Reviewer's Randoms

2010-12-25T03:05:00.002-08:00

No more fieldwork ’til February makes Pourya happy!

IRI and the Ghomayshi vs. Ghomayshi case

2010-12-25T03:05:00.001-08:00

The official government newspaper, Iran Newspaper INN, has suddenly decided to use the Ghomayshi vs. Ghomayshi case in what seems to be a calculated move in order to argue its case against current popular music. The paper very unconventionally brings up details of the kind that a sanctioned media inside the country never brings up, not to mention an indirect acknowledgement of an artist living in exile. Hot-potatoes strictly forbidden by the authorities, unless used for a sanctioned purpose. Like in Habib’s case, for instance! INN very openly brings up the fact that Alireza Ghomayshi whose debut album “Asir” has just been released after five years of suspension at the Ministry (Ershaad), is using or to quote “stealing” his father’s name and reputation, not to mention songs, despite Siavash’s explicitly expressed denouncement and disapprovement. The fact that a Ministry suddenly decides to grant a permit for an album that even its creators’ mark as “outdated” and then use the official organ in order to discredit it while crediting an artist in exile is something very interesting to bear in mind for future developments, especially considering the recent plots of the Ahmadinejad cabinet!

Note: Thanks to Mansour J.

Askari: “Coma 3″ is on its way

2010-12-25T03:04:00.000-08:00

In an interview with Moosighie Iranian Hamid Askari confirmed the rumours about his third album being titled “Coma 3″, he also said that it will be featuring nine tracks. The album has received its permit, Askari adds, the release however is strategically scheduled for Bahman/February. “Coma 3″ is composed in its entirety by Askari himself, who has also been writing some of the lyrics and arrangements. The rest of the songs are arranged by Milad Torabi, Mehran Khalesi and Omid Hojjat. The rest of the lyrics are written by Ali Bahreini and Dariush Shahriari. Askari further explains that the music on this album is more organic and sentimental, unlike “Coma 2″, since he has sensed that it is what his fans demand from him.

Ershaad: Habib hasn’t been issued a permit

2010-12-25T02:49:00.000-08:00

Following the unofficial news about Habib receiving a permit for his first legal release in Iran, which was posted in different websites and blogs after the video of a song was leaked on hard-line blogs and websites, The Iranian Music Association which is known for its legitimate coverage of the happenings in the domestic industry has reported that the Ministry (Ershaad) has denied any permit having been issued to Habib at this stage.

Note: thanks to Mansour J. and Siamak

I have a daydream …

2010-12-25T02:40:00.001-08:00

I’m on a short break, sitting here by the snowy winter window and daydreaming myself away to seven months from now … to a summer not so far, yet far enough away. Recent years of mine have been double packed and booked, in terms of work and studies for a second degree. Not to mention all the projects I commit and attend to on my spare time (one might think that you actually have to have a spare time, in order to fill it with something). But the upcoming summer is the saviour that I’m waiting for. My studies and half of my projects will come to an end, allowing me to finally exhale. To once again having the time to create … I have a daydream!

In explanation of academic disinterest

2010-12-25T02:38:00.001-08:00

I tend to receive e-mails asking me about the Googoosh Music Academy show, which is basically an Iranian talent search show but unlike every other nation’s ours happens to be attached to an artist’s brand (which the name of Googoosh is). So I thought I might as well bring it up here, in case other readers wonder why I haven’t covered that show. I was earlier this year contacted by their PR-people who informed about the production plans, asking me if I wanted to write about the show and announce the auditions. Generally I have no problem with such announcements and if you have read my reviews and blog, you know that if there is anything I like to do it is to discover and help to give new talents public exposure. I have a problem, however, with anything coming close to cult of personality (idolisation driven to extremities) in art and thus decided not to give a show bound to the brand of a certain artist promotional publicity on the blog. In other words the decision is based on my personal principles and is the result of a highly subjective reasoning, since my blog is purely personal in nature. I have nothing against Googoosh (if I had approved of the idea itself then who better than Googoosh), the crew and the artists. In fact as you all know Arghavan is a good friend and I wish her and everyone involved in the project the best of luck. Admittedly the show looks really good for being an Iranian production, but I personally do not follow it since I do not have sat-TV and watching scattered episodes online is nothing I rather do right now. Hopefully one day I’ll be able to watch the show in its entirety. I like the group song and video they delivered recently, but have to say that it sounds very, very like a Ramin Zamani production! And two of the guys’ tones and ornamentations being reminiscent of Kamran and Hooman’s makes the parallels even stronger.

Persian cream buns with toasted tops

2010-12-25T02:37:00.001-08:00

After six days of hard training and healthy eating Sundays are my “treat day”. I don’t have a sweet tooth (thankfully), but there is one pastry I can not say no to and that is my dear mother’s heavenly “naan-khaameyi”! She makes them the way I like it, bite-size, not so sweet and with toasted tops. When I was a kid she used to make hundreds of them for me to take to school and let me tell you that my Swedish friends went nuts for them! They sold out each time my class had a sweet-stand on the corner of the school-yard. These buns of delight which you behold above are currently sitting on the kitchen counter and flirting with me, so if you excuse me I’m gonna go for a feast. By the way, sorry if I can’t taarof you any, but even if I could I doubt that I would!lol Cuz these are all mine! Aaaall mine! Muwahahaha!

New releases: fall 2010

2010-12-25T02:35:00.000-08:00

I just got en e-mail from my dear/your fellow reader Seyed informing me that Kamy R’s album is out! Requesting the review I had promised. Now that was fast!looool What should I wish for next! I wonder!lol hehe, I will definitely review the album once I get my hands on a legitimate copy. Hopefully it will coincide with the big holidays since that’s when I’ll be having the time. Anyways, while we are talking about new releases here are some of the high-profile ones:

Kamy R

Bijan Mortazavi (Lately I have heard so many speculations about Bijan’s current whereabouts and his affiliation with the world’s powers that its only the north pole and Doctor Evil that haven’t been pinned on the map!loool)

Kiosk (Are on international tour atm! Catch them if you are in Europe and Sweden this week.)

Kouros (It’s been a while sir! I must say I liked Chai Chai’s mellow Electro-POP version that came years ago better than this charged up version. Btw, who is in the video and who is that on the cover? jk Kouros has changed his image to the exact copy of what he had when he went solo (with extensions?! Since he had a super fast hair growth between two albums 1991-1992!!) But why this strange choice of image now in 2010?!! I had preferred a more subtle and settled image and perhaps even music … well!)

Faramarz Aslani (Yeaaaars in the making but it finally came! Even released in Iran, I’ve heard)

Pourya’s pick #3

2010-12-25T02:32:00.002-08:00

I have really enjoyed the first songs of Kamy R, especially his latest “Ey Jaan“. I love the fact that he doesn’t settle for the run-of-the-mill LA formula and really tries to develop his own flavour, a fusion of 6/8, RnB, SOUL, FUNK and DISCO that goes well with his powerful voice. Unlike his BC songs, which as I wrote in my review were incompatible. Like a Cadillac pulling a chariot, I recall myself saying! This is one album (was due out 2008?!) I’m really looking forward to hear not to mention to review, assuming that he keeps up the quality that he has delivered so far. Actually when I think about it, I don’t recall the last time I really looked forward to review an album! So I’m keeping my fingers crossed.

New Release: Alireza Moosavi - “Enkaar”

2010-12-25T02:32:00.001-08:00

Alireza Moosavi’s debut album “Enkaar” comes in an elaborate collaboration with Hamid Askari. Askari has not only created much of the material but he also appears on the tracks as guest-vocalist. The album features even arrangements by Milad Torabi. “Enkaar” has ten tracks and is released on the film distribution company branching out as a record label, namely Tasvire Donyaye Honar which also released Payam Salehi’s solo album “Hess”.

Gh to the G to the Gh to the G

2010-12-25T02:30:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I was talking to a friend about the Shahkar phenomenon and suddenly I noticed something I hadn’t picked up on earlier! I don’t know if anyone has anywhere addressed this but have you paid attention to the female vocals on his “Mimiram”? I always found her singing in Persian excellent, despite the “gh” mispronunciations. Its was as if she was an Iranian singing but deliberately uttering “g” instead of “gh” …suddenly it hit me that it might very well be the case!! If you listen closely she puts on the thickest G:s in for instance “G’albam”, but she has absolutely no problem uttering “gh” in “asheghete”! My guess is that the woman singing this on stage is just lip-syncing to a recording done in studio by an Iranian vocalist pretending to sound non-Iranian! Just another trick added to the spectacle. What do you guys think?

Mina seems fit for fight

2010-12-25T02:28:00.000-08:00

The Montreal-based Mina is a professional dancer/choreographer (Hip Hop and Bellydancing) who is to debut with her forthcoming album as a vocalist. I am really feeling her single “When We Fight”! This is the Canadian flavour of Eurodance which I have mentioned in my reviews before. 90’s oriented and minimalistic. A flavour I happen to favour!

Mina has a sweet tone, a cute face and a dancer’s body. In other words, she seems fit for fight! We’ll see, looking forward to hear her album upon release.

Download the track

The right way of the The Ways

2010-11-14T21:53:00.001-08:00

I’ve mentioned this before, The Iran-based alternative ROCK band The Ways is one of the freshest acts to appear on the Iranian music scene in the past twenty years! We haven’t had such thought-through introduction of a new fusion in our music for a good while. The Ways do everything correctly and in accordance with the international guidelines of their genre, yet remain enough Iranian in style. Considering their stationary situation and relatively limited means, this is not the easiest task to pull off. But due to the passion and hunger that you can easily sense in their performance, a combination which makes an ambition that is more on an international level than an Iranian, they manage to make the most of least with elegance. The Ways is the first Iranian act that I’ve come across to both look and sound like ROCK stars! They have got both the image (each and every member) and the music pinned down on quality, not to mention a theatrically charismatic front-man with a suitable air of pretentiousness and vanity that demands your undivided attention!

The Ways is a worthy Iranian counterpart to Mando Diao, The Killers and Kings of Leon. I truly, deeply hope that they keep developing cumulatively in their own paved path inspired by their international sources and don’t deviate in some sort of tempted attempt to suddenly conquer the entire Iranian market by inadequate crossovers and incompatible collaborations. We have had enough of such disappointments through the past decades! They do have the opportunity, as well as artistic and charismatic means, to finally legitimise the ROCK genre in a cultural setting that has time and time again proved itself too rigid and reluctant to accommodate such musicality. But I’m rather confident that this particular formula can work, if only they continue doing things right. Their debut album “Stress” is now available for free download from their website with a rather subpar cover artwork, but cool page design. The album in its entirety does not, in my opinion, represent the potential that I see in the band today. Perhaps due to much of the material being from some time ago, very little of it resonates The Ways of today. While too much of it reminds of Reza Yazdani’s earlier albums! Especially in its lyrical style and Kaveh’s ornamentation. These references can’t be heard in the newer tracks like “Khab Bazi”, however, so I really hope that we wont hear them in future productions either.

I had hoped “Otaghe Aabi” to be an adaptation of Sohrab Sepehri’s single prose opus but it wasn’t, most likely inspired by it considering how the lyrics start. By the way, in the booklet the song “Khab Bazi” has been credited to Kaveh Afagh for its composition, but I recognise its music from a song by a female singer (in English) played at my gym! In particular 0:40-1:00 and it goes something like this, “… They call me a black cat, don’t rub me the wrong way …”. Any idea what song I’m talking about?! If so drop me an e-mail please, thank you.

Ahmadi revives tradition to the rhythm

2010-11-14T21:51:00.000-08:00

Morteza Ahmadi is not only one of our veteran actors, known to my generation mainly as the voice of “Roobaahe Makkaar” in Pinocchio, but he is also one of the few remaining “zarbi-khaan (rhythm singer)” out there. Thus he has just released an album together with the Tombak-player Ali Rahimi called “Sedaaye Tehroon”, which revives the traditional low-brow folk songs such as “Az Hend Oomadam” and “Hamoomi” in their original format. It should be mentioned that there were many songs recorded, however only 13 tracks were considered lyrically appropriate enough to receive a release permit. Most of the songs have been remade into POP versions in recent decades but Ahmadi and Rahimi deliver them as they were once meant to be delivered, namely as vocals to the rhythm.

Mobarak, mobarak, la cucaracha mobarak!

2010-11-14T21:46:00.002-08:00

This blog makes a very interesting comparison between Anoushirvan Rohani’s “Tavalodet Mobarak”, which has become our single national birthday song, and a piece which he suspects being an official source of inspiration to the Rohani composition! Namely “La Cucaracha”. I must say that I had heard both pieces separately before and never picked on the parallels, but with this suggestion as a backdrop I can definitely hear what he is referring to. Especially when you hear the Liberace rendering. What do you guys think? By the way doesn’t young Liberace look very much like young Rohani?!! Or vice versa!

Note: thanks to Siamak

Underground studios raided

2010-11-14T21:46:00.001-08:00

Word on the street has that two of the bigger underground studios in Tehran have been busted and many young artists, mostly rappers, have been arrested! Tehran police have reported successful raids to two fully equipped underground cells which they refer to as illegal sources of production and distribution for music and video to streets and satellite televisions.

Update

Note: thanks to Anahita

Jamileh puts nasty rumour to death!

2010-11-14T21:32:00.001-08:00

I have no idea what makes some Iranians repeatedly start rumours about our popular cultural icons’ death, just a way to consolidate their so called claim of thousands of years of refined Iranian culture I guess! I personally am ashamed of such cultural deviation, it truly saddens me. These past 24 hours I have been asked by numerous readers to announce the departure of Jamlieh, our legendary dance icon. But like always I wait to such news are verified by some official or credible source, thankfully in this case Jamileh herself has stepped forth and put this nasty rumour to death!

Note: thanks to Siamak

The Uzbek Benyamin

2010-11-14T21:28:00.000-08:00

What we did not know is that Benyamin has a sound-alike in Uzbekistan and what I personally did not know is that Shahzod is a male name in Uzbekistan!lol What amazes me is the peculiar blend of Turkish and Persian, I have heard similar blend in the Persian-Azeri code-switching before but not as an official lingual construction! So in case you are confused “Voy” means “Vaay”! hehe

Note: thanks to Richard

Habib sings musical war memorial

2010-11-14T21:27:00.001-08:00

A video clip has found its way to some hard-line blogs inside the country who promote it as Habib’s first official single and video from his upcoming revolutionary album! The song which is called “Esghe Khodaee” pays homage to the victims of the Iran-Iraq war. You can download the sound and video-clip from the following links that are getting spread and shared via the aforementioned sources:

Sound clip

Video clip

Note: thanks to Mansour J.

Saffarian: I wont be working with Golzar

2010-11-14T21:24:00.002-08:00

Behrooz Saffarian has in a correspondence with Moosighie Iranian informed about the cancellation of the collaboration plans between himself and Mohammad Reza Golzar (and his band “Riezar”). Saffarian said that this was due to lack of time on his behalf but also due to inappropriate expectations and inability to agree on preferences! The concert will go ahead according schedule but without me, Saffarian says while wishing Golzar best of luck.

More on Shahkar’s charade

2010-11-14T21:24:00.001-08:00

I am not sure whom this blog belongs to, nonetheless there is a post in Persian which elaborates further on the whole Shahkar charade that is well-written and worth reading.

Note: thanks to Siamak

Another masterpiece?

2010-11-14T21:19:00.000-08:00

I get a lot of e-mails asking me to bring up what I brought up last year, about Shahkar …sorry, Dr. Shahkar Bineshpajooh’s so called “live performance” videos. Like I said last year, this is a good way for you to train your eyes in picking up “seams” in production quality and authenticity! And while our general public, unfortunately, always chooses to turn a blind eye and deaf ear to con-artistry (in some cases even reward it!), it glads me that there are those individuals out there, with a sense of responsibility, who give a damn about the credibility of our music and popular culture! The following quote is part of an e-mail from my dear/your fellow reader Reza whose keen senses have picked up exactly what I last year hoped for:

” … His Latest video is: Vasate Ghalbam which is Micheal Buble’s version of the classic song SWAY. But, here’s what drives me crazy about this joker. He is using a $1.99 KARAOKE VERSION of the track (Attached) that he got from this website: http://www.karaoke-version.com/mp3-backingtrack/michael-buble/sway.html. In addition if you look @ the Video @ 0:33 sec. & 4:20 sec. you will see the only simultaneous shot of the orchestra with the band. But notice a Bald Timpani player and a yellow harp that does not even exist in the Video itself. What makes me mad is the ignorance of the Iranian people. Read the reviews for this work. They are comparing him to some amazing artists…”

Update:

Another dear reader, also by the name Reza, has written:

“… Also adding another piece that perhaps you can add to you blog is that the so called composer credit on the video @ 4:41 is Mr Pablo Belteran Ruiz which who was Mexican and died on July 29, 2008 in Mexico City, Mexico http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0069629/”

Second update, click to read the post!

In other words, the only difference between the staging and editing of this so called live performance and the famous Ahmadinejad IRIB clip which portrayed the president in the crowd listening to his own speech (0:50), is that the editor of this one was slightly more skilled, or sober!lol

The video

Pourya’s Pick #1

2010-11-14T21:17:00.003-08:00

In “Pourya’s Picks” category I intend to post whatever track/video dele tangam happens to enjoy at a moment! It will be purely personal picks, with no consideration to anything or anyone other than my lovely self! hehe

Right now I’m really, really enjoying the nostalgia this track and video evoke in me. I’m loving the voice and the flow in this mid-tempo Electro-POP fare, which somehow takes me back to the amateur Iranian scene of the 80’s and a certain teenage someone and his friends trying to make songs that married Persian lyrics with European Electronica …

Watch Radin’s “Rain” if you haven’t already. It’s on repeat at yours-truly’s! Radin has certainly sat his bar rather high in my eyes, I really hope that he continues to meet the raised expectations in the follow ups. So far he is aiming for the stars, well done!!

Like father, like son

2010-11-14T21:17:00.001-08:00

According to Moosighie Iranian Alireza Ghomayshi, who is reportedly Siavash Ghomayshi’s son, has finally received a release permit for a debut album called “Asir”. The seven-track album which has waited five whole years to see the light of day will be released on Avaye Barbad and features work by Alireza himself along with some compositions and arrangements by Sirvan Khosravi. In the teaser clip of the album we see a son looking and sounding much like his father, singing a song in a style not far from his father’s. Indicating an adult contemporary album. However if Sirvan has seen it imperative to contact the media himself and ask them to take the actual age of the production in consideration, it wouldn’t surprise me that there are even some TRANCE oriented tracks on it. Since Sirvan has in recent years claimed that he has put that genre behind!

Karmandan, the album!

2010-11-14T21:08:00.000-08:00

It’s my personal pleasure to announce the upcoming release of my good friend Erwin Khachikian’s album for “Karmandan”. I have had the pleasure of following the project from the very start and the privilege of previewing almost the entire collection, from demo to finished tracks. Therefore I kinda feel like a proud uncle of some sort to this 9-track baby! Hehe

Creating almost the entire album himself, Erwin has also collaborated with his band mates from Serj and the FCC band. Musicians Jeff Mallow, Mario Pagliarulo and Dan Monti.

The album features also a few lyrical collaborations with Omid Oliaee and Melody Safavi. Erwin is putting the finishing touch to “Karmandan” as we speak and while we’re waiting let’s listen to my favourite song and video from the album. A video which I ranked the best video of 2008!

Curly Armand

2010-10-17T07:19:00.001-07:00

The Iranian born and Sweden-based actor Armand Mirpour’s musical career started accidentaly, as he was playing the part of a pop star in a Swedish television series. He then had a chance to play some of his own material on the show and is now being considered as Sweden’s next indie POP export! Armand came to Sweden at the age of two with his mother Zinat Pirzadeh, who has in recent years become rather famous in Sweden as an actress and stand up comedian. His debut single called “Curly Boys Law (Step Aside)” with a Juno/Dodgeball inspired video (I have a crush on the cute geeky girl with the gigantic glasses) came a while ago and already a debut album is on its way.

Marzieh passed away, at the age of 85

2010-10-17T07:18:00.001-07:00

Marzieh whose pre-revolutionary songs such as “Barge Khazan” and “Raftam ke Raftam” (covered by Andy & Kouros) have become part of our musical heritage fled the country in 1990 and joined the controversial Mojahedin Khalgh organization (MKO) in which she took an active part and representative position. This connection came to arguably put a stigma on this diva who remained formally loyal to the organization until her departure. Nevertheless her voice and music will remain immortal, may she rest in peace …

Chavoshi will come cheap

2010-10-17T07:17:00.001-07:00

Mohsen Chavoshi’s new album “13″ will be released 1.5 month from now. This is consistently the second number-titled album he appears on this year, after the contribution to the religious compilation “Hasht”! The ill-numbered album is considered a sub-genre to traditional music and will be featuring classic Persian poetry from likes of Baba Taher and Vahshi Bafeghi, while traditional singers such as Ashrafzadeh and Jasemi will be guesting it. According to the record company Avaye Barbad the album will first receive a low profile and low quality release for sale in supermarkets and once it has reached a certain number of sold copies a more decent edition of the album will be available in music stores!

This bizarre-sounding strategy is actually becoming a praxis in the domestic industry and supermarkets are taking over more and more of the retailing. I understand that an availability in the supermarkets makes the merchandise more accessible for customers who might end up buying an album which they would otherwise never visit the music store for, what I do not understand however is why they explicitly market the item as a “low quality” merchandise and by doing so they themselves, as we say in Persian, “too sare maal mizanan”!?!

Golzar to collaborate with Saffarian

2010-10-17T07:15:00.002-07:00

After having left both ARIAN and Darkoob band behind Mohammad Reza Golzar seems to have finally decided to go for a solo career. He has now for his upcoming solo concert in Milad Tower asked Behrooz Saffarian to arrange the music and manage the band. Saffarian is an extremely sought after producer in the domestic industry and known for his strict conditions and specific requirements, therefore it doesn’t come as a surprise that his brother Behnam, who himself is an active singer, will be guesting the show!

Oh, how haters will love this!

2010-10-17T07:15:00.001-07:00

There are certain debuts in showbusiness (not necessarily music related) that you just KNOW will be provoking a lot of opinion and emotions in the online community. This would definitely qualify as one! You can hear some samples from Saiyna’s songs and watch one of her videos on her website. I for one am all eyes and …ears!

Nosrati: it’s unfair to credit only Sirvan!

2010-10-17T07:13:00.001-07:00

Ehsan Khajeamiri’s brand new album “Ye Khaatere Az Fardaa” has been on the market a few weeks now and as it was foreseen the song “Nemidoonam”, which is the only song on the album that was marketed already a few months before its release as the ace of the album and a collaboration with Sirvan Khosravi, has become the HIT of the album. Apparently the media praises only its arranger Sirvan for its success and therefore a few days ago Mehrdad Nosarti, the composer of this song along with other songs of Ehsan, wrote in an open letter to the press that this song has been a team work, just like all other creations on the album, and its success should not been credited to Sirvan only!

Kamkar denies discrediting Chavoshi

2010-10-17T07:10:00.001-07:00

Following the controversy stirred up by the bitter interview in ISNA Ardavan Kamkar has in a press release claimed that all of his words about everything were taken out of context and that he meant no offence to either Mohsen Chavoshi or any other artist for that matter. The truth is, Kamkar says, that back then when Chavoshi was still under illegal status we auditioned other vocalists for the project but neither managed to deliver the passion which Chavoshi’s voice brought!

Fusing JAZZ with AZERI music

2010-10-17T07:07:00.000-07:00

IJAZZ is the name of the music quartet that is fusing Jazz with Azeri musicality in Iran. The innovative band has been active in nearly a decade now, however it is first now that they’ll be preforming their instrumental songs professionally on Talare Vahdat stage next week.

Photo: Mabas Fadaei

Jessica Alba at an Iranian wedding

2010-10-17T07:01:00.000-07:00

These pics shows Jessica Alba attending the private wedding of her friends, of which the groom is an Iranian. Jessica who looks like to be one of the bridesmaids as well, even participates in the traditional Iranian sugar-grinding “ghand-saabi” on top of the couple!

Note: thanks to Siamak

Epic stage presence failure

2010-09-27T22:05:00.000-07:00

I recall a time when poor Sattar was made fun of for closing his eyes when singing. People cruelly suggesting that he couldn’t open his mouth unless he closed his eyes! Now Hami has taken quirks in stage presence to yet another level. He sings with his hand … in his pocket!

Yes, one of the exact rules which masters of stage presence and performance, both in rhetorical and musical domains, have emphasised as a big no-no! By doing so many try to hide the symptoms of stage anxiety which often is a shaking hand, something natural and understandable. However if doing so while presenting or preforming on a professional level sends so many wrong messages and is so harmful for one’s character credibility that its imperative to work off the behaviour as soon as possible.

Photo: Mabas Fadaei

Looking for the summer …

2010-09-27T22:02:00.000-07:00

Back at work and studies after a really nice summer. This year I have had a chance to both relax and train. I also managed to catch up with a lot of micro plans and projects that had been put on the back-burner, so needless to say it has been a summer of satisfaction. A lot of work done and the battery recharged! Therefore it feels good to be back on a higher pace and performance, even though I kinda miss the memories of this summer …

Half Iranian, whole woman!

2010-09-27T21:59:00.000-07:00

After many, many blog examples about the many, many brilliant half- or whole Iranian artists making it in Sweden, without further ado, I present you Karolina Khatibnia who has just launched her career under the stage name Jasmine Kara. A small girl endowed with a big voice, Kara has just released her debut album called “Blues Ain’t Nothing But a Good Woman Gone Bad”.

A collection filled with classic Blues and R&B jams re-rendered and recorded in a 48 hour non-stop session! Only 22 years old this gorgeous girl has been through a harsh youth and that’s why her diary, resonating the social condition of her generation, is simultaneously published as an autobiographic anthology called “Hälsa Henne Att Hon Ska Dö (Tell Her that She is Dead)”.

Kamkar: I would never perform with Chavoshi!

2010-09-27T21:55:00.000-07:00

Ardavan Kamkar, the member of the Kamkarha ensemble, is the composer of the soundtrack to the popular movie “Santouri” which is now to be released. In an interview with ISNA Kamkar says that although this movie and its music are very popular they have not been commercially successful, due to the movie and its soundtrack leaking out on the pirate market. Mehrjui went through great deal and a whole year just to convince me to write the music for his film but I never received any commission for the production, he says. Instead I planned to sell the music that I still own the rights to, but it’s not going to compensate me now that it’s been leaked.

Kamkar says that it was impossible to teach Bahram Radan the fine-motorical moves of a santour player, therefore I had to be present in every single scene and the close-up shots are of my hands. He also says that he had nothing to do with the fact that Mohsen Chavoshi was picked for the vocals. I have nothing against him personally but there is no chance in the world that I would ever play my music to Mohsen Chavoshi’s voice! It’s simply not going to happen, Kamkar makes clear.

Photo of Ardavan Kamkar: Ali Kaveh

Cool collective collaboration

2010-09-27T21:54:00.000-07:00

Cool collaboration from the sound-track of Shahyar Kabiri’s “Rock On” film. This is a collective collaboration of a non-featuring kind, even though its announced like that on many channels. The Ways, Erwin Khachikian, Yas, Arad Aria and Arian Naeini’s ROCK-RAP underground-tribute “Rock On (Ghesseye Zirzamin)” is far from structural perfection, but as a concept its a welcomed whirling wind to nudge the closed walls of our music!

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9sTP1GoLOE

Same music, different songs

2010-09-27T21:52:00.002-07:00

You guys might recall this post and inquiry of mine from almost two years ago. I have no idea why he was referred to as Nima Ghafari back then but today we all know him as Nima Allameh! Anyway, to cut a long story short I just saw this newly released clip and immediately recognised the musical foundation! I still love the orginal Allameh which is still on my portable playlist, but even this one done by Ahmad Saeedi, whose voice doesn’t fall far from Nima’s, works for me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2DyivP_rVQ

Salehi’s solo sense

2010-09-27T21:52:00.001-07:00

Payam Salehi’s solo album will be released in a couple of weeks, just like Yazdani’s new album by the film distribution company branching out as a record label, namely Tasvire Donyaye Honar. The album entitled “Hess” features 8 tracks (incl. “Hess” part I and II) by Hamid Askari, Sohrab Pakzad, Shahin Tik and Ali Hosseinzadeh. The album is arranged in its entirety by Nima Varasteh. Salehi who has in recent years been active in the world of cinema as a decorator for movies such as “Atashbass” and sound-track artist for the upcoming movie “Harche Khoda Bekhaad” has recently even starred in Tahmineh Milan’s latest movie “Pornasib”. In an interview with Moosighie Iranian he assures the fans of ARIAN that he is still just as committed to the band as he was ten years ago, and that his solo projects don’t mean any harm to the future of ARIAN.

Yazdani arrives at 25:00

2010-09-27T21:48:00.000-07:00

Reza Yazdani’s 4th album called “Saate 25 Shab” is to soon be released on Tasvire Donyaye Honar, which is a video distribution company and that means having music videos featured on their upcoming VCDs. A tradition which Farzad Farzin started! The 11-track album is said to feature various genres and not only ROCK, composed by Yazdani himself and arranged by Behrooz Payegan. Lyrics are written by Armin Ebrahimi, Ali Komarjinejad, Padideh Neyshabouri, Hamid Zahedzade, Morteza Amiri and Siavash Mirzayi. Unfortunately there is still no sign of the promised duet with Santana, so we have to settle for one with the actor Hamed Behdad from the Darkoob band instead.

New Release: Erfan - “Hamishegi”

2010-09-27T21:45:00.001-07:00

Fans of Erfan should take note that the US-based rapper’s follow up to the popular debut “Az Khaane Taa Goor” is to be released September 21 on Avang Music. The album titled “Hamishegi” is produced by Erfan and Amir A-Plus with lyrics and music by Erfan on themes such as love, happiness, migration, struggle and dream fulfilment. The album will also feature other artists such as Khashayar, Sarkesh, Reveal, Morvarid, Nona and Amir Farjam. For more information feel free to visit Erfan’s website.

Back to the future!

2010-09-08T10:30:00.003-07:00

This is an update on Ehsan’s new album. In last minutes a (wise) decision was made and the original title of Ehsan Khajeamiri’s album was kept. The album has been titled “Ye Khaatere az Fardaa” and the “Tabestaan 89″ which his manager had announced in a press release is scrapped! However the cover that went with the new title seems to have been kept and like I predicted it shows Ehsan with a more youthful image!

Khosravi bros present Shahab Ramezan

2010-09-08T10:30:00.001-07:00

Shahab Ramezan will in nine days from now release his debut album titled “Romantic” with Xaniar Khosravi as creative consultant. All tracks have been composed by Shahab and Xaniar with arrangements by Sirvan Khosravi. For the lyrics stand Amir Arjini, Ali Bahreini, Seyyed Mohammad Kazemi and Taraneh Mokarram (whose ban seems to have been lifted?). There is also a duet with Behnam Safavi on the album. Ramezan has previously composed songs for Hamid Askari, Amin Rostami, Behnam Safavi, Ramin Bibak and Mohammad Alizadeh. 10-tracked “Romantic” will be released on Pouya Music/IranGam.

Changing title from future to present

2010-09-08T10:29:00.003-07:00

Ehsan Khajeamiri’s new album will be released by Avaye Honar on Eyde Fetr. The album which was initially titled very poetically “Yek Khaatere az Fardaa” is now renamed and very banally called “Tabestaane 89″! This is either a title to fit a more light-hearted and popular music oriented album which features an arrangement by even Sirvan Khosravi. Or it is a way to cash in by making it sound that way! As you see from the picture above everything about Ehsan’s image has been out of date and (his own) age so far, mildly put. Perhaps a rejuvenation is due!

The Iranian vanguard of Swedish Hip Hop

2010-09-08T10:29:00.001-07:00

If you live in Sweden and are a fan of Hip Hop then you know the name of this Iranian-born girl as almost a synonym to Hip Hop! The bright, bold and beautiful journalist Ametist Azordegan is becoming nothing less than an institution in the Swedish Hip Hop community. Naturally, just like we have our own ever-growing Farsi Rap, the Swedes too have developed their own flavour of Hip Hop since the mid 90’s but in recent years the genre has been subdued to a more or less underground stream by the commercial industry and media. Thus Ametist has in her own right done much to support and promote this surviving but struggling native culture of Hip Hop, Soul and R&B through her show on the national Swedish radio. “Evolution” is a various artist compilation featuring the second gen artists of Swedish Hip Hop that will be released next month, a compilation which she has worked hard to compile. I really praise her ambitions and efforts as I too once started my work for the Iranian music and community with the same ambitions and hopes. It should also be mentioned that this cool girl is also a music critic and a jury member of the Swedish Grammy Awards, she has also made contributions to local goodwill projects and in support of freedom and human rights in Iran.

Photo: Mattias Ahlm/SR

New release: Ehsan Haghshenas - “Tik Tik”

2010-09-08T10:28:00.001-07:00

After a period of problems with the authorities for his videos being shown on satellite televisions Ehsan Haghshenas’ second album will soon be released on Taraneye Sharghi, just like his debut album was two years ago. The 12-track “Tik Tik” features compositions by Benyamin and Maziar Fallahi, along with some arrangements by Payam Shams. Among others. It should be mentioned that the Shadmehr sound-alike Maziar Fallahi has in recent years built a fanbase for himself by singing highly sentimental themes for movies and series. In this album there will also be three duets with Fallahi.

New release: Sohrab & Tahmineh - “Green Road”

2010-09-08T10:27:00.000-07:00

I’m sure you’ve by now caught Sohrab and Tamineh, this Canada-based duo’s music videos on Bia2. One could think that it is fate that has brought these two young artists with related names from the Book of Kings (Shahnameh) together! Tahmineh who was the member of the third and final line-up of the girl band Silhouettt (even their record company forgets that it was spelled with three T!) ten years ago met Sohrab while he was in the process of recording an album with the help of Kaveh Yaghmaei, his friend and tutor. A collaboration took form and the album came to be called “Green Road”.

The eight track multilingual collection featuring a wide range of genres, from POP to SCHLAGER and ROCK-AMERICANA, has just been released. I really enjoy the nature of this collaboration, the marriage of their voices and the guitar-POP core of the music, however they need to work on the currency and consistency of their music and also the aesthetic presentation of their work (more press photos as an actual duo and professional artwork for the album cover, to start with). Their recent music videos bode a progress, however. For more information feel free to visit Sohrab’s website.

Mani comes looking for laughter

2010-08-28T15:51:00.000-07:00

Mani Rahnama, a relative of Babak’s on whose last album Babak’s work first appeared, is to be back after six years of absence from the scene with his eight opus ’til date called “Kojaa be khande miresim”. The album featuring eight tracks is composed by Mani himself and arranged by late Andre Arzomanian. The lyricists on the album are Yaghma Golroee, Babak Sahraie, Nader Bakhtiari and Mariam Aasdi. The album is due out Eide Fetr (id al-fitr), on IranGam.

Do what Shabnam does, share your thoughts!

2010-08-26T08:57:00.001-07:00

As you might know I have always been encouraging all young Iranians, especially artists, to start blogging about their subjects of interest. It is utterly important that we Iranians, in particular the 2nd generation born outside Iran, cultivate a popular culture online that is more than a myriad of file-sharing blogs! There are more reasons than illiteracy and economics that make any given book sell only a couple of thousand copies in a nation with a multimillion population. So let’s write and read, for our own sake! It’s imperative that we actually produce intellectual properties, sharing our thoughts and sentiments with each other in the network that the world wide web provides. It doesn’t matter what you write about, high brow or low brow literature, or even if you write bilingually or in “farsingilisi” (transliterated code-switching) as long as you contribute to the legacy of your own generation by documentation. If you do start blogging, artist or not, as promised before I will be sharing it with your fellow readers on the blog, if I see it fit. Just drop me an e-mail.

So it makes me truly happy that the up ‘n’ coming artist Shabnam Jaleh, a member and representative of the young generation, writes her own blog. Shabnam says that she agrees with me and that “more Persian performers should get on board and share their personality and culture thru their own words”. I love her way of thinking and wish that more got encouraged and engaged to do that. Now enjoy reading Shabnam’s blog but before you go don’t forget to check out her brand new video for her second single “Age Ghalbamo Shekasti“. I personally love this song, more current than her debut in style, I especially love the segment borrowed from my favourite ABBA song! The “Rhythm Nation” style video on the other hand is despite its superior concept and ambition less successful in execution, since the editing doesn’t really serve the song as it should. But overall a nice follow up, looking forward to the next songs!

Mixed gender band, mixed gender crowd?

2010-08-26T08:56:00.001-07:00

The new 14 member ensemble Avaye Mehrabani will soon be performing their fusion of FOLK, POP and JAZZ on the stage of the Vahdat hall. It’s interesting to see what kind of audience this ensemble which consists of both male and female musicians and is founded and vocally led by a woman, namely Soheli Pourgerami, will be performing for. Will it be the female-only crowd that is by law allowed to hear a woman singing as a lead or will it be a regular venue with mixed gender audience?!

ARIAN to go on tour in USA

2010-08-21T15:27:00.001-07:00

After Benyamin’s gig in US the manager Rajabpour and ARIAN have announced that their first US tour will kick off in Los Angeles October 2. The band will be enjoying the company of their original member and arranger Ninef Amirkhas, who is currently residing in US for his studies and haven’t been working with the band on their domestic projects and concerts. In this tour ARIAN will be playing a selection of their four released albums and also the recent released singles.

Photo: Moosighie Iranian

Safavi: RAP pollutes and METAL is satanic!

2010-08-21T15:26:00.000-07:00

Behnam Safavi who released his debut album last year has in an interview with Moosighie Iranian attacked the underground movement of RAP and HEAVY METAL music! He says that in a country where people watch their music on satellite televisions and then download underground songs from the internet legal industry has no meaning or chance to survival. Poeple no longer can determine what’s good for them, he argues, since bad music gets to promote itself as mainstream. I will abort my career the moment I no longer can make a living from it, Safavi says. The system has to help us legal musicians to stop the threat of RAP music! Rap is destructive music that pollutes and needs to be stopped from overgrowing the wholesome music that we bring for the society. I also hate METAL and HEAVY METAL, Safavi complains. Any import of any Western music is not good. This is satanic music that corrupts! We should not idolize someone who breaks his guitar on stage! If I was put in a position in charge to scrutinise and issue permits I would have banned all these types of music, as music done by corrupt individuals for the corruption of our society. Such music should not be heard! We should nurture our Iranian culture by not letting such satanic influences in our homes, Safavi concludes.

I’ve said it many times before and it is a bitter reality that bears and needs to be addressed many times more, we Iranians often very conveniently build a totem of evil to blame for all the evil doings bestowed upon us. While we are either not concious or courageous enough to admit that this way of thought actually is rooted in our culture and is not a phenomenon suddenly embodied by a clerical oligarchy! This particular interview with a member of our youngest “POP” artists proves my point exactly. You do not need to be a Valiye Faqih in order to have such medieval values and thoughts about pluralism and progress, in fact there is a little dictator living in every one of us waiting for an opportunity to rule over the others! Doesn’t these words of Safavi sound awfully similar to the thoughts of the so called leader, which I posted days ago?! I for one do not want him in charge of anything, I fear the sheer thought if it even! To be fair, Khamenei’s diplomatic take at least sounds like a lesser evil in comparison to this outgoing potential evil crawling under the skin of our society. Truly alarming!

Ebru Gündeş in Iran!

2010-08-21T15:25:00.002-07:00

According to domestic blogs the Turkish star Ebru Gündeş is currently in Karaj, Iran! The 37 year old Gündeş recently got married for the third time to a 10 years younger Iranian businessman by the name of Reza Zarrab.

Rumours have that Zarrab’s wealthy but religious family hasn’t been fully supportive of this marriage, however the couple have been spotted in different restaurants while visiting the groom’s sister in Karaj.

Note: thanks to Siamak

Hope you’re enjoying your summer …

2010-08-21T15:25:00.001-07:00

New release: Mohsen Yeganeh - “Rage Khaab”

2010-08-21T15:24:00.002-07:00

Mohsen Yeganeh’s second legal offering “Rage Khaab” has been just released. The album features 11 tracks, with lyrics and music by Yeganeh himself and arrangements by Yeganeh, Shahab Akabari and Ali Sabet. It should be mentioned that according to FARS NEWS Yeganeh’s concert in Tehran, where he was supposed to premier the songs of this album, was first relocated by authorities to an inferior hall without cordless technical equipment and then while Yeganeh was showing signs of dissatisfaction on stage the concert was completely cancelled with no explanation! The audience protested and wanted to meet the artist but were held back by the authorities.

Note: thanks to Mansour J. and Moosighie Iranian

Sacha sadness

2010-08-21T15:24:00.001-07:00

I’m keeping an eye on the talented Iranian-born Sacha Sacket’s career. The Los Angeles-based artist’s work is heavily inspired by the British POP and Alternative ROCK genres, reminiscent of bands like Radiohead and 30 Seconds to Mars with a voice and ornamentation that is a blend of all these bands’ vocalists!

I’m really feeling the vibe of his music, it has a tilt towards the more ambient and melancholic sound of the styles which really strikes a chord with me. In his latest “The Viscera Project” Sacha has committed to release one new song per week in an entire year, starting June 1 2010! So its one ambitious and productive artist to keep an eye on.

For more info about Sacha and his music go to www.sachasacket.com

Music according to the leader

2010-08-21T15:23:00.001-07:00

In case you have ever wondered what the leader of the Islamic Republic, Ayatollah Khamenei, thinks about appropriate and inappropriate music there is an interesting text on his website, from a meeting with youth representatives, which reflects that. The text is 12 years old, meaning the aftermath of 2nd Khordad election which led to the rebirth of domestic POP, however it is still referred to by the officials as a source. Khamenei basically says that it is, even for him, very hard to determine which music is “halal” and which music is “haram”. The religious distinction between “haram” and “halal” music is that while the former leads people away from spirituality to materialism and moral decadence, by promoting it either explicitly or implicitly in its lyrics or beat the latter has an ambition to do the opposite. Its not unnatural that youth under pressure and in hard times get allured by such music, like drug for relief which further drags them down in an abyss. While halal music is meant to be constructive by clearing up their minds and lead them back to the straight path. Some argue that music has become a universal language, that it has broken barriers and boundaries, the Ayatollah says. I oppose that argument by arguing that the fact that a culture has broken boundaries into another is not necessarily a good thing. Its also a mistake to think that all modern music, either domestic or foreign, is haram and all traditional Iranian music is halal. It is a fact that our religious leaders have in centuries fought the decadence brought by this very same traditional music played in the audience of the kings, Khamenei argues. So it is hard to say exactly what music is halal and what is haram, even for me! Sometimes I hear haram music being permitted and halal music not receiving any permit. So there is room for misjudgement in the system of assessments, but there are overall guidelines that are meant to minimize that risk. I do believe that music can be used to counter a cultural invasion, but its neither the only nor best way, Khamenei says.

Minister: we havent issued any permit!

2010-08-21T15:22:00.002-07:00

Following the growing rumours and even reports about Habib’s concert dates the Iranian minister of Culture and Guidance (Ershaad), said in a press release that no permit has been issued to any so called returning LA-artist. Seyed Mohammad Hosseini made clear that there has thus far been only one application submitted to the ministry, which has not yet been processed. We can not and do not control the returns or departs of expatriates, however as far as our legal responsibilities are concerned we have not issued any release or performance permit to anyone.

arian1

2010-08-21T15:22:00.001-07:00

According to Mooisghie Iranian ARIAN have in their latest concert showed a parody clip of the Latin soap operas which get dubbed and broadcast on farsi1 at the moment. The “arian1″ clip featured the members Payam (in wig!) and Sanaz in a couple’s intrigue while being deliberately dubbed badly, without proper lip-synch! It should be mentioned that farsi1 is currently growing popular in Iran due to its broadcast of latest Hollywood movies and TV-series, all dubbed in Persian. And the government is focusing much of its energy to jam the signal and disturb the reception in the capital!

Photo: Koorosh Javan

New release: Darkoob - “Darkoob”

2010-08-21T15:21:00.000-07:00

The Darkoob band have just released their self-titled debut album, featuring the actors Mehran Modiri and Hamed Behdad as vocalists, on Golchine Avaye Shargh. There are 10 tracks on the album of which 6 are instrumental music influenced by FOLK music from different provinces around Iran. There are also two vocal songs by Modiri and two songs by Behdad. It should be mentioned that the band also has Omid Hajili as member, but no longer Mohammad Reza Golzar.

Transcending generations and uniting nation

2010-08-02T10:59:00.001-07:00

Mohammad Nouri has passed away, at the age of 81. Classically trained Nouri become one of the iconic Iranian musicians through his unique blend of Iranian FOLK music, CLASSIC Western music and high-brow POP music. He was also one of the few to keep his legal and popular status both before and after the Islamic revolution. Nouri will be remembered for his many, many timeless opuses transcending generations and uniting a nation. May he rest in peace.

New Release: Khashayar Etemadi - “Baayad Be To Bargardam”

2010-08-02T10:58:00.003-07:00

Khashayar Etemadi who has spent his four past years in bitterness over the fact that the undergrounders have made him and his generation of 2nd Khordad singers to feel like has-beens and asked authorities to stop this decadence by granting him some position in an institution to scrutinise every artist for permits has now turned coat once again and come out with his brand new album “Baayad Be To Bargardam”. An album with 8 tracks which Etemadi has composed and produced together with Behrooz Saffarian and Rasoul Rasouli in 100% artistic agreement, according to himself. The album is sponsored by Mercedes Benz and released on the new label Nahale Roudaki.

Yazdani: all Iranians love Imam Reza!

2010-08-02T10:58:00.001-07:00

Reza Yazdani says in an interview with Moosighie Iranian that his contribution to the religious compilation “Hasht” was because of his belief. No matter whether we are religious or not all Iranians love Imam Reza, Yazdani argues, besides how could one ignore the date of the event this particular year? The 8th day of the 8th month in the year 88, to celebrate the 8th Imam! I am just sorry that the compilation was delayed and wasn’t released on that special day, he says. However my only condition was to have the freedom of delivering the homage in my signature style, and I am glad that I got to do exactly that. A ROCK piece that differs from the rest of the songs on the track list. Electric guitar and religious theme do not necessarily clash, Yazdani concludes, but rather appeal to a different part of the audience.

Blog: terms and conditions

2010-08-02T10:57:00.001-07:00

Many amateur and professional artists contact me directly or indirectly, via my dear colleagues on Bia2, asking me to write blogs about them and their work. I gladly do that, free of any charge, however(!!!) It will not be free of conditions!

It will depend on media and genre (excluding traditional music, unless its a fusion) and I only feature artists or material that I feel fit and having reached a certain stage in development that warrants a public presentation. Or information that are in some way of interest to the general public (no concert announcements!). The feature has to be of an “informative” nature and not commercial or promotional. I assess each unique case individually so the best way is to contact me directly (pourya@bia2.com) and I will gladly let each and every one of you know if and when your work is mature enough to be presented. Do not regard my blog as the only resort for exposure, I’m sure there are tens of websites and blogs that would love to put your work up for download. However, if you have been a reader of mine during the past seven years, you are familiar with my work and know how I operate. And most importantly, you know that I operate constructively and calculatedly based on experience. Personally and professionally. I have been active as a creative consultant and critic for over a decade and I am committed to my blog as my main communication organ, subsequently I am rather personal and picky when it comes to those I decide to pick for presentation on my blog. Unlike my reviews my blog is meant to be subjective, thus come my strict and specific conditions regarding content and aesthetics. You simply have to trust my judgement and decisions in order for it to work, that I do what I do for your best interest. If you do not trust my editorial judgement or do not have patience, do not contact me at all! Because you will only get irritated by my guidance and insistence. And never forget that my writing is my intellectual property, therefore I reserve the right to refusal at any stage of correspondence!

If you are thinking about a public exposure on this blog just keep a couple of things in mind, always have professionally taken press photos of yourself ready. Along with high quality material for presentation, even if these are just demos on youtube! Even amateur artistry should have a professional flair, in my opinion, especially when nowadays with all the technical possibilities in mind it really doesn’t take more than a good taste to at least look professionally presentable.

Last but definitely not least, try to adhere to etiquettes of correspondence and keep things to basic facts in your presentation of yourself. Public relation and communication skills are a huge part of an artist’s key to success. I don’t copy paste promotional texts and do not endorse tooting of own horn. I only support honest and hard-working aspirants. In other words try to remain humble and let your work speak for itself!

Thanks for your attention, keep up the creative work!

Askari talks US-tour and new album

2010-08-02T10:56:00.002-07:00

Hamid Askari has according to Moosighie Iranian announced the planning of an upcoming American tour, in which he will be visiting at least 10 different cities for concerts. Askari has also announced a third album to be on its way, set for release in Mehr month. However unlike what some rumours have had this album might not be titled “Coma 3″, Askari explains, I haven’t picked any title for it yet but it will be featuring nine tracks.

New Release: Neemeha - “KOOK”

2010-08-02T10:56:00.001-07:00

You might have caught Neemeha’s music video on Bia2, Neemeha is an Iranian experimental POP-ROCK fusion band formed in Toronto by Behnam Jahanbeiglou (lead singer, guitarist and songwriter), Arshiya Basiri (drummer) and Behrouz Jahanbeiglou (percussions, clarinet and vocalist). The band seem to be receiving a positive feedback from the audience as they have reported sold-out venues in Canada, during this short time since their emergence.

They are now to release their debut album entitled “KOOK” (clever cover image!), which features 12 original songs with themes about peace, love and society. Neemeha explain that they have tried to create new melodies and modern harmony in their tunes, and by using traditional Iranian instrumentation they have aimed to add a different characteristic to their music. “KOOK” will be released on July 25, 2010 and distributed by MZM in Los Angles.

For more information feel free to check out Neemeha on their fan page on facebook.

ARIAN might not be releasing the album!l

2010-08-02T10:55:00.001-07:00

After having rejected the rumours about ARIAN’s break up and announced that a new album is on its way, Ali Pahlavan is now opening up for the possibility of not releasing the album after all! He says to the same reporter that in case the band don’t manage to produce enough material for a complete album they will be releasing an EP or single songs. Which basically puts the group back into the rumour square!

Habib shoots videos and plans concert

2010-08-02T10:54:00.001-07:00

According to Nassim magazine Habib has ever since his return been accompanied by a government official everywhere in Tehran, while he and a camera crew from the Iran Music TV have already started shooting music videos around Iran! Including one at his mother’s grave. Habib’s first concert is scheduled to be held in Kish on 25th Mordad, reports Ruydadhaye Moosighi.

Habib’s son Mohamad who has already released three album, two together with his dad and one solo, is also in Iran according to Nassim and Habib has expressed hope for a performance permit even for Mohamad. I have to say that now a certain interview in the Tapesh TV’s new year show some years ago comes to mind, in which it was brought up that Habib is very strict and concerned about his son’s interaction with models in the videos! Because now he is trying to argue his case by saying that he has never appeared in front of a camera with someone of the opposite sex, I wonder if he will use the same argument for his son!

President’s Chief of Staff and the artists

2010-08-02T10:53:00.000-07:00

Following his controversial supposed sit-downs with several LA singers, of which Habib is a confirmed case, Esfandiar Rahim Mashaei, the head of the Iranian Presidential Office, had a sit-down with several domestic singers behind closed doors. According to Farhad JavaherKalam’s interview with Moosighie Iranian Mashaei regards POP music very highly and had consulted with the artists on the current climate. He needed their help to stop the cultural erosion, Javaherkalam said to the press, something which he and fellow artists agreed with. The President’s Chief of Staff had promised to support and finance domestic productions that were potent and resilient enough to stand the cultural invasion!

Clash of the titans

2010-07-13T11:09:00.001-07:00

DJ Aligator has been nominated by the multinational Big Apple Music Awards, along with DJ Tiesto and Armin Van Buren, to compete for the “Best DJ of 2010″ title. The event will take place at the Manhattan Center’s Hammerstein Ballroom, on November 14, 2010. The criterion for the nomination is the international success and popularity of these DJs. If you wish to support DJ Aligator as your favorite DJ in this prestigious awards and international celebration, or for more information, please visit the links below:

http://www.bigapplemusicawards.com/Nominees2010.html

http://www.djaligator.eu/

Yeganeh’s “Rage Khaab” is on its way

2010-07-13T11:08:00.001-07:00

Mohsen Yeganeh’s second album has finally received permits from Ershaad and is to be titled “Rage Khaab”. The album didn’t only receive a publishing permit but also a performance permit, hence as soon as the permit was issued coordinator Hamid Keshavarz announced that the entire album will be performed pre-release on his concerts in Isfahan this week.

Will the first Twitter Jockey be an Iranian?

2010-07-13T11:07:00.001-07:00

The young and lively Pegah Rashti from Bay Area is currently one of the top 20 candidates to become the first “MTV Twitter Jockey”! It is a hybrid on-air and online position which is a natural medial evolution from the 80’s Video Jockey (VJ). A Twitter Jockey (TJ) will appear on the network while being full-time present on a social media like Twitter for a closer interaction with the youngest generations and frequent updates. Pegah has a chance to be the first to take on this new popular cultural task, both as a representative of her generation and the Iranian community! The voting has just started and will end July 23. For checking out her presentation and to support her feel free to follow the following links:

Blog: http://www.pegahrashti.com/

Facebook VOTING Page: http://apps.facebook.com/mtv-tj-search/

My MTV Bio: http://tj.mtv.com/candidates/PegahRashti

Twitter: @PegahRashti

Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=6392160&id=519841608#!/pages/Follow-Me-PEGAH-RASHTI-the-next-MTV-Twitter-Jockey/110777982303138?ref=ts

YouTube Account: http://www.youtube.com/user/pegah11

Hami: add film companies to the Mafia!

2010-07-13T11:06:00.004-07:00

If there is one domestic artist that has frequently used the term “Mafia of music” in his rhetoric it is Hami! Recently in a gathering held by IranGam to review Hami’s latest sound-track compilation “Aakhodaa” (such events are the domestic industry’s equivalent to the Western release parties), Hami unexpectedly targeted a new group as the part of the music Mafia. Namely the film companies which were accused of deliberately delaying the production of the collection in order to destroy Hami’s career!

This tattoo is belong to Sasy!

2010-07-13T11:06:00.003-07:00

And Sasy only! Sometimes life has such a poetic yet twisted sense of humor!lol For his own sake I hope this is not a permanent tatt! The moral of the story is; singing and tattooing artists alike should all take a basic course in English!lol Its one thing to misspell in a video or on an album, like undergrounders do all the time, but this …!

Note: thanks to Ramtin for the motivational poster

Lohrasebi: people will see a new me!

2010-07-13T11:06:00.001-07:00

Ali Lohrasebi has taken his 26-piece band on a national tour. He assures those who might worry about the concert being dark and gloomy that it would definitely not be the case. Lohrasebi says to Moosighie Iranian that he has rearranged all songs in order to create a more upbeat and energetic atmosphere which differs from his album. People will be reconsidering their image of me after this LIVE experience, he claims.

Update on Habib’s interview

2010-07-13T11:05:00.002-07:00

I have finally read the entire interview and like I mentioned in my blog earlier this morning Habib himself refers to his many songs with religious themes to vouch for his pious character. He says that he sang those songs through the past three decades while he didn’t even needed to when living in West. And the couple of songs of his which might sound indecent are that way because of the decadent LA atmosphere! Those in fact have been mixed in a way to appeal to this decadency, argues Habib. The mixings have been beyond his approval and he was forced per contract to have these songs in his career, he concludes. However he refuses to stand for them, he says, and certainly wont be held accountable for their existence!

Note: thanks to Siamak

Habib: IRI is not against music but rather decadence!

2010-07-13T11:05:00.001-07:00

Peykeiran.com features a scan of the first page of a hardline daily called “Raahe Mardom”, which features an exclusive interview with Habib who recently returned to Iran! Unfortunately the article itself isn’t featured. In the comments below the headline Habib says that the system is against decadence, not music and art! Those who are considering a life abroad should reconsider since that is no place for living, nowhere is like your own country. He also says that there are possibilities now created for those who intend to return form the exile! Habib thanks the people and the authorities and says that Iranians should take pride in that fact that Iran has turned into such a political power! IRI is definitely using this high-profile return for its own benefit and agenda, like I had predicted that it would. Ershaad had previously said that it’s the artist’s “character” that counts and not his deeds, indicating Habib’s open religiosity and the fact that much of his songs are filled with religious terminology such as “namaaz” and “rooze”!

update!

Note: thanks to Siamak

Back to reclaim their throne!

2010-07-13T11:04:00.000-07:00

They have been spotted and reported, occasionally and sporadically, through the past year. But this shot from Kesha’s recent concert is the solid proof of their comeback. Yes, they are officially back! After years of humiliation! Back to reclaim their throne!

Jahanbakhsh: We were scammed!

2010-07-13T11:03:00.002-07:00

Babak Jahanbakhsh who has just released his brand new 3rd album called “Ehsaas”, including the theme song “Panaaham Bede” from the motion picture “Do Khaahar”, was one of the stars to contribute to the religious “Hasht” collection. A collection which was not released around the birthday of Imam Reza as it was originally planned, due to permit issues. A delay which caused a conflict between the producers and IranGam that had bought the package to sell on the annual occasion. According to Moosighie Iranian Jahanbakhsh himself is currently in a financial dispute with the producer, Mansouryar, since he was invited to preform for free but the project which was supposed to be non-profit cashed in commercially!

New Release: Sohrab & Amir - “Zire Baroon”

2010-07-13T11:03:00.001-07:00

After his dramatic stunt in the media Nima Varasteh has become the most demanding producer around and an equivalent to the likes of Timbaland, but within the Iranian industry, constantly demanding recognition to the extent of being mentioned in every single interview and having his photo on basically every one of his recent productions for other artists (pay attention to how he is in the foreground in all pictures)! His latest album for Askari basically became something of an embarrassment and now he is back with an album co-produced for a duo by the name of Sohrab Pakzad and Amir Tabari. The debut “Zire Baroon” has been marketed properly according to Varasteh and will become a success. An album which he already considers as his best work yet, in which he has once again been able to innovate. Sohrab and Amir are both composers who follow the trends in the Western music and contributed with their knowledge, he says. They also sound similar to each other so both sang all the songs and we later combined their voices as we saw it fit. Varasteh further says that they have produced the album together financially, something which he sees as new in the industry.

We gave its distribution to “Aavaaye Parsian”, which is a serious company that normally deals with classical music. On the duo’s website you can read, after paragraphs of paid dues to Varasteh, a rather bold (in lack for better word) claim that their “Zire Baroon” which was originally released (underground?!) four years ago is the first Iranian HOUSE production ever (you basically must have lived under a rock somewhere, or in Varasteh’s studio, for the past half a decade in order to buy that!lol). Time has proved that future collaborations with Hamid Askari and Sohrab & Amir is wise and possible, Varasteh says, something I am more than happy to continue. Its noteworthy that Sohrab and Amir have already had their debut concert in Tehran.

Chavoshi: I’ll be always singing religious themes!

2010-07-13T11:02:00.001-07:00

Mohsen Chavoshi’s appearance on the latest religious compilation “Hasht” dedicated to Imam Reza, along with other high profile stars has caused some controversy among his fans. Mohsen however makes it clear in an interview with Moosighie Iranian, that he has always performed for religious events and will continue to do so, and this in fact is his second hymn to the shi’te Imam known as “the protector of the deer”! The song which according to the magazine doesn’t sound like Chavoshi singing once again raises the question whether this in fact is Chavoshi’s natural voice or not. The difference between his vocal performances on the albums became even more clear amid his legal debut, something which Chavoshi then blamed on the badly mixed and leaked songs. Now Chavoshi has in fact admitted that he does sound different on each album, but according to him it is deliberately and depending of the mood of the album!

Sirvan on Khajeamiri’s upcoming album

2010-07-13T11:01:00.000-07:00

Ehsan Khajeamiri’s 5th studio album will be titled “Yek Khaatere az Fardaa” and will be featuring one song arranged by Sirvan Khosravi. Khajeamiri has in the past expressed his love for electronic music and is now eager to hear people’s reaction on the 10th track of the album. It should be mentioned that Sirvan did a similar contribution to Reza Sadeghi’s career with “Vaysaa Donyaa”, a song which became a public success and thus started a verbal feud between the two artists about its actual importance in Sadeghi’s career!

Farzin’s concert on waters

2010-06-26T00:09:00.001-07:00

According to Moosighie Iranian Farzad Farzin is currently starring in a motion picture about an aspiring singer whose biggest dream is to sing a song for the Persian Gulf while standing on a boat. The movie titled “Concerte Rooye Aab” is Farzin’s second cinematic experience and will be featuring him on the soundtrack. Co-staring Hamid Lolayi and Ahmad Pourmokhber.

Small step for the blog, giant leap for mankind!

2010-06-26T00:08:00.001-07:00

Alright, as you can see this is a ~~lame~~ late night idea that occurs only to the mind of a tired individual with midsummer cold!lol This is shot with my old but loyal Cannon cam, and its already low A/V quality (5 Megapixel) was reduced even more via the youtube upload! But overall I was pleased with the result. I think! The quality is adequate for what it is supposed to be, namely short candid messages every once in a while. Just to make it more personal and step out of the written words context. I am not going to turn the whole video blogging to something pivotal for the blog, at least that’s not the plan, but rather a light-hearted and fun feature.

Orkideh band consider going instrumental

2010-06-26T00:07:00.000-07:00

In an interview with Mooisghie Iranian Orkideh Hajivandi says that her first all female POP ensemble “Orkideh” celebrate their ninth year together. The band that has been critically acclaimed for their organic sound and won several prizes at domestic festivals say that since they are not allowed to release recordings, they try to present a few new songs in every concert and have by now almost 60 songs in their playlist. According to the laws of the Islamic republic women are allowed to sing for other women at exclusive concerts, but in order to avoid male ears hearing their voices and get aroused they are not allowed to record any vocals! Orkideh says that the band have had a close collaboration with Behrooz Saffarian during the past six years as the arranger of many of their songs (my question is, how does Behrooz work with them in the studio, when he is not allowed to hear their vocals? I guess like in Arian’s case the studio musicians are like doctors, mahram?lol). She also says that due to the fact that female musicians are not allowed to release albums and get the feedback they need in order to thrive their music has become stagnated. Therefore the band say that they are considering releasing instrumental albums some time in the future.

IranGam: Ershaad has to untie our hands!

2010-06-26T00:06:00.003-07:00

Sadreddin Hosseinkhani, the owner of IranGam which is currently the biggest record label in Iran, has in an interview with Moosighie Iranian accused the authorities of indirectly supporting the “decadent” and “destructive” underground artists! While we follow the law and our honest musicians have to sit and face the harsh restrictions the undergrounders mushroom on the sat TV and internet along with LA-artists. This is truly unfair and discouraging for our artists, to fail for doing the right thing! The ministry has to see the bigger picture, it has to untie our hands and give us exposure on the state TV he says, in order to fight the cultural erosion before its too late.

Chris de Burgh sings for Neda

2010-06-26T00:06:00.001-07:00

Chris de Burgh whose planned concerts in Iran never happened, most likely due to a particular clip, is now paying respect to the memory of Neda on the day of her death! A ballad as strong as his legendary serenade to late Lady Diana, “Lady in Red”. “People of the World” is available as of today for free download, in limited time only. Go here to download. By the way, the gentle portrait of Neda is the work of the American artist Tim O’Brien.

Note: thanks to Siamak

New Release: Ali Ashabi - “To Raast Migi”

2010-06-26T00:05:00.001-07:00

Ali Ashabi is the latest undergrounder to go legal! According Farzad Farzin the delay in the release of the album has been caused by the album’s leakage which in itself caused confusion for Ershaad. However Ashabi recently appeared together with other stars on a religious compilation which according to rumours secured his position as legal. Entitled “To Raast Migi” the album features 12 tracks and is released on IranGam. What’s interesting is that this album features works by domestic artists who have been suspended indefinitely from artistic activities, mainly due to their collaboration with LA-artists. Taraneh Mokarram, Roozbeh Bemani and Elias Shirzad are those whose works are credited by pseudonyms! However it is not clear which pseudonym belongs to whom!

Ashkan and Anda

2010-06-26T00:04:00.002-07:00

Following the success of the DANCE MUSIC duo Ashkan & Kooshan, Ashkan is working on a solo project with an international orientation. Which will be including a duet called “Love on You” with the Romanian songstress Anda Adam, who is currently nominated for the best female and best pop artist in the upcoming Romanian Music Awards 2010. Bia2 is proud to premier the song exclusively for your enjoyment! Coming soon, stay tuned!

New Release: Dariush - “Donyaaye in Roozaaye Man”

2010-06-26T00:04:00.001-07:00

Dariush has just released his brand new album entitled “Donyaaye in Roozaaye Man” along with a LIVE DVD. You can get them separately or as combo set from Dariush’s official website. Please go to Dariush2000.com for further information.

Tohi comments on the rap movement

2010-06-26T00:03:00.000-07:00

Hossein Tohi’s manager Farid Afshar sent us the following clip which features some freestyling and an interview with the artist regarding his past and relationship with the underground rap movement. Afshar also let the rapper’s fan know that there are an album and performances planned which will be preceded by a couple of songs and video featuring fellow artists.

From Sweden, for Iran!

2010-06-26T00:02:00.002-07:00

The Sweden-based rapper Behrang Miri who performed at the Iranian Hip Hop festival of Sweden months ago usually raps in Swedish, however for his song “Free Iran” from the upcoming follow up to his debut album “Boken Om Vårt Liv (The Book of Our Lives)” he has chosen to sing in English. The song is his contribution to the solidarity movement in support of the demonstrators of democracy in Iran, which comes with a world class video. Check it out!

Note: thanks to Mobasher

Sasy tells his story

2010-06-26T00:02:00.001-07:00

In case you’re in need for a follow up on the whole Sasy Mankan controversy here is the story told by the man(kan) himself!

Note: thanks to Siamak

Pahlavan: we are working on a new album

2010-06-25T23:58:00.002-07:00

Ali Pahlavan has in a interview with Moosighie Iranian announced ARIAN’s first decade anniversary. The band will be releasing a concert DVD, a compilation of musical notations for guitar and to go on an American tour. Our manager is at the moment in US accompanying Benyamin on his tour, Pahlavan says, together with our US-based member Ninef Amirkhas they are preparing for our upcoming tour. He also explains that Borzou Bedihi and Payam Salehi have not left the band, like the rumours have had, but rather that the band is working on a forthcoming album. Borzou’s absence in live performances is due to his inability to be present for rehearsals, while living on the country side. Pahlavan further assures the fans that neither Payam Salehi’s acting career or solo plans nor his own solo album will mean the end of the decade old band. Payam, just like the rest of us, loves other styles of music that not necessarily fit the band’s description and format, Pahlavan says. So he is experimenting in an album that he chose not to write or arrange himself, just to make sure that it doesn’t sound like ARIAN. However I’m sure Nima Varasteh’s presence will ensure its success, Pahlavan adds (keep in mind that not long ago Nima Varasteh attacked the band for not crediting his contributions to their music.)

1000 Toman more for an album

2010-06-25T23:58:00.001-07:00

According to Bahman Chamanara, the former owner of the legendary Beethoven Music Center and newly established label Ava Khorshid, the price of the domestic CD releases will increase with at least 1000 Toman in the coming month. Due to the higher production costs, explains Chamanara, however his label along with several other labels such as Avaye Barbad, Ney Davoud and Hermes will also use the money to increase the number of releases in the current fiscal year.

The man who gave 6/8 a good name

2010-06-25T23:57:00.000-07:00

I was browsing youtube for a certain song earlier, when I happened to came across this fan-made medley of some of Sadegh Nojouki’s many, many HITS! I have said it before and it bears to be said again, Sadegh Nojouki is one of the most skill-full creators of our modern music, with a unique sense for the Iranian melody and beat. To me he was the one who revived the Iranian musicality in popular format. Not only did the 80’s belong to the man, very rightfully so when you hear his timeless creations which are almost all of both an incredible artistic value and commercial quality being performed by the biggest stars of our time, but he basically dignified the ill-reputed Persian 6/8 rhythm by taming and refining it to his service and signature beat! To such extent that it sounded classy and sophisticated no matter who sang it. Only during his reign came this beat to enjoy a good name, neither before nor after has it been so highly regarded by both critics and masses. Who can today claim that he has skill enough to convince the most serious artists, even Dariush, to sing a 6/8 song?! His 6/8 didn’t disguise the singers’ shortcomings in vocal performance, as it often is used to do these days, but rather reached its full potential once it was topped by a high calibre voice!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9cvLV9mny0

Bia2 premiers ZedBazi’s farewell song

2010-06-25T23:56:00.001-07:00

In case you haven’t heard the news yet ZedBazi are breaking up! The UK/France-based rappers were among the first to establish what is today known and popular as “Persian Hip Hop”. They were among the underground pioneers who broke a ground for today’s many Iranian rappers to follow. There are so many Persian rappers active inside and outside the country today that the Persian rap has become mainstream, even though still relatively independent from the commercial industry. It is arguably one of the most productive genres in our music! The members have decided to keep the reason for the break up private but they will be saying farewell with a last song called “Dastaane Maa”, a song produced by Alireza JJ who has also produced the popular “Tabestoon Kootahe” and “Zamin Saafe”. Bia2 is proud to premier ZedBazi’s very last jam, featuring Alireza JJ, Mehrad Hidden and Nassim, on 4th of June 2010! Be here, to say farewell!!

Sirvan: why want to become Avakian?!

2010-06-25T23:55:00.000-07:00

The readers of Taraaneye Maah journal have in a poll chosen Sirvan Khosravi as the best arranger of the year. Sirvan himself says that he is neither surprised nor thrilled since he has become known as mainly an arranger and such public acknowledges do not always pay off in the long run. It doesn’t take a skilled arranger to get chosen as the arranger of the year, Sirvan argues, but rather someone who is frequently active. It only takes one year of passivity from me in order to become forgotten, Sirvan continues, so this is thanks mainly to exposure. He also says that in POP music its mostly about luck, while many of his songs have become popular they are hardly among his best he says. Even though I’ve become household name through Sadeghi’s “Vaysa Donya” and Mehdi Assadi’s “Yalla” my best creations remain unknown, Sirvan complains. My genre is rock even though I’ve become known as a POP arranger, he says, it takes to go through POP in order to be able to play what you really like to play. He also complains that all today’s singers sound alike and think that a great arranger can put a distinction to their music.

Sirvan says that 99% of the problems in the Iranian industry is caused by the absence of a music video tradition and the remaining 1% is caused by absence of copyright law. He also says that although he tries to draw inspiration from arrangers from all over the world he doesn’t believe in copying others’ styles. I try to create my own signature style and do not understand how until just recently our arrangers had chosen Schubert Avakian as their source of emulation, Sirvan complains, everyone wanted to have their songs arranged by Schubert Avakian which I found really sad (I guess Sirvan is running out of domestic colleagues to dis now!lol)! How could artists who hear all the intentional music have such low ambitions, he continues asking, I have had a affective role in familiarizing the Iranian ear and mentality with western styles through my latest album. Sirvan says that his effect resulted in the album selling twice as much as his debut. “Saate 9″ is far from what the market craves, Sirvan admits, but it is what I wanted and needed to create all along. He says that he now has reached a point where he can also make a living through singing while arranging has been his bread and butter in the past, he admits however that he doesn’t enjoy a voice that can stand alone and make it without his own arrangements. Finally Sirvan announces that he only upcoming work he has is Shahab Ramezan’s album “Romantic” which he has arranged in its entirety, Its a collaboration which I like people to hear, Sirvans says, I also have another album in the making for a singer whose name I wont mention yet, along with my third album which I’ve started producing already.

Note: thanks to Peyman