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If you are even remotely connected to the Iranian community you probably know that Mohsen Namjoo is touring the U.S. His concerts are put together by Beyond Persia, starting off in San Francisco, California on Saturday Sept 6th. Tickets? Maybe if you’re lucky, but everyone’s expecting a sold out event. Now, if you are totally disconnected and don’t know much about him, read below, listen to the interview, and buy the ticket before they rick it. A long while ago I wrote this blog piece on Mohsen Namjoo, that was when I first learned about him, and a very short while ago I got the chance to sit with him for an exclusive interview. Today most Iranians know him, thanks to the power of internet, but Namjoo himself admits that all of this has happened unconsciously for him, and he does not do much more than emailing on the web.
Iranican Editorial on Namjoo:
Mohsen Namjoo’s daring fusion of Hafez with blues, setar chords with electric guitar, and his own blend of social satire with the likes of Rumi and Saadi have made him the most controversial contemporary artist in Iran today. He began his training in Persian classical music and vocals at the age of 12 and continued into early adulthood. Later disillusioned with the academic systems and structure defining musical style and form, Namjoo abandoned higher learning in music and theatre at the University of Tehran to begin recording independently. Eventually, his sound grew to prominence in Tehran’s underground music scene and has now been praised internationally as “avante guard” and “experimental” for his ability to weave fluently in and out of traditional eastern and modern western music with relative ease. His debut album titled Toranj was officially released in Iran in September 2007. He is currently scheduled to perform his first 6 US concerts, starting at the Palace of Fine Arts September 6, 2008 followed by performances in New York, Washington DC, San Diego in La Jolla, and Los Angeles.
9 comments
Hmmm… interesting, but I anticipated Namjoo to get excited a bit more often in person.. he definitely knows how to do it in his music =)
I think the interviewer could be more educated about Iranian music and Namjoo’s music especially. Narcissistic and self-absorbed, he used every chance to brag and blow horns by talking too much. Namjoo’s answers on the other hand, were humble, honest, and real as he is in person. After all, I am glad that Namjoo is going to be known to the world.
I have to confess that i dont like Namjoo’s music and I did not go to his concert last night, but Iman’s interview was the first interview with Namjoo I listen. It has a good start and good end. Thanks Iman jan. But there is one thing stay in mind.
As a reporter/journalist isnt it better to challenge your guest instead of saying ” shoma be onvane yek nabeghe…”? i think its better that the reporter/journalist-who of course has his/her own interest and concern- stays neutral and keep personal interest out of interview.
look forward to hear more and more program from you guys
I support Setareh and Leva’s criticism for Iman’s style in interview. An interviewer should remain as most neutral as possible while not ‘offending’ both the interviewee as well as the audience by talking too much him/herself unless when really necessary.
Thanks for the good job Iranicans though and I support you and other similar good guys doing a great job indeed in letting people know about Iran and Iranian artists or culture.
The interviewer talks too much; the questions are too long and not professional. Let the interviewee talk more.
Ba in keh in interview kheyli ghadimi bood kheyli baraye man jaleb bood. Kash forsatesho dashtam keh sale 2008 behesh goosh bedam.
One of my favorite parts of the interview was when Iman began berating LA and techno music and Namjoo responded in their defense: “Man hameh joor moosighi ro doost daram…” It was very humble and touching. I think the message he is trying to give the Iranian populace is that music is a medium through which people are always free to express themselves and not only speak but SING about conditions which are plaguing humanity. I also think that’s why he was so quick to defend other musicians. He realizes that like him, they are using music to express themselves. This was a very good interview….