Michael Isaak on Arabesque Folk, Diaspora Identity, and The Carpet Maker

Host Becky Boyland interviews Los Angeles–born Egyptian American musician Michael Isaak about his journey from church hymns, Arabic classics, and early FL Studio production to creating a new sound he calls “arabesque folk.” After making indie folk influenced by Phoebe Bridgers and Sufjan Stevens, a first trip to Egypt at 19 sparked deeper cultural immersion; he brought home an oud, later transferred to Columbia University, studied Arabic language and Arab music history and theory, and joined the Arab Music Ensemble. Michael shares how experimenting and jamming helped Arabic motifs emerge naturally instead of feeling forced, his critique of the “world music” framing, and his goal of building in-person community through intimate shows. They discuss his debut album The Carpet Maker (May 15) and lead single “Hold Your Keys” (March 6), reflecting on diaspora, displacement, and the hope of return.

Connect with Michael Isaak:

Sponsors:

Featured Song:

  • ”Hold Your Keys” by Michael Isaak, written by Michael Isaak & Sohail Bagheri (used with permission). All rights reserved.

Timestamps:

  • 0:00 Teaser: Michael Isaak Interview
  • 00:38 Introduction
  • 02:12 Meet Michael Isaak
  • 03:26 Learning to Perform and Produce
  • 06:05 Taking the Leap From College
  • 07:38 Finding an Arab Folk Identity
  • 13:29 Oud Origins and Obsession
  • 16:40 Blending Arabic and Western Sounds
  • 26:39 Beyond World Music Labels
  • 30:51 SPONSOR: Attitude Creativity
  • 31:24 SPONSOR: She Produces Music
  • 31:59 The Carpet Maker Album Story
  • 38:17 Marketing vs Meaning
  • 40:46 Building Community Through Shows
  • 43:57 Advice and Influences to Explore
  • 47:17 Where to Find the Music
  • 48:08 Release Dates and Farewell
  • 48:51 Coda
  • 51:16 Featured Song: “Hold Your Keys” by Michael Isaak, written by Michael Isaak & Sohail Bagheri

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