Moe Hani, the name behind the rising musical phenomenon “Dirty Backseat,” has been captivating audiences with his raw, unfiltered sound and profound lyrics. From his early years watching live concerts by the Red Hot Chili Peppers and The Strokes to carving his niche as an indie artist, Moe’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and staying true to one’s artistic vision. As he continues to grow in the music industry, Moe’s journey offers a glimpse into the life of a dedicated musician determined to leave a lasting mark on the world.
Moe Hani : Discovering Music at 16
Moe’s love for music ignited at the age of 16, when he stumbled upon live concert videos of his favorite bands. Watching these performances stirred something deep within him—a realization that music was more than just a hobby; it was his calling. “I knew from that moment that I wanted to play music for the rest of my life,” Moe recalls. But it wasn’t just about watching the shows. It was the feeling of being connected to something greater that drove him to pursue music seriously. Moe includes that, “I come from a family where my mom is a singer and pianist which made things easier along my journey to be supported from my family as well”.
Initially, Moe’s path to becoming a musician was met with resistance. Despite his growing passion, his family didn’t share the same enthusiasm. “I wanted to buy a bass guitar, but my family wasn’t on board with it,” he says. “They wanted me to focus on my studies.” Undeterred, Moe borrowed bass guitars from friends and, at the age of 19, finally received his first instrument—a Hofner violin bass—gifted by his mother, who had come to recognize his commitment to music. This marked the beginning of his serious journey into the world of music.
The Turning Point: Quitting the Corporate World
Moe’s decision to quit his corporate job in June 2023 was a game-changer. “That’s when I realized that music is what I want to do full-time,” he shares. Leaving behind the stability of a corporate career was not easy, but Moe knew deep down that music was his true calling. For him, music wasn’t just about making a living; it was about freedom, self-expression, and creating art that spoke to people. “Music is the only thing that brings me joy, freedom, and the space to be who I really am,” he says.
His newfound dedication to music led to the creation of his latest record, “El 7ofra,” a record that has quickly become his biggest achievement. “This album is special because it’s the first time I’ve written a full album in my native language, Arabic,” Moe explains. “I’m proud of how it turned out, both lyrically and sonically.”
The Rise of “Dirty Backseat” and Indie Music
Moe’s musical journey truly took flight when he launched his solo project, “Dirty Backseat,” in 2016-2017. Drawing inspiration from DIY artists and musicians like Youssef Abouzeid’s Panstarrs and Zuli, Moe learned the art of producing records at home with limited resources. “These artists were huge influences on me. They knew how to make records sound great without needing big studios,” Moe says.
Cairo’s indie music scene, particularly the venue “Vent,” played a pivotal role in shaping Moe’s career. “Vent was founded by indie artists who wanted to elevate the music scene in Cairo,” he recalls. “It was there that I witnessed the rise of DIY artists and learned the importance of creating and producing music independently.” Moe credits this DIY culture for helping him develop a unique approach to music production and creating his sound.
Collaborations and New Projects
As Moe continues to evolve as an artist, he’s focused on taking his career to the next level. “I’m currently working on promoting ‘El 7ofra,’ collaborating with other artists, and preparing for an exciting new project,” he reveals. Though he’s tight-lipped about the details, Moe hints that this project will be a game-changer. “It’s going to be a collective or imprint that will support my music and what I do creatively,” he says, brimming with excitement.
Moe’s career is not only about making music but also about building a community and collaborating with like-minded artists. His approach to collaboration has been shaped by the relationships he’s developed with other musicians, producers, and artists over the years. “When I started working with Ragy Ahmed, aka ‘200 Shams,’ in 2018, he became a huge inspiration for me. He taught me a lot about studio work ethic and how to be a better producer,” Moe says.
Moe’s recent album recent album “El 7ofra” was in collaboration with B-62 records am indie collective/record label in Cairo which was mixed by Mostafa Adel with coproduction and sound design works on some of the tracks. Mostafa Adel is an independent music producer and founder of Audio Bus, a Cairobased music educational platform offering production and sound design courses for music enthusiasts across the region.
Overcoming Struggles and Finding Confidence
Despite his growing success, Moe has faced his fair share of challenges. One of the most difficult moments came when he ended his contract with WOS, a record label based in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. “At that point, I felt lost. I had nowhere to go, and I thought my music wasn’t in demand,” he admits. “I felt like a niche artist with no place in the industry.”
However, this period of uncertainty became a turning point for Moe. Instead of succumbing to self-doubt, he took time to reflect on his purpose and the reasons behind his music. “It was tough, but it was also a learning experience,” he says. “I had to isolate myself and really think about why I make music. Now, I have more confidence in what I do, and things are much clearer.”
The experience helped Moe realize that his journey as an artist was not defined by external validation but by his own passion and dedication to his craft. “I feel more comfortable in my own skin as an artist,” he says with a sense of newfound clarity.
Evolving Sound and Artistic Growth
One of the key lessons Moe has learned over the years is the importance of embracing change. “Change is the only constant in life,” he reflects. “You can see it in my catalogue—there’s always a shift in my sound, style, and songwriting.” Moe believes that change is necessary for growth, both personally and professionally. In the fast-paced world of music, staying relevant means adapting to new trends and constantly evolving.
The Future: Legacy and Inspiration
Looking ahead, Moe’s goal is clear—to continue making music for the rest of his life. “I want to look back and be proud of my work, knowing that I stayed true to myself and my art,” he says. His hope is that he will be remembered not only as a musician but as a true artist who used his music to inspire and connect people.
“I don’t overthink it,” Moe says with a smile. “I just trust the process, and I know I’ll get there. Music is my life, and I’m lucky to be able to make it every day.”
For Moe, music is not just about making records or performing on stage; it’s about connecting with others, inspiring change, and leaving a legacy that will continue to resonate for years to come. With his upcoming projects, collaborations, and evolving sound, Moe Hani is undoubtedly on the path to becoming one of the most influential artists of his generation.
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