Modern, groove-based Persian power pop by Farzad Kashtiban

05/26/05: Farzad is featured in Chico News & Review.

I began singing competitively when I was 16, but I was exposed to singing at a much younger age. I remember listening to my grandmother sing during religious ceremonies in Khoramshahr. I remember my uncle practicing in our yard in Iran, singing "pop" music. It was the first time I heard modern style Iranian music.

At 16, I competed in the high school music talent contest, and I placed as the top high school singer in the state of Kerman for two years. I was invited to attend a summer camp in the Caspian to compete in the high school national competition. I placed second behind the famous singer Farhad Kiani (Maziar). We both performed on the final night of the camp. That's when I met Mohammed Nouri, the legendary vocal instructor.

My second teacher was Baback Biat in Tehran. I studied with him for three years. He would compose music for superstars (Daruish, Ebi, Satar) and I would sing the songs to help work out the bugs. We had planned to record my own songs as soon as I completed high school and two years of military service. Instead, a few weeks after the completion of my military service, I left Iran to continue my education in northern California. Since then, Chico has been my home.

I set music aside during my college years, focusing instead on my studies and soccer. Now that I've completed my degree, I am getting back on track with my first love, singing. I've been studying music theory, learning to play several instruments, and writing music.

I plan to use Persian lyrics with my own style of western-influenced, modern Persian music. I am intrigued with the blend of eastern poems and western melodies. Each project will be different, introducing different recording techniques and regional Iranian rhythms.

I would like to thank my father who was my first supporter, my teachers, all of my friends, all those who helped to create my project, and finally, I would like to thank my family. Without your love and support, this wouldn't have been possible.

Mahan's upcoming album, as yet untitled, will be released in Summer 2005. New songs will be posted here as they are completed. Listen to samples of completed songs below (free Flash plug-in required).

Songs written by Farzad Kashtiban (except Speak Softly Love: music by Nino Rota, lyrics by Larry Kusik). Engineered and mixed by Aaron Lyon.

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© 2005 Farzad Kashtiban. All rights reserved.

Music by Aaron C. Lyon at superconductormusic.com

Website by Monkeymatic