Persian pop music
Encyclopedia
Persian pop music refers to pop music
with songs in the Persian language
or other regional languages of Iran and Afghanistan
. Although Persian pop music originated in Iran
, it is also listened to throughout Tajikstan, and notably by the Afghan
and Iranian
diaspora in America and Europe
.
(King Of Persian Pop), Khashayar Etemadi, Mohammad Isfahani, were among the first singers who got significant support, including promotion by national TV, to produce new pop songs. Domestic pop music received a warm welcome by many people, while it was criticized by the elites as "superficial music" (in the sense of lyrics
, music, and the cultural impact). Unhappy with common trends, Shahbazian decided to quit and officially join the critics of this music after a while.
Pop music in Iran is subject to strict regulation. A permit from the Iranian Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance
(also known as Ershaad) is needed to perform or publish music. Officially, there is a three-year waiting period for each album to get a permit.
As a result of easing cultural restrictions within Iran under president Khatami
, a number of Persian pop singers have emerged from within the country. Ever since the current administration took office, the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance
has adopted a different policy, mainly to make it easier to monitor the industry. The new policy included loosening restrictions for a small number of artists, while tightening it for the rest. Even though it has become more difficult for artists to get an album permit, the number of album releases has increased nonetheless. This is because artists have starting asking permits for their next album, even if they have not received one for their previous album (yet).
At the end of 2009, Sirvan Khosravi was the first (domestic) Iranian artist to get high-rotation airplay on a regular radio station in Europe. He made his debut with the title song of his second album Saate 9, which also made headlines in the Iranian on-line media. Late August 2010, Farzad Farzad made his European chart debut with the second song Chikeh Chikeh from his third legal album Shaans
Some major contemporary Persian pop artists in Iran include:
Arian Band
, the first Persian Pop music band, was formed after the Iranian revolution and have had huge success since then. Aryan band started a new chapter of Iranian pop music. Their debut album, "Gole Aftabgardoon" (The Sunflower) was released in 2000. The album had huge success in Iran.
Another brand of Persian pop music is represented by work of figures like Alireza Eftekhari
. Eftekhari among a few others put significant effort in forming a new genre of Iranian pop music. Referring to the difficulties in this way, he once stated: "In order to introduce pop music to Iranian music culture, I have made myself a scapegoat."
In the 1980s and 1990s, a number of Persian pop stars (mainly) based in Los Angeles
, many of whom were born out of Iran or had lived the majority of their lives outside of Iran
, began to gain fame. This new wave of Persian pop music often combined elements of American music
and culture, as well as Latino
culture, to form a new blend of music distinct from earlier periods. The influence of Techno music especially has been very strong.Some major artists include:
, the music industry was dominated by Persian classical singers.Then Vigen, known as the "Sultan of pop", ushered in a revolution that coincided with the emergence of a new, western-influenced middle class.
Persian pop music was developed by the 1970s, using indigenous instruments and forms and adding electric guitar
and other imported characteristics; the most popular musician of this period was Googoosh
. The Golden Age of Persian pop music did not last very long, though, and was banned within Iran after the 1979 revolution
.
Many Iranians fled to foreign countries, especially Los Angeles
in the United States
, and many continued to sing in exile. Top figures of the golden era of Iranian pop music include:
Pop music
Pop music is usually understood to be commercially recorded music, often oriented toward a youth market, usually consisting of relatively short, simple songs utilizing technological innovations to produce new variations on existing themes.- Definitions :David Hatch and Stephen Millward define pop...
with songs in the Persian language
Persian language
Persian is an Iranian language within the Indo-Iranian branch of the Indo-European languages. It is primarily spoken in Iran, Afghanistan, Tajikistan and countries which historically came under Persian influence...
or other regional languages of Iran and Afghanistan
Afghanistan
Afghanistan , officially the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, is a landlocked country located in the centre of Asia, forming South Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East. With a population of about 29 million, it has an area of , making it the 42nd most populous and 41st largest nation in the world...
. Although Persian pop music originated in Iran
Iran
Iran , officially the Islamic Republic of Iran , is a country in Southern and Western Asia. The name "Iran" has been in use natively since the Sassanian era and came into use internationally in 1935, before which the country was known to the Western world as Persia...
, it is also listened to throughout Tajikstan, and notably by the Afghan
Afghanistan
Afghanistan , officially the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, is a landlocked country located in the centre of Asia, forming South Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East. With a population of about 29 million, it has an area of , making it the 42nd most populous and 41st largest nation in the world...
and Iranian
Iran
Iran , officially the Islamic Republic of Iran , is a country in Southern and Western Asia. The name "Iran" has been in use natively since the Sassanian era and came into use internationally in 1935, before which the country was known to the Western world as Persia...
diaspora in America and Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
.
Early history
Persian pop music originated during Qajar dynasty in 19th century. However after the invention of radio in 1920, it grew rapidly in PersiaContemporary Persian Pop in Iran
In the 1990s, Iranian officials decided to produce and promote a "decent" pop music to compete with the informal mainstream Persian pop music, mostly produced in California (so-called "LA-type" music). Ali Moallem (a poet) and Fereydoun Shahbazian (a musician) headed a council at IRIB that supervised the revival of domestic pop music. Singers such as Shadmehr AghiliShadmehr Aghili
Shadmehr Aghili born 27 January 1973 in Tehran, Iran) is the most favorite Iranian pop singer, musician, composer, music arranger, producer and song-writer, and formerly an actor. He emigrated to Canada first, but currently resides in Los Angeles, California.-Career:Shadmehr was a child prodigy...
(King Of Persian Pop), Khashayar Etemadi, Mohammad Isfahani, were among the first singers who got significant support, including promotion by national TV, to produce new pop songs. Domestic pop music received a warm welcome by many people, while it was criticized by the elites as "superficial music" (in the sense of lyrics
Lyrics
Lyrics are a set of words that make up a song. The writer of lyrics is a lyricist or lyrist. The meaning of lyrics can either be explicit or implicit. Some lyrics are abstract, almost unintelligible, and, in such cases, their explication emphasizes form, articulation, meter, and symmetry of...
, music, and the cultural impact). Unhappy with common trends, Shahbazian decided to quit and officially join the critics of this music after a while.
Pop music in Iran is subject to strict regulation. A permit from the Iranian Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance
Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance
The Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance is the ministry of Culture of the Islamic Republic of Iran. It is responsible for restricting access to any media of which the Islamic Regime in Tehran does not approve....
(also known as Ershaad) is needed to perform or publish music. Officially, there is a three-year waiting period for each album to get a permit.
As a result of easing cultural restrictions within Iran under president Khatami
Khatami
-Politicians:* Mohammad Khatami , Iranian reformist President, former President of Iran * Mohammad Reza Khatami , Iranian reformist politician, Vice Speaker of Iranian Parliament and brother of Mohammad Khatami...
, a number of Persian pop singers have emerged from within the country. Ever since the current administration took office, the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance
Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance
The Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance is the ministry of Culture of the Islamic Republic of Iran. It is responsible for restricting access to any media of which the Islamic Regime in Tehran does not approve....
has adopted a different policy, mainly to make it easier to monitor the industry. The new policy included loosening restrictions for a small number of artists, while tightening it for the rest. Even though it has become more difficult for artists to get an album permit, the number of album releases has increased nonetheless. This is because artists have starting asking permits for their next album, even if they have not received one for their previous album (yet).
At the end of 2009, Sirvan Khosravi was the first (domestic) Iranian artist to get high-rotation airplay on a regular radio station in Europe. He made his debut with the title song of his second album Saate 9, which also made headlines in the Iranian on-line media. Late August 2010, Farzad Farzad made his European chart debut with the second song Chikeh Chikeh from his third legal album Shaans
Some major contemporary Persian pop artists in Iran include:
- Ali LohrasbiAli LohrasbiAli Lohrasbi is an Iranian singer and pop-star.Some of his big hits include Faseleha, Hese Gharib, Khodaya, Leila, Kooh, Atre Baroon, Aineh, Booyeh Eidi, Be Man Befahmoon, Ziafat, Eghrar, Bad Az Raftanet, Aman Az Dard Doori, Kouh and Daryaeeha .-External links:*...
- Ehsan Khajeh AmiriEhsan Khajeh AmiriEhsan Khajeh Amiri born October 29, 1984 in Iran, is an Iranian singer. he is son of famous Persian traditional music singer, Iraj. He performed some of the songs in the film Moon is Shining Tonight.-Studio Albums:...
- Sirvan Khosravi
- Farzad FarzinFarzad FarzinFarzad Farzin was born in Tehran, Iran on 24 June 1981. He is an Iranian singer, song writer, arranger, and actor.-Early years:...
- Benyamin BahadoriBenyamin BahadoriBenyamin Bahadori is an Iranian singer of Persian pop music from tonekabon, Iran. His 2006 album 85 was a commercial success within Iran and with the Iranian diaspora abroad...
- Mohammad EsfahaniMohammad EsfahaniMohammad Esfahani is an Iranian pop music singer.He graduated from The Medical University of Iran in 1997, while learning Iranian music from the famous Iranian singer Mohammad-Reza Shajarian and one of his best students,...
- Alireza EftekhariAlireza EftekhariAlireza Eftekhari is an Iranian vocalist of Iranian classical and popular music.-Biography:He learnt music from several well known Iranian musicians, such as Taj Esfahani and Ali Tajvidi. Eftekhari is one of the most prolific Iranian vocalists....
- Alireza AssarAlireza Assar-Biography:The oldest child of a 4 member family in Tehran, His studiedthe piano under the supervision of Kavous Samandar, Javad Maaroufi and Mostafa Pourtorab. His first concert was in "Aboureihan-e Birooni " Hall in Shahid Beheshti University at age 16. Since then he had several concerts...
- Reza SadeghiReza SadeghiReza Sadeghi is an Iranian pop singer and songwriter.Sadeghi belongs to the new generation of pop singers who emerged in post revolutionary Iran. He gained popularity among young Iranians. His most famous song is "Black is the color of love" . His first song was created in 1992...
- Shadmehr AghiliShadmehr AghiliShadmehr Aghili born 27 January 1973 in Tehran, Iran) is the most favorite Iranian pop singer, musician, composer, music arranger, producer and song-writer, and formerly an actor. He emigrated to Canada first, but currently resides in Los Angeles, California.-Career:Shadmehr was a child prodigy...
(who eventually left Iran for Canada) - Mohsen YeganehMohsen YeganehMohsen Yeganeh is a popular Iranian vocalist, singer and songwriter. He performed at the 2008 Fajr International Music Festival.- Early life :...
Arian Band
Arian Band
Arian is the first pop band consisting of both male and female singers and players in Iran after the Islamic Revolution. Pahlavan and Salehi are the band's lead vocalists, and the songwriters are Pahlavan, Salehi, Amirkhas, Khahani and Farnejad. Their second, third and forth albums were the...
, the first Persian Pop music band, was formed after the Iranian revolution and have had huge success since then. Aryan band started a new chapter of Iranian pop music. Their debut album, "Gole Aftabgardoon" (The Sunflower) was released in 2000. The album had huge success in Iran.
Another brand of Persian pop music is represented by work of figures like Alireza Eftekhari
Alireza Eftekhari
Alireza Eftekhari is an Iranian vocalist of Iranian classical and popular music.-Biography:He learnt music from several well known Iranian musicians, such as Taj Esfahani and Ali Tajvidi. Eftekhari is one of the most prolific Iranian vocalists....
. Eftekhari among a few others put significant effort in forming a new genre of Iranian pop music. Referring to the difficulties in this way, he once stated: "In order to introduce pop music to Iranian music culture, I have made myself a scapegoat."
Contemporary Iranian pop in the United States
Los Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
, many of whom were born out of Iran or had lived the majority of their lives outside of Iran
Iran
Iran , officially the Islamic Republic of Iran , is a country in Southern and Western Asia. The name "Iran" has been in use natively since the Sassanian era and came into use internationally in 1935, before which the country was known to the Western world as Persia...
, began to gain fame. This new wave of Persian pop music often combined elements of American music
Music of the United States
The music of the United States reflects the country's multi-ethnic population through a diverse array of styles. Among the country's most internationally-renowned genres are hip hop, blues, country, rhythm and blues, jazz, barbershop, pop, techno, and rock and roll. The United States has the...
and culture, as well as Latino
Latino
The demonyms Latino and Latina , are defined in English language dictionaries as:* "a person of Latin-American descent."* "A Latin American."* "A person of Hispanic, especially Latin-American, descent, often one living in the United States."...
culture, to form a new blend of music distinct from earlier periods. The influence of Techno music especially has been very strong.Some major artists include:
- AndyAndy MadadianAndranik Madadian , better known by his stage name, Andy , is a famous Iranian-Armenian singer-songwriter. He is a naturalized American and currently lives in Los Angeles, California.-Early life:...
, MoeinMoeinNasrollah Moein known as Moein is an Iranian singer known for his love songs. Born in 1951 in Najaf Abad in Esfahan, he has played lots of concerts across the world...
, Siavash ShamsSiavash ShamsSiavash Shams is a popular and famous Persian and World music singer, songwriter, composer and record producer who has released 7 successful albums.-Early life:...
, Shahab Tiam, MansourMansour (singer)Mansour is a contemporary Persian musical artist. From a new generation of rising singers of the exiled Iranian community based in Southern California, he is now ranked as one of the top male singers of the Iranian music scene...
, Susan RoshanSusan RoshanSusan Roshan , born September 23, 1967 in Hamedan, Iran is an American singer of Iranian origin.-Biography:Susan born in Tehran and her family moved to the United States when she was 9 years old. She entered the Iranian music scene with her first album " Khakestar" only released on tape. Her...
, Shahrum KShahrum KShahrum Kashani better known as Shahrum K or SK is a Iranian pop singer. He has released 8 commercially successful albums with notable hits.-Biography:...
, Farshid Amin, PyruzPyruzPyruz Payandeh Azad is a famous Persian pop singer, songwriter, guitarist and former frontman and leadsinger of Black Cats.- Biography :Pyruz came to the United States in 1977 to finish school but because he had a passion for music, he and his best friend Ebi Hamidieh started a band called Shish O...
, Shohreh SolatiShohreh SolatiShohreh Solati is a popular Iranian singer. She has had one of the most consistently active and prolific careers among contemporary, women Iranian singers...
, Shahrzad SepanlouShahrzad SepanlouShahrzad Sepanlou is a Persian-Iranian singer.Shahrzad Sepanlou is daughter of Mohammad-Ali Sepanlou and Partow Nori ala.- Discography :Shahrzad Sepanlou has recorded 5 albums.#Earth, Wind and Fire #Our Story#1001 Nights#TŌ...
, EbiEbiEbi is a Persian Singer-songwriter and performer currently living in Marbella, Spain. He has combined musical influences from traditional Persian music, western pop and sometimes Latino style rhythms and is a major name in Persian music...
, Kamran Delan, ArashArash (artist)Arash Labaf is an Iranian-Swedish singer, dancer, entertainer and producer.- Early life :Arash Labaf was born in Tehran, Iran. At age ten, he and his family moved to Sweden, where he still resides. In an interview with BBC Persian Television, he has mentioned that his mother and father are from...
, Hengameh, Jamshid, Cameron CartioCameron CartioKamran Sabahi better known by his stage name Cameron Cartio , born on 9 April 1978) is an Iranian-born Swedish pop singer and songwriter....
, Ishan (band), AfshinAfshinAfshin is a common Persian and Turkish given name, derived from the princely title of the rulers of Ošrūsana at the time of the Muslim conquest...
, Kamran & Hooman, Fereydoun, Hi-5, ShaghayeghShaghayeghShaghayegh means corn poppy in Persian.Shaghayegh may also refer to:* Shaghayegh Farahani, Persian actress; daughter of actor Behzad Farahani* Shaghayegh Dehghan, Persian actress and writer...
, Shahriar, SepidehSepidehSepideh is a common female Iranian name that means "Dawn" or "Before the Sunrise". The word "Sepid" also means "white" and is a type of Persian Poetry.- Abbreviations and Various Forms of Spelling :* Sep* Sepi* Sepee* Sepid* Sepeed* Sepide* Sepeede...
, Shahram ShabparehShahram ShabparehShahram Shabpareh , is a famous Iranian pop singer, songwriter. His career spans more than 4 decades, he has had countless hits and sold many albums worldwide. -Career:...
, Black Cats.
The Golden Age of Persian Pop Music
In Iran, before the emergence in the early 1950s of Vigen DerderianVigen Derderian
Vigen or Viguen, born Vigen Derderian , known as "Sultan of Pop" and "Sultan of Persian jazz", was a hugely popular Iranian pop music singer and actor...
, the music industry was dominated by Persian classical singers.Then Vigen, known as the "Sultan of pop", ushered in a revolution that coincided with the emergence of a new, western-influenced middle class.
Persian pop music was developed by the 1970s, using indigenous instruments and forms and adding electric guitar
Electric guitar
An electric guitar is a guitar that uses the principle of direct electromagnetic induction to convert vibrations of its metal strings into electric audio signals. The signal generated by an electric guitar is too weak to drive a loudspeaker, so it is amplified before sending it to a loudspeaker...
and other imported characteristics; the most popular musician of this period was Googoosh
Googoosh
Faegheh Atashin also known by her stage name Googoosh is an Iranian singer and actress. She is known for her contributions to Iranian pop music, but also starred in a variety of movies from the 1950s to the 1970s. She achieved the pinnacle of her fame and success towards the end of the 1970s...
. The Golden Age of Persian pop music did not last very long, though, and was banned within Iran after the 1979 revolution
Iranian Revolution
The Iranian Revolution refers to events involving the overthrow of Iran's monarchy under Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and its replacement with an Islamic republic under Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the leader of the...
.
Many Iranians fled to foreign countries, especially Los Angeles
Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles , with a population at the 2010 United States Census of 3,792,621, is the most populous city in California, USA and the second most populous in the United States, after New York City. It has an area of , and is located in Southern California...
in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, and many continued to sing in exile. Top figures of the golden era of Iranian pop music include:
- HayedehHayedehHayedeh born Ma'soumeh Dadehbala , was a Persian classical and Pop singer with a contralto vocal range. In a career spanning more than 20 years, she had many hits...
- Sattar
- EbiEbiEbi is a Persian Singer-songwriter and performer currently living in Marbella, Spain. He has combined musical influences from traditional Persian music, western pop and sometimes Latino style rhythms and is a major name in Persian music...
- ArefAref (Aref Arefkia)Aref Arefkia, known as Aref , born August 10, 1941 in Miyaneh, Iran, is an Iranian-born pop singer. Aref’s first introduction to music came in part from his Azari mother listening to Radio Baku as a child. Radio Baku played Azari and Western music as well as European operas in that time...
- MahastiMahastiMahasti bornEftekhar Dadehbala was a legendary Persian Pop and classical singer and diva and the younger sister of singer Hayedeh.- Background :...
- VigenVigenVigen is a moderately popular Armenian name from the Persian Bijan....
- Dariush EghbaliDariush EghbaliDariush Eghbali better known by his stage name Dariush is a famous Iranian pop singer best known for his warm and plaintive bass voice heard in both ballads and political songs. He is also a social activist who directs a recovery center.-Early life:...
- Siavash GhomeyshiSiavash GhomeyshiSiavash Ghomayshi is an Iranian musician, singer and song writer.Siavash studied music in London where he got his Master's degree. He left Iran after 1979 and now lives in Los Angeles.-Biography:...
- Giti PashaeiGiti PashaeiGiti Pashaei was an Iranian singer and musician. Her name, Giti means world in original Pahlavi.- Biography :...
- GoogooshGoogooshFaegheh Atashin also known by her stage name Googoosh is an Iranian singer and actress. She is known for her contributions to Iranian pop music, but also starred in a variety of movies from the 1950s to the 1970s. She achieved the pinnacle of her fame and success towards the end of the 1970s...
- Leila ForouharLeila ForouharLeila Forouhar is a singer and actress from Iran. She relocated to Los Angeles after the Iranian Revolution.-Career:Leila is the daughter of the late Iranian actor Jahangir Forouhar, who had already established a solid background in the Iranian entertainment industry by the early 1970s. She speaks...
- Hassan ShamaizadehHassan ShamaizadehHassan Shamaizadeh is a famous pioneering and respected Persian singer, songwriter, composer, arranger, saxophonist, pianist. He is maestro in playing Saxophone and also play the Flute, Oboe and Clarinet with complete virtuosity. He is mostly known for his composition...
- Shahram ShabparehShahram ShabparehShahram Shabpareh , is a famous Iranian pop singer, songwriter. His career spans more than 4 decades, he has had countless hits and sold many albums worldwide. -Career:...
- Shohreh SolatiShohreh SolatiShohreh Solati is a popular Iranian singer. She has had one of the most consistently active and prolific careers among contemporary, women Iranian singers...
- NooshafarinNooshafarinNooshafarin is a popular Iranian singer. She is part of a large network of Iranian singer, composer, and songwriter exiles of the 1970s era who live and work in Southern California. Her name means "creator of joy" in Persian.-Early years:...
- HomeyraHomeyraParvaneh Amir-Afshari also known as Homeyra is an Iranian singer. She is a veteran celebrity of Iran's Golden Years of music. Her voice has been measured to span three octaves.-Early life:...
- RameshRameshRamesh is a common name in India and Nepal as well as other parts of the world where Hindu are living.The Sanskrit meaning of words Ramesh is Ruler of Rama....
Awards
- Ali Shirazinia, Shahram Tayyebi and Deep DishDeep DishDeep Dish is a duo of DJs and house-music producers consisting of Iranian-American members Ali "Dubfire" Shirazinia and Sharam Tayebi. Based in Washington, D.C., Shirazinia and Tayebi are well known for providing house or dance remixes of tracks of famous stars such as Madonna, Cher and Gabrielle,...
: Grammy AwardGrammy AwardA Grammy Award — or Grammy — is an accolade by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences of the United States to recognize outstanding achievement in the music industry...
winner - "Best Middle Eastern Song" & "Best Middle Eastern Album", 2006 JPF Awards: Andy MadadianAndy MadadianAndranik Madadian , better known by his stage name, Andy , is a famous Iranian-Armenian singer-songwriter. He is a naturalized American and currently lives in Los Angeles, California.-Early life:...
.
External links
- Persian Music
- Radio FunX (Dutch public radio station)
- Radio Nabz (Online radio streaming Persian pop music)
- Professional reviews by Pourya (Bia2)
- Pop music in Tajikistan (BBC Persian)
- Persian DJ (DJ Omead)