Sherif AbdelMeged is an Egyptian Guitarist, Singer and Songwriter based in Istanbul,Turkey. He is known for his Blues Guitar, singing and electrifying riffs. He has collaborated with many musicians & bands and has supported on big scenes. He is the ambassador for University of Rock, and endorsed by Moniker Guitars. In spite of a short eight-year career, he is widely considered one of the most influential electric Blues guitarists in the Middle East. He is also one of the most important figures in the revival of Blues in Egypt since 2008, where he conceived the very first Blues Band, inspired by famous Blues guitarists such Stevie ray, BB king, Eric Clapton, Buddy Guy and many others. His independent release “Released Care” is a First Album 2015 goes Worldwide for a great respect of Blues Alternative Music. 1 In Music met with the artist.
1inMusic: Hi Sherif, thank you for joining us. Let’s talk about your music and What is unique about it?
Sherif AbdelMeged (SA): I might say that i came from a very different culture, but I chose to play what I feel deep down my heart, that’s why I like to consider myself an old Blues guy because that’s the music I enjoy listening to, and makes me express my feelings.
1inMusic: So why Blues, what shaped your music to what it is now?
SA: I listen to all kind of music, from instrumental classic to modern electronic music. But I have to say that Blues music is where i land on at the end.I grew up listening to many artists of Blues, Rock and Jazz. My ears became addicted to that type of music and I felt the taste of the different tones. Within years, I had decided to involve myself more in the music field and start playing music. At the beginning, I got support from family and friends and now I’m surrounded by many fans and lovers of my music who I care about the most as they accompany me on my music journey.
1inmusic: When did you realise you were going to make music professionally?
SA: … after many years of being a mature player, playing in the room. I took my music to the next level and I started joining bands and playing out for events and venues. I had the chance to play with different groups, doing a good number of shows around the middle east. I guess it was the revival of the Blues. Then i started to make my own music and producing Albums.
1inmusic: Who, to you, is the most undervalued music artist?
SA: That’s a very good question, but to me, I can’t say that music or musicians are something we can put a value to. It’s all about how you can drive that passion of music.
1inmusic: How do you prepare for your performances?
SA: .Well, I play everyday to prepare myself and I focus more on playing my songs consistently well. To improve, I practice in a variety of environments and situations. I play standing, walking, in the dark, while talking, without looking at my guitar, etc. The key point is to practice playing consistently well in all those different scenarios so it will help my performances on the stage.
1inmusic: What get you writing songs?
SA: Yeah, it’s kind of firing memories to my head. At that time, everything comes from the heart and it’s an easy way to make pure music.
1inmusic: What do you do when you don’t do music and that you are passionate about?
SA: Well, it’s so hard to find time when you do music at a professional level, because I spend a lot of time between recording studios, shows, creating communication presence, and so on. But when I have a chance, I like doing some sports and hanging out with friends.
1inmusic: Success to you is…
SA: That is a hard thing to describe, but success is to deliver your feeling to the audience and make them really feel what you are trying to say with your music.
1inmusic: What do you wish you have been told when you started out and that you think would help anyone who starts out?
SA: Practice, practice, and practice. This is the key to improving yourself and your skills. Whatever the kind of music you do or love, keep going and never to look back. It’s never to late to achieve your dreams. Believe in yourself and you will make it.
1inmusic: Any upcoming projects?
SA: Yes, I’m working on my second Blues album. It will be ready by the end of April 2016. I hope that everyone likes it, and keep waiting for more and more. In the meantime, my first album is out on all digital stores, such as Itunes, Spotify, Amazon and Deezer. You can also check my website at