In every city, there are sounds that capture its rhythm. In Dubai, a place where skyscrapers brush the sky and cultures collide in everyday harmony, music is becoming an increasingly powerful way to tell stories. Among the new generation of voices emerging from this vibrant landscape is Zarooni, an indie pop artist whose songs blend dreamy synths, nostalgic beats, and deeply personal storytelling.

For Zarooni, music was never meant to be a career at first. It started almost accidentally, with a guitar picked up out of peer pressure, more as a way to impress a friend than to change a life. “I loved music, but the guitar was just to impress my friend,” he laughs. Yet what began as a playful experiment soon turned into something far greater. Over time, the guitar became his companion, the tool through which he discovered his ability to write songs. Today, it remains his primary instrument — the starting point of every melody, every lyric, every story that later evolves into his signature sound.

Like many young artists, Zarooni’s early journey involved covering his favorite songs. He dabbled in snippets of popular hits, testing his voice against the echoes of greats. But everything shifted two years ago, when a school friend — now a professional songwriter and producer — encouraged him to collaborate. That session sparked a fire. What began as one song soon became a steady stream of originals. Zarooni had found his voice, and songwriting became less of a hobby and more of a mission.

Ask Zarooni how he would describe his music, and he won’t fall back on industry labels. For him, genres are guidelines, not cages. Still, he calls his style indie dream pop and synthpop, with influences that stretch from indie rock to retro disco. “I take a lot of inspiration from indie rock, pop, and retro disco pop, and blend them together,” he explains. The result is music that feels familiar yet fresh — a sonic space where nostalgia and innovation meet.

Dubai’s diversity plays a major role in this evolution. Growing up in a multicultural city gave him not just exposure but a palette of sounds to experiment with. His band, Zarooni Sound Society, reflects that same melting pot of influences. Made up of musicians from different backgrounds, the group creates a live energy that mirrors the cultural tapestry of Dubai itself.

Every artist has a playlist of heroes, and for Zarooni, those early influences were bands like The Verge, Radiohead, Coldplay, and Oasis. Their moody lyrics, atmospheric arrangements, and emotional depth shaped his teenage years. But as his craft matured, so did his tastes. Today, his playlists are more eclectic, with modern icons like The Weeknd sparking inspiration for his electronic and synth-driven soundscapes.

That blend — indie rock’s authenticity, Coldplay’s sweeping emotion, Oasis’s grit, and The Weeknd’s polish — finds its way into Zarooni’s music. It’s why his songs don’t sit neatly in a single box. They’re mosaics, reflecting both where he has come from and where he is going.

More than beats or chords, Zarooni sees his songs as stories. They’re designed not only to be heard but to be felt. “My music is all about telling stories, provoking different feelings, and creating an ambience and journey,” he says.

His creative process is unusual. While many musicians start with a melody or a beat, Zarooni begins with song titles. For him, a title isn’t just a label; it’s the seed of a narrative. Once that seed is planted, the mood and structure of the track unfold naturally. Lyrics and melodies flow around the idea, giving the song direction and depth before production brings it to life.

One powerful example of this process is his song Traffic, written on April 16, 2024, the night the UAE was hit by a massive storm. Inspired by the literal and metaphorical feeling of being stuck, the track became a metaphor for longing for freedom. It’s in moments like these that Zarooni transforms everyday experiences into universal stories.

Though he writes with a strong sense of personal authenticity, Zarooni thrives on collaboration. His recent performances have included guest artists, blending unique styles into his sound. For him, collaboration is less about sharing the stage and more about sharing energy. “We’ve done two performances with three different super talented artists blending in and bringing their flair to my music,” he recalls. The synergy, he believes, makes the music richer and the experience unforgettable.

One of the most unforgettable milestones in his journey came after attending a performance by Emirati soul singer Arqam Al Albri. The emotional power of that show became the spark for his next single, a moment that reinforced his belief in music’s ability to inspire across genres and cultures.

Another defining aspect of Zarooni’s journey is his ability to remain authentic while experimenting. “I don’t balance it — I incorporate my authenticity in all my music in different forms and themes,” he explains. Each track, whether upbeat or melancholic, carries a piece of himself. It’s why his listeners often describe his music as intimate, even when layered with electronic beats and dreamy synths.

For Zarooni, Dubai is more than just a backdrop; it’s a character woven into his songs. The city’s fast pace, cultural fusion, and global outlook are all reflected in his work. “My character and who I am has come from this city and shaped who I have become,” he says. Dubai isn’t just where he lives — it’s part of his identity as an artist.

Performing in Dubai has been equally transformative. The city’s cultural scene, with its eclectic mix of audiences and musicians, has nurtured his confidence. “It all started here, and it continues to grow me as a singer-songwriter,” Zarooni shares. His gratitude to the Sound Society community is palpable. They’ve given him a stage, a family, and the freedom to be himself.

Ask him what he hopes people take away from his music, and his answer is simple: emotions and stories. His lyrics are intentionally vague, open to interpretation. He wants listeners to find themselves in his music, to build their own meanings. This openness, he believes, is the “extra bit of spice” that makes his songs resonate.

Breaking into Dubai’s music scene wasn’t easy. Indie pop is still a niche, and in 2024, Zarooni entered with little knowledge of how things worked. But instead of being discouraged, he saw the challenge as an opportunity. Today, his sound is recognized as an outlier in the UAE — rare, but powerful. Being one of the few artists pushing indie pop in the region makes him both proud and determined.

Like all artists, Zarooni has faced doubts. Moments of questioning whether his path was sustainable. Yet belief, positivity, and the support of his community keep him moving forward. His dream collaborations reflect his local-first mindset: though international stars inspire him, he names UAE songwriter Jonathan Lobo as his dream collaborator. “He’s an incredible songwriter, person, and friend,” Zarooni says.

Technology will continue to shape his process, with production software and electronic elements forming the foundation of his sound. If his music were a color palette, he imagines it as light blue and dark grey — vibrant yet mysterious, colorful yet dreamy.

His song Once, he believes, captures his identity best: simple, progressive, and celebratory. As for his future? Zarooni sees no limits. “My main goal is to continue to grow in the UAE, make a name for myself, gain an authentic audience, and at the same time push myself globally.”

At the heart of it all, Zarooni’s message to listeners is one of faith: believe in your process, believe in yourself, and surround yourself with the right people. His story, from a guitar picked up to impress a friend to becoming one of Dubai’s rising indie voices, is proof of what can happen when passion meets persistence.

Zarooni’s journey is still unfolding, but one thing is clear — he is not just making music; he is creating stories that move through melodies and rhythms, stories that carry the heartbeat of Dubai itself.