Elein Khalaf : "Rumors still haunt me"

Lebanese singer Elein Khalaf justified her absence from the music scene saying that it is due to the lack of production support, in a time where the continuity of presenting good art has become one of the biggest obstacles. She added that problems of being in the music business still haunt her, despite her long presence in the scene. In an interview with ‘Arabstoday’, Khalaf said: “Production is currently lacking in the music scene, and there are companies that have laid off a large number of their singers due to several crises, so artists find themselves facing many responsibilities, one of them is maintaining their existence, and the incredible ability to endure pressures… so we start singing to spend on art, like [we do] in the beginning of our career, which is very difficult. Song has now become a project that requires lots of money, public relations, and continuity of work.”  Elein stated that she is launching a new song by the beginning of the new year, besides a new video clip, as “innovation is a must for artists.” She pointed out that she just finished a few songs, however, she would rather not risk producing a whole album in the time being, particularly that the unrest dominating some Arab countries has its influence on art. Regarding her problems with her ex fiancé, who she accused of embezzlement and fraud, in addition to resorting to Lebanese court to regain her “one million US dollars” from him, Elein said “the case is hands of the judiciary. I’m surprised it took that much time and did not come up with any positive results, but I did not give up hope yet, and I have confidence in the integrity of the Lebanese judiciary to eventually restore my rights.” Elein denied singing ‘Hawdi el-Einein’ (Those Eyes) for her ex, saying “launching the song at the same time of my emotional and financial problem was a coincidence, so some linked between the song and my problems, but it is not true and it was a mere coincidence.” “The era of seduction female artists is long gone,” the Lebanese singer noted, saying that those who have used seduction to advance in their career, by presenting low-taste art, are no longer in the scene because the Arab taste is refined, adding that Arabs may have dealt with such phenomenon with curiosity, “but then got bored of it and threw it behind.” Khalaf said that rumors still haunt her until now, although she has already been in the music scene for years. “Art has a very high price… and I still pay this price until now; it comes in form of fights and traps and several conspiracies thrown in my way, but thank God I am strong with His blessing and the love of the people,” Khalaf finally added.