Equal parts balladeer, crooner and pop star, Aladean Kheroufi is a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, arranger, producer, recordist and DJ. Canadian by way of Algeria. He writes songs that are idiosyncratic, soulful and devastating, with a glass half-full optimism that turns heartbreak into melancholy party anthems.
Aladean’s diverse musical knowledge tends to favor minimalism and is influenced by a range of artists that stretches between genres. He has a deep love of collecting soul 45s ranging from burning dance floor scorchers to bring-you-to-your-knees heartbroken ballads, an affinity for finding forgotten Cuban rhythms (which brought Aladean on a research trip to Havana in 2019 to dive into the history of the EGREM/Areito label), and a respect for the timeless songwriting of the likes of Neil Young and Curtis Mayfield. With all these influences coming from a sincere love there’s sure to be something for every music listener to grasp on to.
"Only Love Can Break Your Heart" by Neil Young
"Just One Kiss From You" by The Impressions
"I’m Gonna Cry Till My Tears Go Dry" by Irma Thomas
River Valley Sessions
River Valley Sessions is recorded live every Wednesday at Dogpatch from 7 30pm-9pm in Edmonton Aladean Kheroufi takes you on a journey with the help of the CKUA Vault. Hand picking vinyl records from the CKUA library Aladean brings you an eclectic mix of music all on wax. Tune in on Saturdays at midnight or stop by Dogpatch for dinner on a Wednesdays to have him curate your dinner listening. Music for all occasions!
