Draft:Darband (musician)

Darband performing "Woman, Life, Freedom"

Darband is an Iranian-American musician based in California, USA. He is acclaimed for his strong musical foundation, multidisciplinary skills, and active involvement in civil rights issues.

Early Life and Education

Darband's musical journey began in Iran and later expanded in the United States, where he pursued studies in Music, Linguistics, and Computer Science.

Career

Darband has been leveraging his music as a medium for social change since the Iranian protests in 2009. His alignment with the Green Dice music project allowed his influence to reach the protests that took place in Iran in September 2022, during which he released numerous musical pieces to support the Iranian people.

His notable works include "Woman, Life, Freedom", "Woman, Life, Freedom and Norooz", and "Grandma's House January 2023". His track "Woman, Life, Freedom" has garnered more than 2 million views on Instagram.

Apart from his music, Darband is also an author, having written a book on learning Persian titled Reading & Writing Farsi for Beginners, published by Tuttle Publishing.

Activism

Darband's strong commitment to civil rights activism, particularly concerning the human rights situation in Iran, significantly shapes his music. His work aims to raise awareness and gain support for civil rights and democracy in Iran.

Personal Statement

During the "Streets of Wrath" program aired by BBC Persian, Darband expressed his profound gratitude and solidarity with the Iranian people. "They reminded us of our identity that had been taken from us and raised our heads high. Our children have lifted our heads. They taught us: We had read that rights are to be taken, and the children took them. We saw beauty again, the rainbow, and they showed it to us again. Neda's piano voice did not get lost in the dark winter and the beautiful voice of Nika told good stories to the world." This statement encapsulates Darband's deep connection and appreciation for the resilience and spirit of the Iranian people.

In the Artist's Words

His top three favorite albums on Apple Music include "Music Of The Bards From Iran" by Haj Ghorban Soleimani, "4'33" by John Cage, and "Mystery of Love" by Lotfi. Each album has had a significant influence on his musical journey. His composition "Blood Rain" holds a special place in his heart, depicting a lonely winter dog under a dark sky.

Discography

Albums

• Solitude (2022)
• "Intro (Memories)"
• "Solitude"
• "Grandma's House"
• "Ravage (February 2022)"
• "Startled from a Dream"
• "Ghazal 759"
• "Snails (feat. Roja Chamankar)"
• "Ravage (December 2021)"

• Desiderium (2022)
• "Winter Is Dying"
• "Desiderium"
• "One of Us"
• "Woman Life Freedom (November 2022)"

Singles

• "Woman, Life, Freedom" (2022)
• "Somaya" (2022)
• "Blood Rain" (2022)
• "Grandma's House January 2023" (2023)
• "Lullaby" (2023)
• "Liberation" (2023)
• "Full Moon" (2023)
• "Woman Life Freedom & Nowruz" (2023)
• "Eternal Echoes" (2023)
• "Silent Cry" (2023)
• "Silent Cry, Pt. 2" (2023)
• "Moonlit Embrace" (2023)
• "Heartflame" (2023)
• "Mehr's Reverie" (2023)
• "Tide of Hope" (2023)
• "Serenity" (2023)
• "Transient" (2023)
• "Transient (Demo)" (2023)
• "Morq-e Sahar" (2023)
• "Lost in the Peach Orchard" (2024)
• "Nocturne" (2024)
• "Longing" (2024)
• "Drift" (2024)