their ability to evoke a sense of connection to something greater than oneself. Whether it is the spiritual power of the desert or the engineering marvels of the pyramids, these sites invite travellers to embark on a journey of discovery, both of the external world and the inner self. As such, they remain timeless destinations for those seeking adventure, wisdom, and a deeper understanding of human history and the natural world.

The nebulous idea

Most of my life was routine at this point; since the release of NowPoint a few months had passed. I was just keeping busy with my usual activities, and a little bit of guitar playing and practice from time to time. I was still in my phase of listening to middle eastern fusion, trailing from the time since December, but I was also trying to improve my solo playing. Working a little on legato playing.

I also wanted to exploring digital drums again, 808's or the like, instead of analog drum tracks. Also I thought about trying to add some instrumentation with a brass section.

I think the idea of a track germinates much before the actual first musical pieces. As the idea of exploring a country with a different culture was already in motion, my instinct was drawn to exploring the sounds of the desert. And the theme therefor evolved from there.

I never planned on how Marifa would happen, it was a chance setup that worked, with the current musical interests I was exploring at that time. I would have loved to go to Turkey and explore the country, but instead I worked on a track in which I could explore these themes instead.

The process

The setup I used to work through most of the track was the Ableton Push controller. I wanted to spend some time away from the screen and the controller is a perfect opportunity to do this. I built the majority of the track with just the controller and not even touching the laptop. Only when most of the idea was fleshed out, did I move to working with the DAW to add the final touches.

As I have never learnt how to play a piano, control surfaces and midi controllers are always a bit difficult for me to 'play' considering the wide variety of electronic instruments that are now available at a creative persons disposal. I do think, this is a disadvantage but I try to not let it bother me too much as I use this to add elements to the track but not as the main instrument, which I play, my guitar.

To achieve this musically, I tried to explore the Phrygian sound, which makes the middle eastern or arabic influences clearly audible in this track. However, the instrumentation is modern. I have used electronic drums and claps to replace the snare sounds. I think it fit quite well. I have tried to sprinkle the brass sections generously all over the tracks, with some vocalisation as well. Since there is brass, there is a bit of funkiness in the track as well.

This is a track having exploration of new cultures and geographies, not just as its foundational idea, but it tried to capture the joy and excitement that accompanies learning something new.

In this case, the theme and idea is the exploration of ancient desert mysticism, the takes and stories of the pharos, the tombs, the cats the queens, the grandiosity of pyramids and the haunting and stark beauty of the dunes and the desert.

The light of knowledge

In Arabic literature, the concept of Marifa (or Ma’rifa) holds profound metaphorical significance. It refers to a deep, experiential understanding or gnosis, particularly in the context of Sufism, where it represents the ultimate goal of spiritual pursuit: the mystical knowledge of God or the divine Reality. This concept transcends ordinary knowledge, embodying a comprehensive grasp of reality that connects the individual with the divine. In literature, Marifa symbolizes enlightenment and spiritual awareness, often depicted as a journey of self-discovery and unity with the divine.

It is a powerful metaphor for the quest for truth and understanding, reflecting the profound importance of knowledge and wisdom in Arabic cultural and spiritual traditions. Through its association with Sufi mysticism, Marifa represents a state of profound awareness and insight, guiding characters and readers alike toward a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.