In this somewhat Halloween-flavored episode, Rostam Batmanglij (Rostam) (ex-Vampire Weekend, The OA) joins the show! Rostam and I primarily talk about his new score for the feature film The Persian Version. Rostam’s score is quite subtle and restrained, marrying ancient Iranian music with Western classical music, as well as some pop and more mainstream musical influences from the last several decades. His score is capped by a cover of Cyndi Lauper’s classic “Girls Just Want To Have Fun”, featuring some very cool Iranian musical twists. As always, Rostam and I travel along various tangents, including his interest in film music from a young age, his first post-college music gig (with composer Craig Wedren (Yellowjackets, School of Rock)) and how this experience influenced his work on Vampire Weekend, and his Iranian cultural identity.
It was really interesting hearing Rostam talk about his work on this film and how important it was for him as an Iranian-American. In fact, he stressed that it was crucial for the film to have a composer with a similar background who would understand not only the music, but have a personal connection to the events of the film, allowing that connection to be expressed through the score. “I don’t think anyone has told a story that’s so specific to the experience of being Iranian in America. When Maryam asked me to score the film I couldn’t refuse.” As our conversation unfolded, I wished I had a better knowledge of Persian classical music; the vocabulary of this music seemed second nature to Rostam as he went in-depth into the various musical styles, modes, and rhythms. But seeing and hearing his obvious passion, connection, and knowledge of the film and music wiped away my own insecurities.
The Persian Version is currently in theaters while Rostam’s score, and much of his other music, is available on all major platforms. Meanwhile, you can find out more about Rostam on his website.
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About The Persian Version
“Coming from two countries at odds with each other, Iranian-American Leila (Layla Mohammadi) strives to find balance and embrace her opposing cultures, while boldly challenging the labels society is so quick to project upon her. When her family reunites in New York City for her father’s heart transplant, Leila navigates her relationships at arm’s length in an effort to keep her “real” life separate from her family life. However, when her secret is unceremoniously revealed, so are the distinct parallels between her life and that of her mother Shireen (Niousha Noor). Punctuated by a bright color palette, snappy comedic relief, and vibrant dance numbers, “The Persian Version” delivers an honest portrayal of a woman who remains unapologetically herself, blended seamlessly into a heartfelt story about family, belonging, and the undeniable influence of pop music.
Winning both the Audience Award and the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award in the U.S. Dramatic Competition at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, writer-director-producer Maryam Keshavarz delivers a universal and timely story of the Iranian and the Iranian-American experience.” – courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics.