Skydaddy is the moniker of UK-Lebanese, London-based band leader Rachid Fakhre. The talented newcomer makes chamber/art-rock/classical arrangements for an 8-piece band of guitars, flute, brass, piano and more. He’s just dropped his first EP, ‘Pilot’, today! And I bet you know it’s Bandcamp Friday — a perfect day to snag a copy.

The EP is a treasure trove of 5 tracks just brimming with delightful surprises, enchanting discoveries, and sheer beauty. From an intimate guitar piece that tells a story through each string pluck, each chord strummed to a brilliant duet with Tyler Hyde from Black Country, New Road and Fakhre. ‘Pilot’ is a transcending musical experience that will instantly get you under its spell.

Speaking on his new EP, Skydaddy offers:

“Like most people’s debut foray into solo music, this mini-album marks a relinquishing of fear and self-doubt. That said, much of the lyrical matter deals with these themes. The first song tells of creative obsession and disillusionment. The second is a political number, the third deals with lacking a sense of belonging; the fourth is a twisted love song and the final song sees all these themes coalesce into one cathartic ego death. To call it a solo album feels wrong as there were so many who helped this project come to life – mainly the players involved who have shown unfading support as well as friends, management and many others who have thrown favours at me. I hope to repay them soon.”

To coincide with the release of the EP, Skydaddy has shared with us a guest playlist featuring a collection of his musical inspirations. His song selections represent the eclectic mix of music he makes, encompassing everything from rock and soul to folk and beyond. Skydaddy is ready to guide us through a superb selection of tunes from legendary musicians like Bob Dylan, The Beach Boys, and Marvin Gaye. So sit back, get comfy, and let the beautiful music fill your space as we dive into these fantastic tracks.

‘Sign on the Window’ – Bob Dylan

I was listening to this song a lot when arranging ‘His Masterpiece’. I love the way in which the drums only show up sparingly and tried to employ that into the song. In the end it didn’t work being quite as sparse but the song served as a production reference and a gold mine for interesting chord inversions.

‘Old Man’ – Randy Newman

Another inspiration for ‘His Masterpiece’. Not this song specifically but Randy’s wry cynicism and earnestness has long influenced me and so the general ‘vibe’ of the track was certainly informed by this album.

‘Surf’s Up’ – The Beach Boys

I’ll leave that one to you to figure out.

‘Cancion Mixteca (intro)’ – Ry Cooder & The Chieftains

This piece of score music from the film ‘Paris, Texas’ never fails to shake me. It is played at two of the most gut-wrenchingly beautiful moments of that classic film – where Harry Dean Stanton’s character watches super 8 footage of himself pre-ego death and also in the notorious ‘i knew these people’ sequence. Unsurprisingly, I was listening to this a lot when ‘Lebanon Rising’ was written.

‘Passing out pieces’ – Mac Demarco

A few years ago I may have cringed at such a comparison. But the truth is, the chords for ‘Everything’ are basically the chords of this song re-arranged.

‘Let’s Get it On’ – Marvin Gaye

Lyrically, the song is about surrendering to carnal desire:
“We’re all sensitive people, with so much to give,
Since we’ve got to be here, let’s live”
I guess i thought it would be funny to do a twisted version of this sentiment, in which the couple are giving in to love in order to avoid something else.

‘The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down’ – The Band

The drums on this track are probably the main inspiration for the song The way they do that swelling roll into the chorus and the freewheeling style of playing that doesn’t deviate from the beat. Not to mention the infectious chorus melody.

‘Death of a Ladies Man’ – Leonard Cohen

One of those tracks that restores your faith in 4 chord songs. Therefore another inspiration for ‘That Morning’. Moreover, the wailing backing vocals really do it for me and also found their way into the song.