News Summary
Los Angeles is celebrating a resurgence of Iranian pop music from the 1980s and 90s with the new compilation ‘Tehrangeles Vice.’ This collection features 12 tracks that highlight a vibrant musical scene shaped by the Iranian diaspora in the U.S. after the 1979 revolution. Curated by Discotchari co-founders Zachary Asdourian and Anaïs Gyulbudaghyan, this release not only revives dance tracks but also documents the cultural importance of this music, showcasing themes of exile and nostalgia in the Iranian diaspora.
Los Angeles is experiencing a revival of Iranian pop music from the 1980s and 90s with the release of a new compilation titled “Tehrangeles Vice”. This collection features 12 tracks that celebrate an often-overlooked musical scene shaped by the Iranian diaspora in the area following the 1979 Iranian revolution. The project aims not only to revive these dance tracks but also to document the cultural significance of Iranian music produced in Los Angeles during this period.
Zachary Asdourian, co-founder of the L.A. record label Discotchari, along with his partner Anaïs Gyulbudaghyan, embarked on a quest to find these long-forgotten tracks. Their search took them through various locations in Los Angeles, including notable spots like Jordan Market in Woodland Hills and Cabaret Tehran in Encino. With a keen focus on unearthing culturally specific twists on disco, Asdourian and Gyulbudaghyan sourced music that offered solace to Iranian immigrants during turbulent times.
The compilation draws attention to songs that were popular within the Iranian community, often circulated through duplicated tapes and satellite broadcasts back into Iran. The Iranian diaspora in Los Angeles began to flourish during the 60s and 70s as political relations between the United States and Iran stabilized. This environment facilitated the emergence of musical talents who infused their cultural heritage into Western music genres.
A particularly notable figure connected to this music scene is Farokh “Elton” Ahi, who moved to L.A. to study architecture but became a music producer, influencing the scene as a DJ at prestigious venues such as Studio 54. Ahi had a vision of merging American culture with Iranian music, feeling a profound responsibility to preserve the richness of Iranian musical traditions amid political repression.
Numerous Iranian musicians faced challenges during the politically charged atmosphere post-1979 hostage crisis. As Iranian music suffered backlash, many artists needed to create their work in secrecy. This compilation highlights that resilience, featuring tracks that blend Persian melodies with various Western influences. The songs often reflect universal themes of exile and nostalgia, representing a collective experience shared by the diaspora.
Asdourian and Gyulbudaghyan have committed themselves to not only sourcing but also preserving Iranian music, which is sometimes unearthed from unexplored origins, including recent discoveries in Armenia. The compilation celebrates both well-known and less recognized artists, offering listeners a broad perspective on the diversity within this musical tradition.
In addition, “Tehrangeles Vice” coincides with an increased interest in 1980s and 1990s Iranian pop music, both among the diaspora and within Iran itself. The project features remastered tracks, providing modern listeners with the context needed by including song translations and artwork that relates to the original cassette covers.
Contributing to the cultural significance of this release, ethnomusicologist Dr. Farzaneh Hemmasi provided liner notes that contextualize the music historically and culturally. The compilation aspires to emphasize the creativity and resilience of Iranian artists who have thrived abroad despite the harsh realities faced back home. It has been described as a message in a bottle, serving as a reminder of a culturally rich past while navigating the ongoing challenges of the present.
In summary, “Tehrangeles Vice” embodies a vital part of the Iranian musical narrative, reflecting a bygone era that resonates with contemporary themes of identity, memory, and creativity. It not only showcases a vibrant musical heritage but also reinforces the importance of preserving and celebrating cultural narratives within the diaspora.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Tehrangeles Vice
- The Quietus: Tehrangeles Vice Review
- Billboard: Iranian Diaspora Pop Music
- New York Times: Iranian Americans in LA
- BBC News: Exiles of Tehrangeles
Author: STAFF HERE HOLLYWOOD
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