'Azadi Nist' invites you to a world where dance music goes deeper than the surface. This mixtape, crafted in the mind of an artist fearless in weaving personal narratives into a universal rhythm, traverses the labyrinth of human emotions and experiences.
The journey begins with Riccio's 'Undercover (Drumless)'—an undertone layered beneath the voices of students from the Tehran University of Art—introducing their musings on 'Peace.' This tranquil overture seamlessly transitions into 'Water Ride' by 16B, an auditory celebration of birth and the exhilaration of discovery.
The narrative then turns inward with Salar Ansari's 'I Want You Here,' capturing the nuances of love. This tenderness, however, is challenged by the introspective 'Get Through My Depression' by guerrer@, injecting a sobering element into the mix.
The resilience of the human spirit, ever-present, shines in Funk D’void's 'Way Up High (Ruff Dub),' reminding us of the highs that follow the lows. The tempo heightens with the rhythmic pulse of 'Balkan Avenue - Azadi,' leading into the warmth of 'Warm Rain (Instrumental)' by Robert Babicz.
However, the mixtape takes a sudden turn with 'October 2022 - Iran,' a stark representation of the sobering realities faced by Iranians during this time. This critical section of the set is a raw, unfiltered narration of the Iranian mind state in October 2022, a painful memory that is impossible to ignore.
Ali Berger's 'Strange Fire' emerges as a beacon of hope, igniting the rebuilding process. 'Neon Cigar' by Sard embodies unwavering resolve, propelling us forward with infectious energy. Together, these tracks epitomize strength and determination in the face of darkness.
The narrative then ascends with Papillon's 'Higher,' offering solace in the embrace of truth, before swelling into the epic soundscape of Levon Vincent's 'The Vampire Lestat.' The stage for release is set with Omid's 'I See You,' where two art students reflect on the introspective power of art as a mirror, recognizing its ability to provoke self-reflection and inspire change.
Concluding this journey, 'Yek Hess e Khoob' by Salar brings comfort by reaffirming Persian identity.
'Azadi Nist,' which translates to 'There is no Freedom,' encapsulates the spirit of the 2022 Iranian protests. This mixtape is more than a series of tracks—it's a testament to resilience, a dance in the face of adversity.
As the artist notes, "Every bit of this recording is intentional... Dance away when you can." Let 'Azadi Nist' guide you and dance through life's highs and lows to its enduring rhythm.
Another round-up of experimental electronic up-and-comers, courtesy of Sanati, a new Tehran-based label devoted to local and global sounds. Bandcamp New & Notable Feb 8, 2024
This surreal beat tape was made in lockdown with abstract voice notes from Shanique Marie and complimentary production by Gavsborg. Bandcamp New & Notable Jun 10, 2020
Both haunting and healing, the newest from L.A. producer and DJ M.D. James reflects on opening up dark places in order to move forward. Bandcamp New & Notable Oct 10, 2018