Aria is a Persian vocalist who has fused together many styles on his new CD Ceremony of Souls -- European classical, Far-Eastern, Western -- not to mention the varied faiths and backgrounds of the musicians and producers: Persia, Japan, Vietnam, Netherlands, France, Africa, Russia, Poland. While performing in the Persian language, Aria has been forging his musical territory since arriving in North America from Paris in 1984. He is also involved in many charitable causes, all part of his mandate to use music to spread peace and unity throughout the world. I recently asked Aria some questions about his music and causes.
Aria: The biggest challenge in performing in Persian is in the phrasing or extending
the words, which we call it TAHRIR.
Performing TAHRIR requires years of practices and studying of classical poetry
and
familiarization with the meaning behind every single word for expressing the
maximum emotions and passion hidden inside the words. TAHRIR has been only
performed by Persian classical singers in Iran and some Qavali music performer
in
Pakistan.
Paula: What is the force behind your involvement in so many charitable causes?
Aria: Due to the nature of my writing and composition I always felt the need to
share my
my compassion for every human being and the nature, therfore for every cause
that
that somehow would effect anybody or anything, I raised my concern thru the
medium of music, poetry and film. The causes that have a direct impact on all
living
creatures on the earth are the most highlighted one at this point.
Paula: What are your musical influences?
Aria: My musical influences are European classical composers, Blues, Experimental
composers and sound designers. In particular Motzart, Beethoven, and
contemporary singers such as Andrea Bocelli, stylish vocalist and innovative
writers.
Paula: What are your goals as an artist?
Aria: My goals as composer, lyricist and voclist are to explore the new era in
composition
and poetry and innovative singing. This journey has just began and it has been
the
most challenging and yet most interesting one. As performer stage is the
palace of
creativity, interaction and improvisition where I can unify all sorts of
energy and
celebrate the true and exciting life.
Paula: What was it like working with people from so many varied backgrounds?
Aria: It was great learning experience because I needed to be more understanding and
compassionate about everyone's input and creativity plus be more provider and
less
consumer. I learned how fragile we are and how we can creat love and
passionate
friendship and relationship. Studio was place to sweep the egotism and lay the
beautiful and colorful carpet of creativity and collaboration. at the end I
have to thank
My executive producers Mr. Samuel Gisser, Mr. Seth Blaustein my musical
director and Pianist Mr. Keith Van Wetter plus all other musician whom without
the Ceremony of Souls album would not come to fruition.
