On Demand
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"
- About this program
- Staff Bios »
- Contact Us »
- Latest Episode
- Internship
- Tapes and Transcripts
- Show Archive »
Features & Series
Podcast
Stay up to date.
Subscribe to the Podcast
Watch Soundcheck Live!
Join us Tuesday, Nov. 10 at The Greene Space
Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova, stars of the romantic indie film Once, will debate which is more powerful: a love song or a breakup song. And: live music from Grammy winning violinist Joshua Bell and Cuban stars Tiempo Libre.
More
Comments
Refresh
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.
Leave a Comment
Please stay on topic, be civil, and be brief.
Back to EpisodeEmail addresses are never displayed, but they are required to confirm your comments. Names are displayed with all comments. WNYC reserves the right to edit any comments posted on this site. Please read the WNYC.org Comment Guidelines before posting.