Interview: Tamer Elshabrawy

Meet Tamer Elshabrawy, a 35-year-old ambient composer based in Alexandria, Egypt. With six years of sonic exploration behind him, Tamer creates immersive soundscapes that blur the lines between music, emotion, and visual art. Inspired by human connection, nature, and the mysteries of existence, his work invites listeners into reflective, dreamlike worlds. In this interview, Tamer shares insights into his creative process, influences, and the emotional depth that shapes his music. Dive in to discover the story behind the sounds.

General info

Artist Name: Tamer Elshabrawy

Age: 35

Location: Alexandria, Egypt

Social Media / Music Links

amerelshabrawy.bandcamp.com/album/clown-code

instagram.com/tamer.shabrawy

tamerelshabrawy.com

How long have you been making music?

6 years

Do you release music under a label or independently?

Independent

Creative process and inspiration

What drew you to ambient music in the first place?

I've always been passionate about composing music that enhances visual experiences: whether it's digital paintings, audiovisual installations, film, or contemporary dance. Ambient music naturally lends itself to that kind of synergy. What really drew me in was the ability to create immersive soundscapes that pull the audience into a moment, allowing them to feel rather than just listen. There's a unique charm in shaping an atmosphere that can live around and within another medium, deepening the emotional impact.

Can you describe your creative process when starting a new track?

When I start working on a new track, I usually begin by tuning into a specific feeling or emotional mode I want to express. I spend some time imagining the world that could surround that feeling: its textures, colors, atmosphere. It’s almost like building a scene in my mind. From there, I try to translate that emotional landscape into sound through notes, sampling, tones, rhythms, and textures that can evoke that same sensation in the listener.

Where do you find inspiration? Emotion, nature, science fiction, or something else?

I draw most of my inspiration from emotions and human interactions—those subtle, complex moments that carry deep meaning. Nature also plays a big role, not just in its beauty but in the way certain surroundings can evoke specific emotional states. Beyond that, I’m fascinated by the mysteries of the world—the big questions, the unknowns. That sense of wonder and curiosity often fuels my creativity and pushes me to explore new sonic territories.

How would you describe your sonic identity or the mood you aim to create?

I would describe my sonic identity as a reflection of life itself: full of ups and downs, contradictions, and layered emotions. My music often carries a mix of joy, dreamy, melancholy, sensuality, mystery, and at times even darkness. I aim to craft tale-like sonic journeys that mirror those emotional complexities. Ultimately, I want to give listeners a space to slow down, immerse themselves, and reflect—like stepping into a moment outside of time.

Are there any artists that deeply influenced your style?

I’ve been deeply influenced by artists like Heinali, Tim Hecker, Ben Frost, and Biosphere: all of whom have a unique way of sculpting sound into emotional experiences. Of course, Brian Eno and Max Richter have also had a significant impact on me, especially in the way they approach atmosphere, repetition, and emotional depth in their compositions.

Gear and setup

Are you using hardware, software, or a hybrid setup?

I mainly use software. It gives me the flexibility and diversity I need to shape sounds the way I envision them. 

What’s your favorite piece of gear or plugin, and why?

My setup is pretty minimal: just my laptop, a MIDI controller, and a soundcard. While some artists in the genre use hardware synths or modular gear, I’ve found that working in-the-box suits my workflow and allows me to stay focused on the emotional and atmospheric aspects of the music.

Challenges

What’s been the biggest challenge so far in creating ambient music?

Honestly, I’d say the biggest challenge has been myself. As an artist, it’s easy to get caught up in self-doubt or overthinking every detail. Ambient music, especially, can feel quite personal, as it’s about creating a space and atmosphere that resonates emotionally. Finding the balance between staying true to my vision and allowing the music to flow naturally can sometimes be challenging. But it’s all part of the process, and overcoming that inner struggle is what helps me grow as an artist. 

How do you stay motivated or inspired when you're in a creative rut?

As a full-time musician, it’s not always easy to make peace with the inevitable moments of creative block. During those times, I try to take it one day at a time and remind myself that feeling stuck is part of the journey. I find it helpful to listen to other artists, sometimes from entirely different genres, as it can spark new ideas and perspectives. It's also crucial to dedicate time to myself and to keep producing music, even when inspiration feels distant. Setting that routine often leads to unexpected, happy accidents, and sometimes that's when the best ideas emerge.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

I really enjoyed this talk, thank you! and I hope to continue sharing that experience and reaching others who resonate with the moments I try to capture.