How Retro-Wave Beats Are Echoing Through Tehran's Underground
Iranian electronic musician Tame Werewolf on finding inspiration, overcoming challenges, and sharing his unique sound with the world
Western audiences are in love with Middle-Eastern sounds.
The infectious rhythms that igniting dance floors and whipping crowds into a frenzy. Though some critics may deem it 'lowbrow', this music embodies the vibrant energy of the streets and resonates as the soundtrack of everyday life.
What the Western world doesn’t know is that for years, Iranian electronic musicians have sought to explore both the beauty and struggles of their home country through art, reflecting its culture, life and nature.
Since the country’s recent uprising, sparked by police brutality and the fight for women’s rights, this has felt more pertinent and powerful than ever.
From the underground depths of Tehran emerges a sound that's as enigmatic as it is electrifying. Tame Werewolf, the brainchild of Keivan Hosseini, is a blast from the past propelled into the future. Hosseini's music pulses with the spirit of 80s electronic music, weaving influences from space synth, synthwave, J-pop, Italo disco, and even a touch of Eurobeat.
Growing up in Tehran, Hosseini's childhood keyboard became the gateway to realizing his musical potential. Self-taught and inspired by icons like Jean-Michel Jarre and Giorgio Moroder, Tame Werewolf was born in 2018. The project's two EPs, "Secrets of Love" and "Phasermania", plus the single "5th Wave" radiate an infectious energy ideal for late-night drives, nostalgic video game sessions, or even a neon-lit dance party. And guess what? A third album infused with a funkier twist is on its way.
Tame Werewolf is shaking up Tehran's music scene with intimate live shows. These gatherings are more than just concerts – they're immersive experiences. Every performance showcases Tame Werewolf's infectious retro energy, pushing the boundaries of the expected and bringing together a community united by a love for a unique, vibrant sound.
Tame’s authenticity will draw listeners from around the globe, fueling that passion for Middle-Eastern sounds that is still going on so strong.
Keivan kindly answers some questions for Cosmic Lazers, telling us more about his life and experience as musician:
Thanks for giving us your time and for your music, it has a strong retro-wave feel, but it is also inspired by Middle-Eastern feelings. What was the initial spark for exploring electronic music?
Thank you for having me on Cosmic Lazers and I appreciate your kind words. The initial spark for exploring electronic music was ignited by my fascination with Western electronic sounds when I randomly acquired a copy cassette of electronic dance music as a child. Additionally, seeing my cousin play keyboard and synthesizer for the first time added another layer of inspiration, sparking a curiosity about creating music using electronic instruments. These experiences planted the seeds for my journey into electronic music, fueling a desire to blend Western influences with the rich musical heritage of Iran.
As a musician in Tehran, what kind of unique challenges and opportunities do you encounter everyday? I imagine even finding a synthesizer isn’t as simple as other places in the world.
Being a musician in Tehran presents unique challenges, particularly when it comes to accessing instruments. While it's true that finding synthesizers or other equipment isn't as straightforward as in other parts of the world, it's not impossible. Instrument stores are scarce, and inflated prices due to economic conditions can make purchases daunting. However, one intriguing aspect is the possibility of stumbling upon vintage instruments dating back to the pre-revolution era. Despite the hurdles, I've managed to acquire some gems like the Casio CZ 3000 and Yamaha DX 21, which add character and depth to my music.
The synthwave genre often evokes visual imagery - your music also is evocative of images and memories. So, if your music were a movie, what would its aesthetic be?
If my music were a movie, its aesthetic would likely be a blend of neon-lit cityscapes, desert landscapes, and surreal dream sequences, reflecting the fusion of retro-wave vibes with Middle Eastern influences.
"Secrets of Love," "Phasermania" – your titles are really cool. What's your process for naming your music?
Naming my music is an organic process that often involves capturing the essence and mood of the composition. Sometimes, the title emerges from the feelings or imagery evoked by the music itself, while other times like the “Secrets of Love” it's inspired by personal experiences, concepts or even just catchy phrases that resonate with the theme of the track. For instance “Phasermania" was inspired by the synthesizer I used for that album, the Casio CZ 3000, known for its phase distortion capabilities. Ultimately, I aim to choose titles that complement the music and invite listeners to explore its depth and meaning.
Are there other musicians that you like or respect? Which international artists in the electronic scene would be your dream collaborations?
Absolutely, there are plenty of musicians I deeply admire and respect. Legends like Giorgio Moroder, Koto, Yellow Magic Orchestra (YMO), and Yuzo Koshiro have profoundly influenced my musical journey. As for dream collaborations, I'm particularly drawn to the vaporwave genre, and collaborating with artists like FM Skyline and Windows 96 would be an incredible opportunity. Their aesthetic aligns seamlessly with my own, and their ability to craft deep, emotive melodies resonates with the essence of my music. Collaborating with such artists would not only be creatively fulfilling but also a chance to explore new sonic landscapes together.
Live electronic music in Iran sounds very interesting. What's the most rewarding aspect of performing your music to live audiences in Tehran?
Performing live electronic music in Tehran is incredibly rewarding, especially because of the audience's genuine thirst for music. Due to suppression and limited diversity, my performances offer a unique experience for them, blending something new with a sense of familiarity. It's gratifying to witness the audience connect with my music on such a deep level, creating a shared moment of musical exploration and expression amidst challenging circumstances.
Are there any 'hidden gems' of Iran's music scene that you'd recommend to a global audience? I’m sure there are a lot of people that would love to start doing some diggin between Discogs and Bancamp.
Iran's music scene is brimming with hidden gems waiting to be discovered by a global audience. One artist I highly recommend exploring is Mahdyar Aghajani, known for his innovative approach to electronic music production. His genre-defying sound blends elements of hip-hop, electronic, and traditional Persian music, creating captivating and thought-provoking compositions. His work often explores themes of culture, and social commentary, offering listeners a unique perspective on contemporary Iranian music.
Another standout artist in Iran's music scene is Rojin Sharafi, who pushes boundaries with his experimental compositions, blending traditional Iranian elements with contemporary electronic production techniques.
How would you describe the evolution of Tame Werewolf's sound from its beginnings to now? Are you evolving into a specific music direction, or you driven by freedom of expression?
The evolution of Tame Werewolf's sound has been driven by the freedom of expression. From its beginnings, the music has evolved organically, guided by a desire to push boundaries and defy genre constraints. While there may be overarching themes or influences, such as retro-wave vibes and Middle Eastern melodies, the overarching goal is to create music that is authentic and emotive. Rather than conforming to a specific music direction, the focus is on embracing the freedom to express oneself creatively, resulting in a diverse and dynamic sonic landscape that continues to evolve with each new release.
Tell us more about What can we expect from your upcoming funkier album? Are there new influences we'll be hearing?
In my upcoming funkier album, you can expect a vibrant fusion of funky grooves and rhythms that will get you moving. I’ve been experimenting with new influences, drawing inspiration from a wider range of musical styles such as 80s disco, soul, and even Latin rhythms. This album is all about bringing the funk to new heights while still staying retro-wave to my signature sound.
A last question for you about your future… are you planning to stay in Iran or do you want to move elsewhere to progress with your music career?
My goal is to bring my music to audiences around the world, and part of achieving that involves exploring opportunities beyond Iran. While I appreciate my roots and the influence they have on my music, I'm open to the idea of relocating to further advance my career and connect with diverse audiences in different countries. Ultimately, my priority is sharing my music with as many people as possible and continuing to evolve as an artist wherever that journey takes me.