Rainbow Arabia

Rainbow Arabia

Rainbow Arabia is a Los Angeles-based electronic group made up of Danny Preston and Tiffany Preston. Their music is described as indietronica with arabesque, Asian worldbeat, ethnic and psychedelic influences, and it is often associated with broader labels such as ethnotronica and New Weird America.

Style and influences

The duo’s sound draws on a wide range of sources, including Middle Eastern music, tropical sounds, tribal rhythms, bossa nova, electro-pop, goth and post-punk, as well as Caribbean and African influences. Their work is also linked to the idea of “Fourth World” music, combining modern electronic production with elements from different cultural traditions. They are noted for pairing these influences with direct hooks and polished production.

Releases and activity

Rainbow Arabia debut with the EP The Basta on Manimal Vinyl. They later release the Omar K 7-inch on Merok Records and the follow-up EP Kabukimono in 2009. Their album F.M. Sushi appears on Time No Place. A key part of their early development is the use of a Lebanese Casio keyboard that plays microtonal scales and Arabic beats, which helps shape the rhythmic and tonal character of their music.

Collaborations and related projects

Danny Preston also works with Future Pigeon and Whisky Biscuit. Rainbow Arabia remix other artists as well, including work connected to The Field remix EP, alongside Gold Panda and Walls. Their production on Kabukimono is handled by Butchy Fuego of Pit Er Pat.

Critical framing

The duo is discussed alongside acts such as High Places, Pit Er Pat, Gang Gang Dance and Lucky Dragons, who also combine global and electronic influences in their music. Their output is presented as dance-oriented and stylistically wide-ranging, with a focus on rhythm, texture and cross-cultural reference.