Liraz Charhi, better known as Liraz, is an Israeli-Persian singer, actress and dancer. She has released a new album titled Zan on Glitterbeat Records. The album explores Liraz’s Persian roots. It combines electropop with Persian traditions. Liraz talked to us about her new recording:
What do you consider to be the essential elements of your music?
My essential elements all of my musicians bringing all the layers I’m built of; my story and my heritage.
I grew up in Israel and the complexity of my family who really struggled to be Israeli had brought me my double culture the fact that I missed Iran that I don’t know and Iran that I’m not able to visit brought me a lot of rage and this rage gave me a open to tell my story via the music. Lyrics. Instrument and most important co operate with my Iranian musicians fellows.
Although you have Persian roots, you grew up in Israel. When did you become interested in Persian music?
It literally happened to me in the streets of Los Angeles where I found out lots of my Iranian family and explored every street in the Iranian neighborhoods, specially explored Iranian music shops and fell in love immediately with the music I missed from the 70s of Iran.
How did you put together the album Zan?
I started writing lyrics and music with the producer and co writer Uri Brauner Kinrot.
When I had my biggest dream on my mind; writing an album with Iranian musicians based in Iran
I posted via media call for a collaboration with them; musicians, lyricists, and players of Iranian authentic instruments. They really liked the idea despite the fact that both countries are not able to be in touch. That was the most important journey of my life. Full of fear brave fragility and determined mind; ups and downs finding the way to record Zan album secretly.
Zan is a fundamentally an electropop album. Do you have plans to record an album that has deeper traditional roots?
I will always mix my layers, that’s the real reason I wanted to tell my story via music.
It is important to me to be clear with my both complex characters. My double heritages.
How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected you in terms of work and livelihood?
At first, it was with lots of difficulties. It was hard for me to understand that all my tours got canceled.
By the time we understood that it is an important time to release the album and to continue being creative in this crazy times.
It’s a pleasure to know my music is out to the world. Specially in times when music cannot be on stages.
In what ways are you promoting your music?
Being creative with my music via media. Broadcasting lives shows and promoting Zan.
If you could invite additional musicians or bands to collaborate with, who would it be?
Googoosh, my favorite idol; and Iranian singer who didn’t stop singing during the Iranian revolution. She’s one of a kind.
In addition to the release of Zan, do you have any other projects to share with us?
We are working on bringing Zan on stages with special collaboration. You’re also welcome to watch Tehran the TV series I participated in.
[headline image: Liraz – Photo by Rotem Lebel]
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.