Liraz Charhi, daughter of Iranian Jews, was born in Israel. A trip to «Tehrangeles» brought her closer to Iran and its music. Her albums combine electro-pop, dance rhythms and retro Persian sounds, including secret collaborations with musicians in Iran.
With jazzhane
- 20.05.2023 Psychedelic Music Explosion, Moods Zurich
About
Liraz, the highly touted Israeli-Persian singer, returns with a buoyant and border-busting new album. Shimmering electro-pop meets pulsing dance rhythms and retro Persian sonics. Includes clandestine collaborations with Iran-based musicians and composers.
Liraz Charhi, daughter of Iranian Jews, was born in Israel. For a long time she had no connection to Iran, but a trip to «Tehrangeles» (Los Angeles, USA) should change that forever. There, she meets probably the most vibrant Persian community outside of Iran (over 1 million people of Iranian descent live in the greater Los Angeles area). She is addressed in Farsi on the street, memories of her parents' language are brought back, and she quickly feels a sense of belonging.
Although an actress in Los Angeles, Liraz's journey takes her to the Persian music of the 70s before the Islamic revolution. Inspired by Googoosh and searching for her roots, she recorded her Persian album «Naz» in 2018.
Psychedelic electro beats mixed with Persian retro sounds, sad lyrics, and funky rhythms. For her albums «Zan» (woman) and «Roya» (fantasy) she works together with Iranian musicians - undercover in Istanbul and only at a distance, because in Iran any contact with Israelis is forbidden by law. Rehearsals take place via Skype, and the soundtracks sent from Iran are mixed in Tel Aviv.