A Special Thanks to the Iranian Revolution....

Lesson Learned: Music can change as years progress, altering itself to fit an era .

Description: 

     In this website article by Charles Lenchner, Music in Iran has changed since the revolution and since the fall of Shah, the changes not formulated in other forms of music like rock or rap, but instead just a revitalization of Iran’s classical Persian tradition. 

the fall of Shah

Musical groups thriving in Iran, altered the way that players of Persian music viewed the world around them and related to their audience. These “modern” performers chose lyrics of contemporary poets, projecting styles of impatience and idealism. 

"underground" musicians in Iran

Other artists some being defined as “underground”, made sure that their music stayed clear of the mainstream, defied the demands of the market, making sure to capture the energy of listeners while staying true to the spirit of the day and age. Even though there has been minor changes to the music of Iran, these changes are rooted deep in the traditions of Persian music, the traditional music of Iran, and not in the imported forms that observers write about. ( Lenchner 1)

Evaluation: 
     This article allows the reader to interpret for themselves the wave of changing music that is happening throughout Iran. Even though the article is short, it gives good details as to how Iran has changed throughout the years pertaining to music. Some may not understand why a county so judgmental of other various types, doesn’t just stick with what they are comfortable with, not altering it in any way shape or form. The answer is not that easy since Iran is a country known for its growing youth population. However, I like how this article dives right to the point as to why Iranians are deciding to experiment differently with Persian music, involving factors such as audience, view of the world around them, and capturing the energy of listeners within the country. It sets any myths that the reader has exhumed beforehand straight, letting them know that Iran hasn’t changed by involving rock and rap, but rather altered how they view traditional music and taking some additional steps that in the end only benefit the music that is being played. Iran doesn’t want to lose its roots but rather branch out within the shelters walls of Iran, trying to accommodate each citizen and their musical interests. 




Underground musicians picture found here
Iranian Revolution picture found here

Classical to Pop, Good or Bad? Iran’s Choice.

Lesson Learned:

      Restrictions on music in Iran is not stoping the younger generation for doing what they adore most, experiencing different genres of music exhuming throughout with whatever way possible. Nothing will stop people who are driven by music. 

Description:

     This website article written by Jos Schring made it clear that after the Iranian revolution, classical music still remained. However, as times have changed, pop music has made its way through Iran, eager to change those that are less familiar with it.

Scene from No one knows about Persian Cats

No one knows about Persian Cats by Bahman Ghobadi enlightens those who are unaware of how pop music is viewed through the eyes of Iranians, exhuming lines throughout the play asking “Do you like Indy Rock?” and getting answers along the lines of “Yes, I love 50 Cent and Madonna”. This isn’t strange , since pop music is forbidden within Iran. How will you ban pop music in a country where half the population is under 30?” The answer is tricky. Iran is not stoping in their efforts to continue to fight for their rights pertaining to music, practicing in basements, rooftops, underground and basically anywhere possible. You would expect a ruler to accept some music, understanding that his people are suffering. Nonetheless, even smooth sounding songs involving guitars, have no chance in the eyes of Ahmadinejad. Many bands see their future blossoming within the music industry, willing to relocate to different areas, fulfilling their dreams to perform abroad, even getting the chance to travel with Ghobadi as he promotes his film. Others not ready or dangerous enough to leave Iran, continue to play music in their basements and place their music on the internet for all to hear. Not only are the people suffering, but individuals partaking in films that give insight to events happening in Iran are also putting their lives in danger for going against government orders. (Schring 1) 

Evaluation: 

     This article was a very interesting article, in the fact that it gave information pertaining to films that give a glimpse inside the lives of Iranians, played by actors. It’s amazing that even actors are risking their lives to do what they love, taking along others who want to move and follow their dreams without government hinderance. It touches on a different base that several other articles have not yet touched on, allowing the reader to see that films are coming out to show how pop music is continuing to make its way to listeners and artists throughout Iran, and learning first hand on how pop music is effecting those that are familiar with it and those that don’t even know what pop music is just yet. The determination among Iranian’s is still thriving, not allowing government bans to hinder their plans for the future. 

Citation:

      Schring, Jos. “Pop music from Iran: both ordinary and unusual”. The Power of Culture. April 2010. Web. 12 Nov 2011. 


Picture found here

What’s So Wrong With Music Anyway?

Lesson Learned: 

     People cannot live without the presence of music in their lives. Music plays a huge part in an individual’s everyday life, and restricting it with laws only effects the individual in a negative way. The Iranian government believes this is going to benefit the population in the end, not realizing that putting restrictions on the public is only hindering their process. 

Description:

     This website article written by Max Fisher, gets to the root of why Iranian Leader, Ali Khamenei feels so strongly against music in Iran. Off the bat, Khamenei declares he believes that music is not compatible with his western cultural influence and makes it known that his decisions aren’t primarily based on his dislike for music in the first place, but that music distracts citizens for political and economic concerns (Fisher 1). This ruling is acceptable by Islam but forbids the promoting and teachings of music, making many confused on how to interpret Khamenei’s orders on what is allowed in Iran and what isn’t, basically changing every week. These new orders aren’t something unfamiliar to citizens in Iran, instead they are used to theses tactics by government since the same steps were taken regarding the clothing requirement for women not to long ago. Iranians know that when authorities feel threatened by popular or political pressure, they respond by changing rules of dress or tightening down on enforcement, ultimately ending in confusion among civilians questioning the governments motives. So what is next for these Iranians? Everyday life involving music will become consumed by regulations involving long term solutions hated by many. Khamenei sees his tactic as a “valve”, loosening it if the public becomes too angry, reducing tension or in some cases stop the restrictions as a whole. In the end, Khamenei feels he is liberalizing and softening the police state, without losing his grip on all aspects of Iran’s government and economy (Fisher 1). Nothing is yet set in stone, but only time will tell. (Fisher 1)

Evaluation: 

     This article supplies a descent amount of information pertaining to what is generally happening in Iran, not diving too in depth of specific details. This article would be great for a reader only looking for a quick summary of what was happening in Iran pertaining to the rules and regulations set on them in regards to music. On the bright side, the author gives some information pertaining to the ruler and the reasons why he has put a harness on music and how he feels it is effecting the younger generation of Iran. Adding the ruler in the article gives the reader another perspective to look at, rather than from a protestor, artist or bystander’s point of view, only seeing the rules being applied to them as horrible. Besides another perspective to see the events that are exhuming in Iran, this article is mediocre in regards to other articles on the web. 

Citation: 

     Fisher, Max. “Why Khamenei Wants to Restrict Music in Iran”. The Atlantic Monthly Group. 3 Aug 2011. 12 Nov 2011.

Iranian Rock Band Fulfills Their Dream

Lesson Learned: 
     As Americans we are truly blessed to have the freedom to express ourselves. A thing such as simple as music is forbidden in Iran, and thankfully not stoping the citizens who are continuing to strive for their dreams not matter what. 


Description: 
     An article from the New York Times written by Freya Peterson, revealed the life-long dream of a rock band named Hypernova, getting their moment in the spotlight at a bar in New York . They were extremely excited to exhume their music to American. Ramm, one the band members stated "It may not seem like much to you, but it's a dream to be here," coming from Iran in which hindered their progress as a musical group trying to make it big in a new area. Raam, one of the band members, made it clear that what they do in Iran is not as easy as it seems, having just a simple thing as performing lead to arrests, fines and even public flogging. Their love, rock music, was banned in Iran from the president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Hypernova jeopardizes their lives every show they play, some members even having to change their name so they aren’t recognized at home for taking part in something Iran disapproves of. This challenge doesn’t mask their progress, instead it makes the experience even more rewarding and worth it in the end. In Iran the kids are reaching out, trying to make political and social change by doing the things that normal kids do, being one of the main reasons that this band has fallen in love with rock. They speak little about what is happening in Iran, nonetheless letting their music do the talking for them. (Peterson 1)

Evaluation: 
     This article from the New York Times is a very reliable source. It shows the reader that the people in Iran are not just sitting around waiting for the government to change their minds about music in Iran. Instead, they are leaving their loved ones behind to have a better life in America, a place where they can express themselves through music and not be penalized for being artistic. The article within itself is a very good article, allowing the reader to feel the incentive to never give up their dreams due to the fact that kids around the world are dying to have a chance at what some would throw away. I wouldn’t know what I’d do if I was in the position of these boys, risking their lives for what they love to do. The article not only gives a glimpse into the lives of four very courageous boys, inspiring musicians in their positions to take a stand and show the world what they have in store.

Citation: Peterson, Freya. “Iranian Rock Band Has a New York Moment.” New York Times. 28 March 2007. Web. 8 November 2011.

picture found here

Shahin Najafi - Famous Protest Song

Classical Persian Music!

Young Iranians expressing themselves to Government!

Description:     
     During June of 2009, Iranians made their way to the streets to express to the government on how they felt about the upcoming presidential election. Young Iranians are heading out to protest their beliefs that the election is fraudulent, nonetheless not meeting their needs as citizens plus an economic downfall exhuming hatred against the president and future presidents (Moaveni 1). The government on the other hand wanted to put their point across to the citizens in the street that they had had enough, killing some and injuring others. Young Iranians wanted to make their voices heard, putting into play a wave of "resistance music", proving that they were not going to just back down. Leaders of Iran are trying to put an end to this nonsense, ultimately trying to block websites used to download music and social networking sites that give way to helping coordinate protests and exposing the truth. Music is still trying to make its way by any means to individuals throughout Iran. A popular protest singer named Shahin Najafi, touches the young souls who live in Iran with his words and verses. The government has reached its breaking point, banning Najafi, warning him to never come back. On the other hand,  if he does he will certainly have to pay the price! (Moaveni 1)

Evaluation:
    This journal article was a very useful source, due to the fact that it not only explains how the people of Iran are trying to keep music alive, but also how the government plays a large part in not allowing their citizens to express themselves. It provides the reader to put themselves in the shoes of the citizens living in Iran. Unlike Iranians, Americans express themselves through music by always having their iPods, mp3 players or the radio basically helping them get through each day. Music proves to be a focal point in this article by allowing the reader to interpret how precious music is in the eyes of an Iranian. All they want is the same freedom as the people around the world. Some may argue and  believe that the people of Iran should not be protesting in the streets and causing riots.The strongest point in this article is showing the reader what will happen if things get out of hand, just how Shahin Najafi will be rewarded with beatings if he decides to return. The reader would of never expected that to happen just for the sake of music. How do you blame these people for wanting to have some artistic freedom by means of music?

Citation:
Anonymous. (2010). Iran's songs of protest. New York Times Upfront, 143(1), 5.
Anonymous. "Iran's Songs of Protest." New York Times Upfront 143.1 (2010): 5. Print.
Moaveni, Azadah. Why now?. The Guardian, 2009. Web. 11 Oct. 2011.

Check out the New York Times to find the Journal Article!
picture found here