John Lebanon is the musical project of Lebanese songwriter Roy, once told he looked like John Lennon. Based in Boston, Roy and collaborators Matthew, Jihad, Karl, Laeticia, Deluccia, Aleks, Isabelle, Gaby and friends blend indie folk and pop rock, bridging New England and Beirut. Known for heartfelt lyrics, memorable melodies, and meticulous production, John Lebanon crafts songs that stay with you after the music stops.
Their latest release, “Disco Boi Beirut,” refreshes a 2017 track, fusing English and Arabic to capture infatuation, nostalgia, and personal storytelling. With upcoming albums exploring both folk-pop and Middle Eastern sounds, John Lebanon continues to evolve while honoring their roots.
With “Disco Boi Beirut” out now, we took some time to hear from John Lebanon. Read below to learn more about John Lebanon, the story behind “Disco Boi Beirut,” and what’s to come.
Hi! Let’s start with how did the band’s name come about?
The name John Lebanon came from a combination of my own identity and a playful comparison to John Lennon. It felt like a way to honor both my Lebanese roots and the musical legacy I grew up admiring.
What city are you all from, and where are you all based now?
We’re a mix. Jihad and Karl are Lebanese, Matthew and Deluccia are from Boston, Aleks is originally Russian but lives in Rhode Island, Isabelle is Lebanese Canadian, and Gaby is French, Spanish, and American. Most of us live in New England, except Jihad who moved to Texas. Our base is Boston-Beirut.
How and when did the band form?
The band started around 2017–2018 while I was finishing my residency in Rhode Island. I first met Aleks and Hatch, and later connected with Deluccia, Gaby, and Isabelle. Over time, these collaborations grew into the full project you hear today.
How would you all describe your band’s sound to readers who may not be familiar with you all?
We blend indie folk and pop rock with heartfelt lyrics and memorable melodies. The music is personal and cinematic, connecting the emotional textures of Beirut with life in New England.
Who are some of your group’s main musical influences?
Our influences range from classic rock and legendary singer-songwriters like The Beach Boys to contemporary indie and folk artists. No matter the style, it always comes back to strong storytelling and emotional connection.
Who would be a dream to collaborate with?
I’d love to collaborate with artists who blend cultures and sounds in unexpected ways. One musician I especially want to play with is Cherif Magarbane, a Lebanese guitarist with a very distinct style.
What’s one of the proudest moments of your band’s music career so far?
Honestly, being featured on local radio stations both in New England: Boston, Providence, and Cape Cod and in Beirut. Hearing people respond to the music across different communities has been incredibly rewarding.
What would you all say are the greatest lessons that you’ve all learned so far?
Music is a journey, not a race. Collaboration is everything, and the people you meet along the way…in studios, cities, and shows shape the work as much as your own vision.
Now onto “Disco Boi Beirut.” What inspired this song?
The song started in NYC with the original groove, but it evolved over time as friends and family in Lebanon wanted a faster, more Arabic-centric version. It’s inspired by moments of playfulness, connection, and personal storytelling.
What is “Disco Boi Beirut” about?
At its core, it’s about trying to connect with someone you’re infatuated with. It blends English and Arabic to capture longing, nostalgia, and joyful shared moments.
What was the inspiration behind the cover artwork for “Disco Boi Beirut?”
The artwork reflects the song’s duality: a blend of Beirut nostalgia and the original NYC groove. It’s vibrant, energetic, and playful, just like the track itself.
What was the creative process like when making “Disco Boi Beirut?”
It involved merging old recordings from Providence with new sessions in Boston. Revisiting the original tracks allowed me to reconnect with the song’s heart while adding new layers, textures, and Arabic elements ( percussion mainly ). Collaborators like Matthew Hatch and Isabelle Malhame helped bring this vision to life.
How long did it take to complete “Disco Boi Beirut?”
It took a couple of years, balancing the song’s past with its present and making every detail feel intentional…
What message or messages do you all hope fans take away from “Disco Boi Beirut” and your band’s music in general?
I hope listeners feel joy, movement, and an emotional connection. Whether it’s through melodies, lyrics, or cultural blends, the music is meant to resonate personally and bring people closer to moments and feelings they recognize.
What’s next for you all? Are you all working on any upcoming projects, or do you all have any upcoming shows that we should be on the lookout for?
For 2026, I’m really excited about a couple of projects. First is Kite Without a String, our upcoming album set to release around March or April. It’s guitar-driven folk-pop with strong lyrics and great hooks. I might also perform the title track live acoustically on December 23 in Beirut.
Where can we follow you all on social media?
Bandcamp: johnlebanonmusic.bandcamp.com
Linktree: linktr.ee/johnlebanon
Instagram: @john.lebanon
Spotify: John Lebanon on Spotify
Before you go, let’s ask an off-topic question. Favorite food?
As for food, anything my grandmother makes; her cooking has always inspired me as much as music does. 🙂
Thank you all for the great interview; wish you all much continued success!
