Zirzamini
In Iran, according to the Islamic Law in force since the Revolution, all forms of music must be as neutral as possible and not provoke internal emotions. Rock, Rap, Metal, Electro are therefore banned genres. It is the infamous Ministry of Culture and Guidance (Ershad) which sets these rules based on the principles laid down by the Quran. Considered more generally by religious authorities as satanic genres and largely inspired by Western culture, anyone who rehearses, records or gives concerts of so-called “Zirzamini” music (“Underground” in Farsi) may be severely repressed.
So, the musicians hide, rehearse in cellars, clandestinely record CDs for their friends and relatives. While waiting to leave a country that muzzles them, for somewhere else where their production can be heard. For those waiting for a visa, for those saving money, for those willing to stay despite everything, there is only one thing to do: music, again and again...
Published in Le Monde.
Two bands meet at the "Avenger" underground studio.
Maral Afsharian, singer. After receiving threats and after being impeached to perform in various events, she still remains committed to stay in the country: if everybody leaves, what will happen of music in Iran?
Farzane Zamen is reading to record a new song at the "Harman" studio.
An band rehearse at the underground "Avenger" studio.
The young members of "The Grumbles" look for places to play and rehearse their music.
Shaya is one of the first female rappers in Iran, inspired mainly by Tupac Shakur. She now studies classical music at the Tehran consecrator, the only university where women are allowed to sing.
After checking that police is not around, Faraz plays music in the streets.
Shaya, singer, one of the first female rappers in Iran.
Mahtab, member of the band "The Grumbles".
A schedule for the band "Wednesday Call".
Mahtab from "The Grumbles" at a rehearsal studio.
Hamed plays electronic guitar at home. He laments not being able to find an appropriate place to rehearse.
Arin Davidian, singer and composer of the band "Wednesday Call".
Members of "The Grumbles" rehearse at home.
The crowd cheers during a clandestine concert.
At the underground "Avenger" studio.
Farzane Zamen, singer and composer.
Shaya, one for the first female rapper of Iran, learns classical singing with a teacher.
Members of the small band argue after spending money in a bad rehearsal studio.
Members of "The Grumbles" rehearse at home.
Arin Davidian, singer and composer of the band "Wednesday Call", removes a sound-proof foam after a recording session at his apartment.
The members of "The Grumbles" roam the streets of Tehran, looking for a good rehearsal studio and places to perform their music.