Iranian rockers find their voice

They once feared criticizing Ahmadinejad, but events in Tehran have emboldened US-based rock group Hypernova.

By Freya Petersen
Published: June 18, 2009 16:54 ET
Updated: June 28, 2009 08:48 ET
Page 3 of 3

"I want to be the first band from the underground who actually made it ... big time. The more success we achieve the more hope it gives all the kids back home that they too, against all odds, can do the same thing."

Raam, whose parents and many friends still live in Tehran, said he kept in touch with family via Skype and friends on Facebook, but had rarely felt further away from them than during this week's tumult.

"The people in Iran have been robbed of this election," he said. "Historically speaking whenever there is more voter turnout, it almost always goes in favor the reformer. There are so many flaws in this election one doesn't even know where to begin.

"Thanks to social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook, the people of Iran now have a voice. Every single person I have talked to is willing to risk their lives in the name of freedom and justice."

It is, he says, a stark contrast to the opportunities America has presented him thus far.

"I've never been poorer than I am, but I've never been happier," he said. "We've traveled through 43 states or something. I mean, I've seen more of America than most Americans have. They're just such beautiful people. Of course, you go to middle America and they're very conservative and traditional but they're still the nicest people. We have still to come across any negative interactions. It's all been supportive, positive. We've had random people take us into their homes.

"The reason that we have evolved is because we have been able to get better equipment and practice and rehearse in a much freer state of mind. There's not so much of that fear. Now we're focused and committed 24/7 to the music, and the music is taking a whole life of its own. Every show we keep getting better. People who saw us two years ago [compared] to now are just 'wow.' It's affirmation that what we're doing is right."  

Read more about Iran's election:

'Don't the Basij have parents?'

Protester vs. protester in Iran

Iran: Revolution, Tiananmen, or something else?

Iran election: Obama's dilemma

Comments:

1 Comments.

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Posted by qglenda on June 22, 2009 11:31 ET

Great story ... loved the video! I will definitely follow this band ... I wish Hypernova all the success in the world!!

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