Former underground musicians in Iran lead cultural transformation

Updated

As Iran's relations with the West thaw and the deal to rein in its nuclear program takes full effect, an important cultural shift is underway. But how far will the clerics let the music flow

The Folk Singer

Reza Koolaghani is a passionate, intense Iranian folk performer. A native of the southern coastal city of Bandar Abbas, he moved to Tehran and did it tough for years. But now he's emerged from the shadows, belting out extraordinary tunes. Reza's been able to take advantage of Iran's more relaxed rules around arts and culture, and sign up with a producer to start making a living from his music.

"Before things opened up, music in Iran was played underground. I was considered an underground artist but now bands are getting permission to perform. I am really happy with my choice, as far as I'm concerned it was the best thing to do." Reza Koolaghani

The Gypsy Punks

Bomrani who formed in 2008, performs a rambunctious brand of Iranian gypsy punk. But the band is constantly seeking change in their music style, so it's difficult to categorise them into a specific genre. They've released two unofficial and two official albums. Not long ago they used to have to perform "underground", in unauthorised gigs. They now have permission from the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance to perform publicly, a record deal and plans to tour Europe.

"Financially it's very important. And also because we want to reach more people who would like our music. There are lots of good reasons not to be underground and to get permission to perform." Bomrani’s trombonist, Mani

The Impresario

Ehsan Rasoulof is the son of a wealthy Iranian banker and produces Reza and Bomrani. They're just part of his multi-faceted arts and culture empire, with a coffee shop, book shop and art gallery thrown into the mix. He's guiding these artists through the delicate dance of finding a voice and a vision as Iran's clerics relax their grip.

"There have been some political changes here thanks to a new generation of young people voting in both the recent presidential and parliamentary elections. The authorities accepted the results and it's meant a serious change in the political atmosphere. Personally it's made me very happy and hopeful." Ehsan Rasoulof

The Dissidents

25band fled Iran for Turkey in 2009 after recording a video showing the lead singer, Tamin, in a wedding dress with her chest and shoulders exposed. That was back when the hardline president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was in power. But even after the pragmatic President, Hassan Rouhani was elected in 2013, the video's director, who stayed in Iran, was eventually sentenced to two years in prison.

"We were forced to leave our country and exile ourselves so we could work. We left in so much pain and sorrow, and we were crying. Now, we try to follow all the news back home in Iran. We watch movies all the time even though they make us cry. We're still devastated." Lead singer, Tamin

Hundreds of artists, activists and journalists are still behind bars in Iran. Will the system of elected politicians and unelected clerics be flexible enough to set them free? Or could this be as far as it goes?

Watch 'Persian Jam' tonight on Foreign Correspondent at 9:30pm on ABC TV and iview.

Topics: critique-and-theory, popular-culture, world-politics, social-policy, iran-islamic-republic-of

First posted