Musician Bedouine reflects on the lingering sadness following a harrowing escape from slaughter.

edtime,” she explains. This dreamy 70s soft pop track aims to capture the essence of feeling safe, a feeling that Korkejian believes many children in areas affected by conflict like Palestine and Lebanon are robbed of.

Having roots in Armenia, Syria, and Saudi Arabia, Korkejian’s personal experiences heavily influence her music. Her family’s journey from Syria to Saudi Arabia, and eventually to the US, due to the Gulf war, plays a significant role in shaping her identity and perspective. Her upbringing in a US compound in Saudi Arabia gave her a sense of security, which was shattered when they had to move to the US after the Gulf war. The subsequent Syrian civil war also impacted them heavily, making the US feel like home only as they settled in Los Angeles.

Despite a background in sound editing and a passion for music, Korkejian initially saw songwriting as a form of personal expression. However, as she started releasing albums, her introspective and personal style began to resonate with audiences. Her latest album, Neon Summer Skin, delves deep into themes of displacement, loss, and the search for identity. Inspired by her parents’ move from Saudi Arabia to Armenia, the album is a poignant exploration of the pain and sadness that comes from being separated from one’s roots and loved ones.

The track “On My Own” encapsulates the emotional core of the album, reflecting on the devastation and loss experienced by families torn apart by war and conflict. Korkejian’s poignant lyrics convey a sense of longing and sadness, painting a vivid picture of the emotional toll of displacement. Despite the sorrow that permeates the album, there is also a thread of love and resilience running through the songs. Korkejian’s decision to exhibit her parents’ old photos from Syria and Lebanon is a testament to her desire to humanize and honor their experiences, countering stereotypes and misconceptions about people from the Middle East.

Neon Summer Skin represents a departure from Korkejian’s earlier work, incorporating more emotional depth and melodic richness. Collaborations with artists like the Lemon Twigs and Jonathan Rado have added a new dimension to her sound, infusing the album with a sense of nostalgia and longing. At its heart, the album is a deeply personal reflection on family, heritage, and the enduring power of love in the face of adversity. Through her music, Bedouine invites listeners to share in her journey of self-discovery and healing, weaving a tapestry of emotions and memories that resonate on a universal level.