Entertainment
Bigzzad: Sound Of Tehran
Behzad Khakbaz, best known by his stage name Bigzzad, is an Iranian singer, songwriter producer and actor. He founded the band “Underground Dream” for which he was the main vocalist and composer [1]. The band was formed in 2011 in Tehran. Apart from releasing two full length albums and several singles, Behzad has also been featured as the lead actor in a documentary called “The Ultimate Choice”, which focused on the hardships Iranian’s have to face as musicians. He came to acclaim when he started working on “Beyond the Bombs” for which he won the award of “Artistic Spirit Award”. He recently put his efforts in the project “Bigzzad: Report of a Nightmare”
He was born to Iranian parents on April 22, 1983, in Tehran. He moved to the United States in his early twenties, where he lived with his family of three. He studied Information Technology from the university in Tehran. Born and raised in a conservative country and choosing a profession contrary to the mindset of the people living around is one of the challenging things in life. Yet the Iranian singer, songwriter, and actor, Behzad Khakbaz chose this daring journey to pursue his dreams.
Bigzzad was passionate about music since childhood. This was the reason he left his degree in information technology and formed a heavy metal band. The band was formed in 2011 in Tehran. It was named “Underground Dream”, which consisted of Behzad himself as a composer and lead singer [1]. Shortly after moving to Los Angeles he formally perused his music career. A musician must not only be a good vocalist, but also be good at playing instruments, and following this strategy, he learned to play bass guitar, drum, and keyboard. He also knows how to play Sitar and Tanbur, traditional Irani instruments. The instrumentals of the band and the aggressive skill as a musician made them a distinctive among one of the heavy metal bands of Tehran. They had to go through a lot of struggle and challenges due to the ban on heavy and western music in Iran.
In the early days when Bigzzad moved to Los Angeles, he faced many hardships. This was because everything was new to him, new country, new people and only one dream. He then had the opportunity to learn music under the supervision of many renowned composers and directors. Many of his devoted friends encouraged him to be persistent on his struggle for music, and he believed that in any journey one must be accompanied by some faithful people, because they always push you to accomplished your goals.
Following the Iranian revolution in 1979, the ban culture on western music is common in the Islamic Republic of Iran. The State not only restricts the musician to undergo censorship but also bans the music if they consider it against the cultural values. The Iranian rock singer and the founder of the band “Underground Dreams”, Bigzzad defied this ban culture in 2011 after the release of his first album, and that move ultimately brought him to Los Angeles. Their first album, “Maximum Gain” was released in the same year (2011), in Iran through Blue Pie Records, despite the restriction of states on this music genre. A new CD was also recorded in 2013 in Hollywood, CA.
Bigzzad is one of the three Iranian musicians who left their country after their first music album had controversially been banned by the government in 2011. Speaking about the hardships in his early days of singing career, his first release became controversial in his home country. Bigzzad has always termed the ban and censored culture in Iran as an unjust move for the creativity of musicians. In 2017, Bigzzad was awarded the Artistic Spirit Awards for “Beyond the Bomb”, a documentary film directed by Robert Kraetsch and produced by Michel Grey.
“Beyond the Bomb “was a documentary on Bigzzad which was filmed to showcase the struggles of Irani musicians, how they risked their lives going beyond the cultural values to pursue freedom. Therefore, he believed that if one dares to follow the passion, then no one can stop you pursuing your dreams. Until now he has released two albums, and singles, and is also featured in a documentary film, yet he believes, he must work harder to prosper more in his music career ahead. Behzad poured all of his energy into his new project BIGZZAD. With crushing guitars and impassioned vocals BIGZZAD pulls off the rare magic trick of creating incredibly heavy music that retains its mainstream appeal. BIGZZAD’s new album ‘Report Of A Nightmare’ is the culmination of his incredible journey around the world and marks the beginning of a new era for this unstoppable young artist.
The musician is an optimist he believes both in his music career and in his home country, where metal musicians are not allowed. His journey from Iran to Los Angeles was fascinating for him, he finds his self-feeling stuck in Los Angeles on a roller coaster between freedom and fear that leads to gut-wrenching lyrical journeys, emotional peaks, and valleys and ultimately a choice for their dream. at the same time, it was an addition of a new challenge in his life as he had chosen a career against the norms of society in his own country. Initially, it was challenging for him, yet he bore the hardships of his music career. An Italian proverb says, “Starting is always difficult, but every desire is attainable.”
Entertainment
Notes from the Heart: Lartist Yan on Music, Motivation, and ‘Second Chance’
By Mj Toledo
US rising singer, songwriter, producer, and beatmaker Lartist Yan has always believed that music is a universal language, and his recent rise in the industry proves he’s fluent in it. With his new hit song “Second Chance” and upcoming tour, fans nationwide eagerly anticipate his old-school soul and contemporary flair, as Lartist Yan blends genres such as Country Blues, Reggae, Pop, RnB/Soul, Ballad, Folk, and Soul/Blues into his captivating performances. The rising star discusses his songwriting process and how he is turning real-life challenges into chart-topping hits that speak to the soul.
Q: Can you share the creative process behind “Second Chance”? What inspired the melody and lyrics?
Lartist Yan: Of course. “Second Chance” was quite an experience for me. It all started one night when I was sleeping, and I suddenly heard this melody playing in my ears, as if someone was playing it to me from afar. It was a mysterious, compelling melody that demanded to be heard. I immediately woke up and started working on it, trying to capture the essence of what I had heard in my dream.
The lyrics were born from a personal experience of betrayal and disappointment. I had been let down by someone I loved at the time, and this song became a way for me to process those emotions.
But more than just expressing pain, I wanted “Second Chance” to offer hope. The message is that everyone deserves a second chance and that failure can often be the beginning of something great.
Q: Your music is like a combination of various genres. How do you balance these different influences in your songwriting?
Lartist Yan: What an interesting question. I really do not have a strict formula. I just let my inner self guide me. Listening to so many genres gave me a broad musical palette to work.
When I write a song, I naturally draw from these influences, picking elements that best express the emotion or story I am trying to convey.
We should not confine music to rigid genre boundaries. Instead, I aim to create a sound that is authentic to me, often resulting in a fusion of styles. For example, in “Second Chance,” you will hear elements of old-school RnB mixed with modern pop production techniques. This honors my musical roots while also creating something fresh.
Q: “Second Chance” has quickly climbed the charts in the United States (US) and the United Kingdom (UK). Why do you think listeners love it so much?
Lartist Yan: I believe the universal theme of hope and redemption in “Second Chance” resonates most with listeners. We have all experienced setbacks in life, and the idea that we can bounce back and deserve another opportunity speaks to people. I am truly humbled and grateful that “Second Chance” has touched so many people and found its way onto the charts.
Q: You have mentioned multiple times that your music addresses real-life challenges. How do you translate personal experiences into chart toppers?
Lartist Yan: Translating personal experiences into universal themes is at the heart of my songwriting process. I believe that even though our individual experiences are unique, many often share the emotions we feel.
When I write about a personal challenge or situation, I focus on the emotions and the broader lessons learned rather than getting caught up in specific details that only apply to me.
For example, with “Second Chance,” I think about how others might relate to my feelings and what words or melodies might resonate with them. It is about finding the common thread in our human experiences so listeners can see themselves in the music, even if their circumstances differ.
Q: Can you tell us about your upcoming single, “The Wave of Love”? How does it differ from or build upon “Second Chance”?
Lartist Yan: While “Second Chance” focuses on themes of redemption and new beginnings, “The Wave of Love” explores the power of genuine, true love and how authentic love can impact our lives.
Musically, “The Wave of Love” builds upon the soulful foundation of “Second Chance” but introduces new elements that reflect the song’s theme. You will hear a more expansive sound. I cannot wait for everyone to listen to it and experience this new aspect of my artistry.
Q: You’ve won several prestigious awards before releasing your first single. How have these accolades impacted your career?
Lartist Yan: Winning those awards in Russia was a turning point for me. It was not just about the recognition; it also gave me a huge confidence boost in my abilities as a performer.
When starting, you often doubt yourself, wondering if you have what it takes. But standing on those stages, receiving the Golden Voice of Russia and the other awards, was like a confirmation that I was on the right path.
Those accolades also opened up a lot of doors for me. I got to share the stage with some major stars in Moscow, which was an incredible learning experience. It exposed me to a broader audience and helped me understand what it takes to perform consistently at a high level. But more than anything, it fueled my passion to keep pushing, improving, and bringing my music to an even bigger stage – which is why I am so excited about my move to the U.S. market now.
Q: As both a songwriter and beatmaker, how do you approach the production process for your tracks?
Lartist Yan: It is very organic and intuitive. It usually starts with a feeling or an experience I want to express. Sometimes, like with “Second Chance,” the melody comes to me in a dream, and I build from there.
Other times, I will start with a beat or a chord progression that captures the emotion I am trying to convey. I do not like to force the process. I believe the best music comes when you let it flow naturally.
Q: How do you balance creating personally meaningful and commercially appealing music?
Lartist Yan: That is a great question, and I think about it a lot. For me, the key is to always start with authenticity. If a song is significant to me, if it comes from a genuine place of emotion or experience, then it has the potential to connect with others. That connection is what makes music commercially appealing in the long run.
Of course, I am not naive about the realities of the music industry. I pay attention to trends and what is resonating with audiences. But instead of trying to copy what is popular, I look for ways to incorporate those elements into my style.
Q: You’re preparing for your first U.S. tour. What can fans expect from your live performances?
Lartist Yan: I am incredibly excited about my first U.S. tour. Regarding the setlist, I’ll perform songs from my debut album, including ‘Second Chance,’ some memorable covers, and tracks from my debut EP. I also plan to include interactive elements to connect with the audience.
My band and I have been rehearsing extensively to guarantee that we deliver a tight, energetic show that brings the studio recordings to life. Whether you are a long-time fan or new to my music, I promise an unforgettable experience that will leave you feeling uplifted and inspired.
We will start the “Discover Me” Tour in Los Angeles, then head to Washington, D.C., and New York City. After that, we will be in Seattle, Chicago, and wrap up in Dallas in 2024-2025.
Q: What are your long-term goals as an artist, and how do you plan to achieve them?
Lartist Yan: My long-term vision is to become a global artist who can touch people’s lives through music, regardless of where they are from or what language they speak. I also want to create music that entertains and brings positive change.
To achieve these goals, I am focusing on a few key things. First, I am constantly working on my craft – writing, producing, and performing as much as possible to keep improving. I am also very committed to building genuine connections with my audience through music and platforms like social media.
The upcoming tour is a big part of this strategy. It is about getting out there and connecting with people face-to-face. It is a long journey, and I am excited about every step of it.
For longtime fans and new listeners, the upcoming US artist’s music provides a fresh take grounded in real experiences. With a new song and an upcoming tour in the pipeline, the world is about to get a “Second Chance” at falling in love with music all over again through Lartist Yan.
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