Today I'm embarking on an exciting journey. Over the next two weeks I'll be accompanying Kiosk Band [Official page] members Arash Sobhani and Mohammadi Talani to Istanbul, Cairo and Beirut and filing reports.
For the first time Iranian "underground" musicians and their counterparts in the region will meet, jam and exchange ideas. There will also be a concert in Cairo and another in Beirut. Although under the circumstance I should say we hope there will be concerts.
Why are we going to the region at such a volatile time? Cairo is a violent mess and under martial law. In Beirut a giant bomb exploded yesterday, killing at least 16 people. And Istanbul has recently witnessed mass anti-government protests.
The reason we are going is that I spent a couple of months traveling to these cities and setting up meetings with various musicians. I don't want all that work and money go to waste. Arash and Mohammad are (still) determined to go as well.
But the main reason why we should go is that we'll witness the chaotic conditions that is shaping the great music coming out of these countries.
In Iran, underground music is a response to political and religious repression. If musicians enjoyed freedom and security, Kiosk and others with a political message would not have left Iran. And those who are in Iran would not need to write controversial music and perform in secret under constant fear and anxiety.
During my trips to the region I was amazed by how the young generation in Egypt, Lebanon and Turkey have used music to express their feelings about the Arab Spring or the war in Syria. Or about their hopes for peace and freedom. They are very lucky that their governments do not bother musicians even if their work conveys a political message. Compared to Iran, there's almost no censorship and musicians have a lot more freedom.
Well, in any case, we're heading to the region. It will be an interesting trip. In a good way, hopefully! :)
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