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Underground Music in Iran
The ongoing government crackdown in Iran is taking place against the backdrop of a vibrant youth culture, as nearly 70 percent of the country’s population is under the age of 30. As interest in Western-style music has grown, an underground music scene has flourished. Today we look at the hotbed of rappers, metal bands and indie rockers in Iran and how musicians exist despite strict laws and threats of government censorship. Guests include Gramophone magazine's North American section editor Anastasia Tsioulcas, documentary filmmaker Amir Hamz and vocalist-guitarist Raam of Hypernova, a New York-based dance-rock band that formed in Tehran.
Soundcheck blog: John Schaefer on Western music in Iran
Hypernova on MySpace
More about the film Sounds of Silence
Video: "Freedom, Glory Be Our Name"
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Sounds like some obvious influences of American folk music and even a tinge of Lennon choruses. Can your guest speak to their direct musical influences?
I like that folk song that played and checking out Hypernova...is there any good sites they can recommend with a collection of Iranian underground music so I can increase my palate
Nice Eddie Rabbit guitar strumming there. John can u please get your guest to comment on their direct artist influences, by name? I'm sure your music history lover's who are listening would enjoy hearing some more specific commentary here. Thanks.
Sufi, the mystical tradition of Islam, has long been the outlet for criticism of the mullahs. I suspect that this tradition carries on today in Iran.
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