Audio collagist Maryos Syawish announces debut solo album Qurmami

Maryos Syawish, a Melbourne-based composer and multimedia artist of Chaldean Iraqi descent, is set to release his first solo album titled Qurmami on 13 November through Research Records. This debut marks a significant milestone for Syawish, expanding his artistic output beyond his previous collaborative and label endeavors.

Qurmami, meaning "my roots," serves as a sonic exploration of Syawish's bicultural identity, intertwining his Australian upbringing with the rich traditions of his Chaldean Assyrian heritage. The album's creation spanned approximately eight years, during which Syawish gathered a substantial archive of field recordings during a visit to Iraq. These organic soundscapes form the foundation of the record, anchored by ambient electronic textures.

The album’s 42-minute runtime navigates a diverse range of influences, incorporating elements of dub, ambient, and traditional music native to Northern Iraq. This hybrid approach facilitates a nuanced dialogue between place, memory, and contemporary sound design, positioning Qurmami as an immersive audio collage.

Contributions from fellow artists enrich the album's sonic palette. Khaled Kurbeh, a collaborator and labelmate at Research Records, lends his artistry to the project. Additionally, Melbourne-based cellist Abby Sundborn features on the album, adding layers of acoustic depth to the electronic foundation.

Syawish’s involvement in the music scene extends beyond performance; he also co-manages the Butter Sessions label and performs as part of the group Sleep D. His multidisciplinary practice spans visual art and curatorial projects, which inform the conceptual underpinnings of Qurmami.

The visual presentation of the album is a family collaboration, with Syawish’s cousin Sarah Ujmaia responsible for the cover art. This detail underscores a personal dimension to the project, reinforcing the album’s thematic focus on heritage and identity.

Among the tracks previewed is the lead single "Original People," which exemplifies the album's blending of field recordings with electronic ambiance. Other compositions such as "Ancient Memories," featuring Kurbeh, and "Eternal Battle," with Sundborn, highlight the collaborative and stylistic breadth of the release.

Qurmami’s forthcoming release on Research Records represents an important addition to the contemporary ambient and experimental music landscape, particularly for audiences interested in cross-cultural narratives and the intersection of traditional and electronic music forms.

While further details about touring or additional promotional activities remain limited, the album itself stands as a testament to Syawish’s patient and thoughtful approach to music-making, reflecting a deeply personal journey through sound and memory.