All the bands on this CD are working in Iran, but this music can’t be sold in

shops or be officially performed. Musicians have to get a license from Ershad,

the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance, for recording and public

performance. Reasons given for not granting one include ‘an improper sense

of style,’ ‘excessive stage movements’ or no reason at all. Female artists are the

most restricted being expressly forbidden to sing solo (except to all-female

audiences). The irony is that the lyrics are rarely political. The tragic killing

of female student Neda Agha-Soltan by government security forces during a

demonstration on June 20 2009created a potent icon for the opposition ‘Green

Movement’ and others. Opportunities for unofficial music have become even

more limited since the contested elections last year. Bar-Ax is a UK-based

centre for alternative Iranian music, promoting, curating and licensing this

important genre.

BOMRANI
MARAL
MUTE AGENCY
POUYA MAHMOODI
THE YAARS
HAARNICK
GACHPAJ
YELLOW DOGS
FONT
FLOW
THE GAP
MALCONTENT
APRIGON
SOOG

  Order CD