Arash Sobhani brings Iranian protest rock to New York

An accomplished Iranian musician is set to take the stage in New York, showcasing a blend of Iranian and global music influences with songs that shed light on the conditions prevailing in the Islamic Republic to an audience in the city. Arash Sobhani, the mastermind behind the renowned Tehran-based band Kiosk, will perform at DROM in the heart of the East Village on Thursday evening, presenting tracks from his inaugural solo album, DOOD, which hit the airwaves earlier this year. Drawing from the diverse musical tapestry present in the city, encompassing Eastern European and Mediterranean vibes, Sobhani crafted the album, infusing it with Iranian lyrics to maintain a connection to his cultural roots.

Speaking about his creative process, Sobhani emphasized his desire to meld various musical influences while upholding the essence of Farsi. He aimed to explore uncharted territories by incorporating these diverse sounds into his music while preserving meaningful and thought-provoking lyrics. After founding Kiosk in 2003 in Tehran, the band’s members now reside in the United States and Canada, allowing for a melting pot of cultural influences to seep into their music. Sobhani walked away from Iran in 2005, embarking on a journey that took him to Stockholm, Washington, San Francisco, and eventually to New York in 2021.

DOOD, which translates to “smoke” in Persian, sees the collaboration of Sobhani with musicians from various parts of the world, including Russia, Greece, and Serbia, resulting in a fusion of different musical styles. The album opens with the title track, featuring Sobhani’s velvety vocals accompanied by a vibrant horn section and a jazz-infused drumbeat. Another track, “Dunya,” meaning “world” in Persian, showcases Sobhani’s prowess on the guitar, delving into his rock origins while incorporating the bouzouki into the mix.

While much of the album revolves around the musical intricacies, the lyrics touch on the political climate in Iran, specifically addressing the Women Life Freedom protests of 2022. An epitome of this sentiment can be found in one of the songs where Sobhani sings, “What they sold you wasn’t hope; it was a cheap illusion,” highlighting the disappointment stemming from the lack of tangible change brought about by the protests in Iran. Reflecting on the protests that transpired after the death of Mahsa Amini, a Kurdish woman allegedly killed by Iran’s religious police, Sobhani conveys a sense of resignation and contemplation, urging individuals to revisit their approach towards effecting change in Iran and the wider Middle East.

at his shows draw mainly from the Iranian diaspora, especially those individuals actively engaged with the political dynamics in their home country. Over the years, a number of Iranian musicians have sought refuge in the United States, such as Leila Forouhar and Kayhan Kalhor, due to the stifling climate for artistic expression in Iran. Forouhar relocated to Los Angeles in 1986, while Kalhor embarked on a journey that saw him move from Italy to Canada before settling in New York in 1991. As Sobhani takes to the stage at DROM in New York City, he invites the audience to contemplate the message behind his music—a call for introspection and change that starts from within, sparking a transformation towards a brighter future.