Government approves of Alireza Assar? What’s the catch?

One of Alireza Assar's Songs.. Take a listen!

Description: 

     This journal article from the Wall Street Journal written by Daniel Pearl, enlightens the reader on Iranian pop singer Alireza Assar, who can be found practicing his music in a basement studio in Tehran, Iran. He not only is in the process of creating a rock ballad with his crew, but his lyrics “We should find love in rain,” is accepted by political hard-liners even with women voices taking up the song as it proceeds. Crazy right? However, it’s not crazy at all. Conservatives sponsor Mr. Assar, owning his recording studio, promote his concerts and approve each one of his songs before they are released. Pop music, which was prohibited for most of the Islamic Republic has made a comeback but like usual this nation’s leaders are doing all they can to prevent change. Instead of complaining about the events unfolding within Iran, leaders have come up with a strategy championing the new home-grown pop, hopefully will pre-empt the unruly Western variety. Music is everywhere in Iran, featuring a guitar shown on TV, a book of translated lyrics of Pink Floyd appearing in bookstores and local bands that are heard throughout the country. “Music has always been in the service” says Fouad Hejazi, Assar composer. In reality, all the government wants is to fight against the cultural invasion of the West, shutting down newspapers and stopping the installation of a new Parliament. What’s their next plan? Artists and people everywhere are continuing to blast music from Madonna and Micheal Jackson from car stereos and artists in exile are still recording. All this music seeps into Iran by cassettes, hidden satellite dishes and the internet. Music cannot be stopped. Iranian officials just have to accept it, but will they? (Pearl 1)

Evaluation: 

  I found this article very interesting since every article I have found before this, government has disapproved of everything involving music. It’s amazing how one artist has changed that around, making government accept and be apart of of the whole music process. It’s not everyday you read about someone so highly regarded in the over protective country of Iran. I like how the author inserted quotes from Assar’s songs and showed how Iran is continuing to allow music to be apart of their lives, even if it is controlled and not yet legal to citizens. The article is easy to read and allows the reader to understand the wave of events that are making their way to the light, again watching as Iran takes small steps to a hopefully bigger change. The reader can easily see that with whatever the government throws at the people in Iran, they are fighting back with an equal force, continuing to listen to music illegally and blasting songs for all to hear. 

NO MEN ALLOWED

Lesson Learned: Just as we see Iran making progress with their music policies, Women are also getting a chance to be in the spotlight. This is something that is rare for Iranian women who are directed to have no say in anything, especially music.

Description:

     This article by Rachel May, gives the reader a glimpse inside the life of Sultana Banu, following through when she first began to sing a child, to now as an adult with a live audience at livestock, not in work clothes but in a red tunic and burgundy skirt singing to thousands of Tehrani women at the First Music Festival of Iran’s Regional women. This festival marks the expansion of artistic opportunities in iran, where beforehand, performances were controlled due to controversial issues, along with several genres that are still banned to this day. This folk festival celebrates Women’s day in Iran, demonstrating a concern for women’s full participation in Iranian society. Women in an Iranian society are responsible for a huge share of music-playing, however not receiving much attention. This festival allows to still pay attention to their limits but preserve their culture and customs. The only downside is that these women cannot play in the presence of a man, having all mean leave the area if a women is singing in a solo performance. Many believe that these restrictions on women bring doubt to these festivals and their efforts to celebrate women. Some have different opinions based on the idea that these festivals are only allowed to prove to the rest of the world that Iranian women don’t have any problems, losing sight of what the festival is supposed to stand for. Times are still tough, but women are beginning to make their mark in the Iranian world. Their bootleg CDs are blaring from inside taxis, but that’s not enough for a country always in battle with the government. (May 1)

Evaluation:

      I personally enjoyed this article due to the fact that women are finally coming into play in Iran. Yes I still believe that they have a long strenuous road ahead of them before things start to get increasingly better, but it’s a start. I like how the author just focuses on the women, showing their advances and even using real individuals who are struggling with having their voice heard through music. It’s just an amazing thing to see that the women are getting a chance to perform, even though men aren’t allowed to watch. The Iranian Music Festival is the bright light at the end of the dark tunnel for women in Iran. It is easy to see that times are still hard, but women are taking a stand and accepting what they can get for their musical freedom.

picture found here

The Band Queen Saves Iranians. Small Steps in the Right Direction

Lesson Learned: Iran’s disapproval of such a wide range of music has brought them back to where they were in beginning. Officials cannot take away the one freedom Iranians want, their music. 

Description:

     This newspaper article by the Herald News Service, unfolds that Queen, a classical rock band, is first to receive a stamp of approval from Iran. However, the only problem is that Freddy Mercury, a gay band member, hits a tough spot for a country who strongly believes being gay is a crime. Despite Mercury’s decision for being gay, he was also very proud of his Iranian ancestry, making Queen one of the most popular bands in Iran, having their albums and singles bootlegged by many living in the country eager to ban music. Songs on the album include The Miracle and I Want to Break Free, a numerous amount of queens love songs, and the country’s favorite Bohemian Rhapsody. An album only costing a dollar including such great songs and translated lyrics, what could be better? Iranians mostly enjoy the story being Bohemian Rhapsody, telling the story of a boy accidentally killing someone and deciding to sell his soul to the devil, calling God in Arabic “Bismillah,” regaining his soul from Satan. A bookstore salesman exhumes that “It is the first rock album to hit the market legally, and people are surprised and pleased to see that it also has lyrics, not just the music”. Queen is not the only band whose work has been released on the Iranian market, other artists include Elton John, Julio Iglesias, The Gipsy Kings and many others. How can a country resist with such high demands of music, where 70 percent of the population is under 30? (Calgary Herald 1)

Evaluation: 

     This article does a wonderful job of allowing the reader to clearly see that Iran is taking the minor steps needed to help make a decision regarding music, hopefully one day allowing their citizens to experience music on another level. Queen is brought into the picture, a well known band that everyone has heard of, touching the lives of Iranians through their lyrics, being the first band to have their album released legally in a country so harsh with their music policies. It shows a huge step for Iran, allowing their people to have music at their fingertips and not illegally downloaded in the privacy of their own homes, hoping to not get caught and penalized for wanting to have the freedom to listen to whatever they desire. I like how the article gets right to the point with sources that are easily understood. I even learned a new piece of information about  Mercury in regards to his Iranian ancestry. It’s a nice change to see Iran moving in the right direction. You know what they say, time is of the essence. 

Citation:
MLA: "Iran Endorses Rock Band: Final Edition." Calgary Herald: E.2. Print. 2004.
APA: Iran endorses rock band: Final edition. (2004, Calgary Herald,pp. E.2.

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