The Emergence of a New Method in Iranian Traditional Music

Please give us a brief introduction of yourself, your biography and your Resume (What first piqued your interest? Who inspired you to make music? …)

During my childhood, my father and family supported and encouraged me on my musical journey. I started music lessons and played Tar with my father. Later on, I learned Tar from Mr. Farid Irani in Mashhad, and eventually began my professional studies of Tar and Setar with maestro Keivan Saket. Finally, I graduated from the University of Arts in Tehran with a degree in music.

While collaborating and performing with well-known artists, I pursued my solo projects and created a group called ‘Minimal’ with some talented musicians. In 2018, I released an album called ‘As Aras-Concertino for Tar and Orchestra’ and I am currently working on another album called ‘Overture’. Throughout this time, I have taken part in several festivals. For instance, I won the silver medal at the ‘Global Music Awards’ in 2020, in two categories: Best Instrumentalist and Best Album. In addition, I received the ‘Djooky Music Award’ for Best Classical Composition in 2021 in the United States. styles.

How do you stay inspired and motivated to create new music and who is your mentor? What is your thought process? What challenges do you face while producing music?

An artist is infl uenced by the society around him during his creative process, and I am no exception. In Iran, as an artist – and as a sensitive individual – I observe and respond to various events and incidents to refl ect the emotionsanger, sadness, grief, and the feelings of my people.

You have collaborated with many well-known artists. One of my personal favorites would be Yasmin Levy who also made a statement about you; But who is your personal favorite artist you have collaborated with and who are you looking forward to collaborate with?

I have collaborated with musicians from different countries and learned from each partnership.

For instance, I enjoyed performing with Shariyar Imanov, a Tar player from Baku, who had a vibrant stage presence and connected well with the audience. Additionally, I played alongside David Chadwick, a nyckelharpa player from England, who explores Eastern music passionately and demonstrates remarkable improvisational skills. I had similar experiences with other artists like Xavier Diaz Latore, a Baroque lute player, Juan Manuel Quintana, a Viola da Gamba player, and many more.

While I didn’t collaborate closely with Ms. Yasmin Levy, a fantastic singer, she heard my composition, “Saal-e Ashk,” (“The Year of Tears”), and shared her emotions about it. The piece refl ects my feelings during the bitter and challenging days of that year.

“Sometimes memories from our past emerge, memories of past lives, pain, sadness, or a yearning for something unexplainable. It’s like we are both old and young at the same time, but our soul knows what our mind cannot comprehend. This music and playing may transport you to your unknown past, like it did for me – to mountains, deserts, maybe even to God. Allow yourself to listen and see what emotions it evokes.”

What strategies do you use to promote yourself as an artist?

I work hard to bring sensitivity to the production phase, which extends the process of creating a piece. I oversee all stages of the creative process, including music, graphics, clips, and more. When the work is created with passion, attention, and signifi cant time investment, it will resonate with the audience. Today, no matter where you live as an artist, sharing your creations on social networks can reach the farthest corners of the world.

What strategies do you use to keep up with the trends in the music industry?

In order to understand global music trends and their impact on my art, I closely monitor the music industry, comments and reviews on social media, and the work of other artists. I attempt to uphold my connection with the audience, putting much emphasis on Instagram. Thus, I review the feedback from my audience. 

I also observe the playlists on which my songs are being reshared on Spotify. In my view, independent artists should rely on their own ideas. Even though observations can yield intriguing outcomes, ultimately, it’s the artist who leads the audience, not the other way around.