Born to an Egyptian father and American mother, Sharif realizes that his name might lead people to believe that he would play Middle Eastern or World Music. However his native Virginia proved a worthy influence steeping Sharif in keen sense of Americana musical history. With his feet planted firmly in the here and now, Sharif seamlessly melds his own brand of folk rock with pop and R&B, combining honest and intelligent lyrics with his easy emotionally driven voice. He is quick to say that Kisses and Lies is a heartbreak album with a sideways smile that lets you know that he knows how obvious that may seem. Yet there's a surprising newness and truthful understanding of the human experience that comes through his songwriting.

His influences are diverse and many with the quintessential songwriters Dylan, Gram Parsons, Elliot Smith and Nick Drake at the top of his list, along with Ryan Adams, Death Cab for Cutie, and Bright Eyes. It's a lengthy list of music that he loves and he notes that all of the musicians on his album have played with his favorites as well.

Don't let his laid back demeanor and good looks fool you his talent is evident when he steals the show, just he and his guitar. With the release of Kisses and Lies on February 23, 2010, Sharif will be touring the West Coast with East Coast dates to follow. Check out www.sharifmusic.com for further information

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