To date, the band has performed at several events including the Playlist Picnic (2022), Bahrain Rocks, Bahrain Jazz Festival (2018, 2019 and 2022), Muse Night at Calexico, Comic Con Bahrain (2019), and opened for the international sensation, Blue, at their concert in Bahrain in 2019. “We’ve been fortunate to have participated in some great events. I think I’d have to say that one of our most memorable shows was the Bahrain International Jazz Festival 2021 where we showcased some of our original songs and received amazing reactions from the audience with a jam-packed floor,” says Iba. Now that The Jackrabbit Slims have created a fan base in Bahrain, they plan on reaching out to an even wider audience.“We’re now getting in touch with various organisers in Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Kuwait and Egypt to export our music from Bahrain to the rest of the world,” he states. The band believes that the music scene in Bahrain is and has always been one of the most welcoming and inclusive communities. “We are privileged to be a part of. We all show up to support each other and it never feels like there is ever any competition between artists or bands. Whatever your style of music is, there’s room for you,” he says. In terms of further growth for Bahrain-based artists and support that could potentially propel them to the international stage, he says: “We all know that whenever an internationally known artist comes to Bahrain, the whole country is in an uproar. Tickets for artists like John Legend, Kings of Leon, Eric Clapton, and the upcoming Justin Bieber show sold like crazy. “If Bahrain-based bands or artists had the opportunity to open for big name artists when they’re in our neck of the woods, it could be huge for a lot of us. There is definitely enough incredible talent on this island to stand out in a big way,” he adds. While the band has created a significant impact and continues to grow its fan following, it’s still faced with challenges, namely finding the time and the cultural stigma surrounding music. “Since we all work its hard sometimes to find the time to practice and create music, but we make the time since we all love this band so much,” he says. As for the stigma, Iba acknowledge that the situation is in fact changing. “I think many still view music as a pastime and hobby and they just don’t understand how serious we are about it. So, the support can be lacking, at times, from our surrounding environment, but our fans have been a blessing!” he states. “They have shown us all the love and support in the world and we want to reciprocate that love by providing them with new and exciting music and to hopefully, one day, be able to represent Bahrain in the international scene,” he concludes. The Jackrabbit Slims are currently taking a short break while some of the band members visit their family abroad over the summer. That being said, the band is also spending these sweltering months working away on their equally hot EP which will be released before the end of the year. Be sure to check out their social media accounts (@jackrabbit.slims on Instagram) for all updates related to the release of their first EP and upcoming performances, which they expect to resume following summer. interview August 2022 29 www.bahrainthismonth.com
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