The German-Syrian duo introduces their debut album ‘TRACES’ with its first single, out now via MDLBEAST Records.
German-Syrian duo Shkoon continues to tap into the greatness of musical storytelling with ‘Tired Way’, their latest single and the first taste of their forthcoming debut album ‘TRACES’. Rather than bursting through the door with inundated energy, the new release leans into something far more compelling, channeling nuanced production and emotional cues into a tale that fuses two worlds: the weight of trying to find your place in life and the quiet drama of the dancefloor. Brought to life with lyrics from the Syrian coast–based poet Hussein Hamza, 'Tired Way' is the first chapter in Shkoon's full-length story.
'Tired Way' works because Shkoon use restraint as a narrative tool. A central piano motif lingers, setting the stage for Ameen’s vocal to act as the track’s emotional hinge. The lyrics circle around a certain feeling that most people know intimately: walking a path that feels familiar but is no longer comforting, dwelling on the uncertainty of where to go next. What makes this chapter even more resonant is its origin: the track is based on a poem by Syrian writer Hussein Hamza, who—like Ameen—comes from Syria’s coastal region. Ameen spent much of his youth there, studying, growing up, and eventually being imprisoned as a political activist opposing the regime. This place, and this poem, are part of his story.
The poem reflects the emotional fatigue of not knowing where to go next — the heaviness of always moving forward — while also remembering the lightness of childhood and how easily it’s lost. Its final line, “Let us remain young,” becomes a quiet call to hold onto that innocence, to protect what gives us hope and softness in hard times. ‘Tired Way’ carries that memory forward.
Sonically, 'Tired Way' carries the calm confidence of an act that doesn’t just know the story they’re trying to tell, but has lived it. Harmonies drift in and out with a quiet persistence, creating a mix that feels alive while still affording the listener room to breathe. It's clear that Shkoon lets their heritage shape their craft, with faint echoes of Middle Eastern folk intermingling with elements of organic house.
Yet even with a sound that feels fully realized, 'Tired Way' only scratches the surface. In March, the duo promises to dive even deeper into their shared story with ‘TRACES’, marking their most revealing body of work so far.'
Tired Way' is out now via MDLBEAST Records, with the full album landing March 2026.
Tour Dates:
27.11.2025 – Elbphilharmonie, Hamburg (DE) – SOLD OUT
06.12.2025 – The Sarnıç Restaurant, Istanbul (TR)*
11.12.2025 – Galaxy Hall, Erbil (IQ)02.01.2026 – Soma Bay, Hurghada (EG)
11.01.2026 – Zabeel Park, Dubai (AE)*
29.01.2026 – Bitterzoet, Amsterdam (NL)05.02.2026 – Atelier Café, Cluj (RO)
06.02.2026 – Control Club, Bucharest (RO)
21.03.2026 – KOKO, London (GB)16.04.2026 – Sala Upload, Barcelona (ES)
17.04.2026 – Café Berlín, Madrid (ES)
22.04.2026 – Flucc, Vienna (AT)
23.04.2026 – Rote Fabrik, Zürich (CH)
08.05.2026 – CBE, Cologne (DE)
13.05.2026 – Festsaal Kreuzberg, Berlin (DE)
19.05.2026 – Elipamanoke, Leipzig (DE)
22.05.2026 – C12, Brussels (BE)
29.05.2026 – Moriska Paviljongen, Malmö (SE)
06.06.2026 – Odin, Aayoun El Siman (LB)
*Thorben solo live set
More cities to be announced: Paris, Cairo, Doha, Jeddah, Muscat, Frankfurt, Munich.