Bless the rains

The 30-year-old Lebanese-Canadian singer, producer and songwriter has had a couple of successful visits to Beirut, and promises more.

Your real name is Carl Abou Samah. Why Karl Wolf?

I acquired Wolf in high school, after the character played by Michael J Fox in ‘Teen Wolf’. He turned into a werewolf and became the fastest player on the team. My teammates called me The Wolf because of the similarity in speed on the court.

Did you go through any other animals before choosing?

I went through Karl Shark and Karl Lion. None of them sounded as catchy. And remember, a wolf is the most loyal.

How did you feel about Akon’s prediction that you’d ‘be huge’?

It was the most amazing thing to hear that the bestselling R&B artist in the world thinks highly of me. Imagine! I was a big fan of Akon’s to begin with, so to finally meet him and hang out with him in Dubai was an amazing experience. Hope you showed him love, he’s a very nice guy and has mad respect for the Lebanese people.

You are often compared to Massari, especially in appearance. Do you think he looks better?

I don’t believe we are in competition with each other for anything. He is Lebanese/Canadian like myself and is working hard at his career too. I wish him the best.

How has Lebanon influenced your music?

My music is generally R&B with an Arabic fusion touch, most of my songs have a Lebanese influence to them, whether it’s the drums, the voice or the music itself. Lebanon to me is paradise; it makes me fall in love every time. It’s the most beautiful and nostalgic place I have ever stayed in.

Your song ‘Butterflies’ is still very popular in Lebanon, especially as a ring tone. How were you inspired to create it?

My mother refused to lend me her Arabic music collection, so I snuck into her room when she was sleeping and ‘borrowed’ it. I listened to greats like George Wassouf, Fadel Shaker and Amr Diab and learned how Arabic songs are produced and created. I started experimenting with the Arabic beat and invited one of my derbuka players into the studio, and 3 days later I had ‘Butterflies’. Thanks mom.

Does your music have a message?

I get tons of emails from people telling me how much my music has helped them through a break up, mistakes they were about to make in their lives or even just got them up on their feet dancing. My goal is to help people forget about the negative issues. If people viewed life a little more positively we would have a safer world today. I always try and see the glass half full rather than half empty.

Isn’t your song Lebanon the same tune as Africa by Toto?

I covered Africa first. When I was growing up it was probably the most amazing song I had ever heard. The harmonies were immaculate, catchy and touching. It completely inspired me and provoked me to begin understanding and creating music. The Lebanon version was a spin off. I’m Lebanese, How could I only write about Africa and not about my home country that I love with all my heart. Especially in dire times like today where we need the lift and good press. Just like my other track Summer Days in Beirut, it served as a healing song for all Lebanese people around the world.