In cities like Riyadh and Jeddah, a new generation of bands is emerging, it blends western alternative influences with local dialects, traditional instruments, and culturally rooted themes.
This fusion is producing a diverse range of sounds that move beyond conventional popular Saudi music, reflecting the country’s evolving creative scene.
While still in their beginning phases, these bands, such as Seera and Skeleton Crowd, are gaining traction both regionally and abroad, attracting listeners interested in music that bridges global styles with local identity.
Here are some standout bands redefining what it means to be a musician in Saudi Arabia.
Ana.n7n
Founded in 2019, Ana.n7n hails from Jeddah and skillfully blends rock with Arabic music. The band consists of Malik Zubaila (vocals and synth), Saleh Binsaif (percussion and keys), Shaher Karkashan and Saif Mufti (bass), Maan Balila (drums and visuals), and Hasnain Shaikh (live sessional drummer).
Their lyrics, featuring the Hejazi dialect (a dialect of Arabic spoken in the Hejaz region of western Saudi Arabia), explore societal themes and are characterized by heavy bass, intricate synth layers, and traditional Arabic percussion.
They have 161 monthly listeners on Spotify, and their most popular song is What Did you do.
Seera
Seera is an all-women psychedelic rock band from Riyadh. Their music fuses traditional Arabic melodies with influences from bands like Tame Impala, remarkable psychedelic rock artist from Australia.
Formed in 2023, Seera made their debut on 4 May at The Warehouse in Riyadh, drawing a record-setting crowd of over 250 people—the largest audience the venue had ever hosted.
Members include Haya (guitar), the masked “Thing” (drums), Meesh (bass), and Nora (lead vocals and keyboard).
Seera has 6,979 monthly listeners on Spotify with Nafas being their most popular song.
Founded in 2014, Skeleton Crowd is pushing the boundaries of Saudi music with their new wave and alternative heavy rock sound.
Photo Source: The National News
Skeleton Crowd
Founded in 2014, Skeleton Crowd is pushing the boundaries of Saudi music with their new wave and alternative heavy rock sound.
Incorporating industrial elements like clanging, grinding, or machine-like noises, heavy use of synthesizers, aggressive beats as well as dark, raw, and experimental tones, the band features Abdulmalik Zubailah on vocals and synths alongside Faris Alsobyani on guitar.
Their fresh sound and compelling compositions have captured the attention of a growing audience eager for innovative music in the region.
They have 786 monthly listeners on Spotify, and their number one song is Heartbeat.
Sound of Ruby
Sound of Ruby, one of the older bands on this list, has been an important part of the Saudi punk and alternative scene since the 1990s.
Originating from Dammam, Sound of Ruby is known for their energetic performances and catchy tunes as they have influenced countless newer bands.
The band is composed of Essam Alghamdi (drums), K. Kalil (bass), Muhammad Al Hajjaj (guitar, vocals), and Nader Fassam (guitar). They have 249 monthly listeners on Spotify and their number one song is Lying to My Psychiatrist.
Disturb The Balance
This band is frequently cited as one of the most promising indie/alternative/rock bands in Saudi Arabia, according to Destination KSA.
Founded in 2008 and composed of Moe Zein, Marwan Ghaziri, Bandar Awad, Saif Mufti and Bader Awad – Disturb The Balance (DTB) is one of the most promising bands in the country today; their genre is Alternative, Rock & Metal.
They rare well-known to regularly do covers of other popular rock songs as well like the famous Zombie by The Cranberries and The Kill by 30 Seconds to Mars.
They have 5.7K subscribers on Youtube
These Saudi bands blend local cultural influences into their music, creating sounds that resonate with diverse audiences while signaling a pivotal moment in the evolution of Saudi music.
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