Khalil Bensouda makes the bass speak in every style

Born in Montpellier and raised in Rabat, Khalil Bensouda discovered his passion for music during his teenage years. At the tender age of 14 or 15, he fell in love with the sounds of Guns'N'Roses, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and Deep Purple. While attending Moulay Youssef High School in Rabat, he joined a band with his friends as a bassist. «It all started with a happy accident!» the musician recalled, describing this initial foray into music as a pivotal moment in his life.

Despite pursuing scientific studies and eventually earning a master's degree in marketing, Khalil could never stray far from the stage. Throughout his academic journey, he collaborated with local artists, honing his skills on the bass and developing his stage presence. «I've always wanted to make music, but with just two years in the industry, the future seemed uncertain. I had no successful role models to follow, as the bass is relatively new compared to more established instruments», he explained to Yabiladi.

Undeterred, Khalil expanded his repertoire and embraced various genres within the local music scene. This openness led to collaborations with artists seeking a versatile bassist, including Soukaina Fahsi, Small X, Tchubi, Hindi Zahra, and Majid Bekkas. «Adapting to multiple styles has broadened my horizons, making me versatile and fueling my curiosity», he shared.

Exploring Music Through Research

Khalil's versatility has allowed him to perform with artists like Othman Elkheloufi and Nabyla Maan, each bringing unique musical backgrounds, from classical training to self-taught paths. These experiences have equipped him to play by ear and read sheet music. "Working with Nabyla Maan was my introduction to sheet music, a new learning curve for me," he recounted.

Over time, Khalil has carved out a distinctive style, not tied to any specific genre but rather defined by his personal approach to the artistic projects he engages with. He also performs with several bands, including Meteor Airlines.

Beyond his performances, Khalil has embarked on a musical research journey, focusing on harmony and the interplay between various instruments to craft compositions that stand out for their unique aesthetic and artistic balance.

This ethos is epitomized in Urban Folklore, a project Khalil has spearheaded since 2019 with fellow musicians who share an experimental vision. After years of collaboration, the group now proudly claims their genre of ethnic jazz. Recently, they released their debut EP, "Skip Code."

Recorded at Studio Hiba, Morocco's largest studio, the EP was mixed by Klaus Scheuermann, a renowned sound engineer in modern jazz and world music. It features a delicate fusion of global sounds, spanning from Morocco to Latin America, through Central and West Africa, as well as Asia and Europe.

"Our music is created in this spirit, as we ourselves are products of a cultural diversity that knows no bounds. I grew up with access to radio, television, and the Internet. Even before traveling, I was exposed to various cultures and music. In expressing myself artistically, these influences naturally emerged without being confined to or replicating a specific style. Otherwise, it wouldn't result in an authentic musical creation," the bassist explained.

A Fusion of Boundless Influences

In this creative journey, Khalil Bensouda and his bandmates have delved into jazz standards and absorbed Arab, Indian, and African influences, all while welcoming new members into the fold. The addition of Mourad Belouadi has further cemented Urban Folklore's identity. "He brings a unique flair to various exotic instruments, expanding our musical landscape. Each instrument he plays is approached in his own distinctive way," Khalil noted.

In their creative process, the group recorded "eight to nine tracks," initially intended for a debut album. "We ultimately selected four for our self-produced EP, with many collaborators contributing to this first work. We wanted to present this before releasing more tracks," Khalil emphasized, expressing satisfaction with the positive reception from Moroccan audiences.

"So far, we've performed at nearly all the festivals where our music fits, consistently playing to engaged audiences. We never imagined this genre would resonate so deeply in Morocco," Khalil mused, appreciating the connection with fans.

"We understand that not everyone is ready for instrumental music, but it's an intriguing experience because it invites discovery," he added.

Outside the studio and concert venues, Khalil is dedicated to sharing his knowledge. With a diverse musical background that blends self-taught learning and professional development, he is adept at teaching the nuances of musical initiation. "I offer private bass lessons and primarily conduct musical improvisation workshops. I've spent a lot of time learning on my own, and if I can help others learn more easily, then why not?" he affirmed.