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Return of the Wolf

KARL WOLF can’t wait to take to the stage at his home town of Dubai and show off his brand new beats inspired by the region when he opens for Lauryn Hill at the third LIFE music festival on July 5.

The Lebanese born musician grew up in Dubai and has been pursuing his musical career in Montreal, Canada.

He’s achieved success with his debut album 'Face Behind The Face' and singles 'Butterflies' and 'Desensitize' and now he will perform at the festival with a host of musicians including Danny Neville and headline act Lauryn Hill.

“I’m very excited,” he said. “It’s probably the best place in the world; I love to visit. Dubai is my home town, I’m looking forward to performing for all my family, friends and fans.”

While Wolf was born in Lebanon and spent many summers there providing him a close attachment, he grew up in Dubai and ultimately calls it home.

“I visited Lebanon a couple of months ago and when I landed there I felt I was home,” he said. “It’s such a unique place. When I was younger I wanted to get away from it all. Now I’m older I want to embrace where I’m from.”

Both Lebanon, which inspired the single 'Summer Days', and Dubai have provided many ideas for his music. “I want to show another side to it.”

Wolf said he had used traditional beats and some 'Arabic' characteristics of Lebanese music in a couple of tracks while Dubai lent other details to his music. “Dubai has definitely influenced my music. I might be playing two of the songs. They’re very Dubai — hip-hop urban but still with a touch of desert Arabic and those melancholy instruments.”

He told fans to prepare for a lot of energy on stage for his performance and hinted at the material on his new album. “It’s an evolution,” he said. “The first album was more of a softer sound. This is maler, tougher, harder, more focused, confident. It’s the experience of everything I’ve been through over the last year and a half.”

On performing with Lauryn Hill, he said he was looking forward to opening for someone of her status. “I haven’t met her before but I was a big Fugees fan and she made a bit of noise with the 'Miseducation' album,” he said.

From launching his debut album to performing with Lauryn Hill on July 5, Wolf has been busy and he doesn’t plan to stop.

He hopes to sign the album to record companies worldwide and tour.