‘Parviz Khatibi loved his country enough to tell it the truth’ - Leila Jarman and Caitlin Carlson reflect on the trials and triumphs of an Iranian entertainment icon
All posts filed under “Music”
A Year in the Life
‘Time passes, and every year resembles another’ - Elisa Pierandrei talks to Lebanese artist and musician Mazen Kerbaj about his practice and a new collection of comics
Druze Muse
More than 70 years after her untimely death, a Druze princess-cum-icon continues to inspire. Iain Akerman reflects on the life and legend of Asmahan
The Sound of Pomegranates
Joobin Bekhrad talks to LA-based producer, composer, and DJ Bei Ru about his newly-released second album, Saturday Night at the Magic Lamp
Ajammin’
Sheema Ahanin talks to the boys of London-based Ajam about their contemporary take on Iranian folk music, and how they’re making it ‘cool’ again
Syriously Surreal
‘When you limit yourself, you are actually more free’ - a chat with Beirut-based Syrian artist and musician Samer Saem Eldahr - a.k.a. Hello Psychaleppo! - about his latest album, HA!
Sex, Drugs, and Gol-o-Bolbol
Before David Bowie, ZZ Top, the Sex Pistols, and Johnny Thunders, there were the Qajars. Joobin Bekhrad looks at the dynasty’s influence on Iranian artists, designers, and musicians today
Oud Dude
Iraqi-British musician Khyam Allami talks to Joobin Bekhrad about the oud, classical Arabic music, rock and roll, and his new artist-friendly record label, Nawa Recordings
Whirl’d Music
Songlines’ Editor-in-Chief, Simon Broughton, on the sights and sounds of the 11th edition of the Mystic Music Festival in Konya, Turkey, held in honour of Rumi
Syrian Blues
Ian Nagoski delves into the musical history of New York City’s Middle Eastern community in the early 20th century and the story of one of its all-but-forgotten virtuosos