Paraffin Tehran

We’re thrilled to announce that will be the next guest on our Paraffin Podcast series, a special project dedicated to showcasing voices that have shaped the underground electronic music scene in Iran and beyond. As one of Paraffin Tehran’s closest collaborators and a long-time friend, Payam’s contributions to our platform have been instrumental in pushing the boundaries of cultural expression through sound.

This upcoming episode, airing on Tuesday, July 23rd at 12 PM Tehran time / 9:30 AM London time, dives deep into his journey, vision, and ongoing impact — both within Iran and across borders.

Payam Parvizi, a DJ, record producer and a Promoter hailing from Tehran, embarked on his musical journey in 2007. From the bustling streets of Iran’s capital, he cultivated his passion for electronic music, carving out a unique niche in a country where such expressions were often restricted.

In 2021, he founded “Spaced Apart”, a platform dedicated to nurturing and showcasing Iranian talents to the world. Through vinyl releases and international showcases, he broke barriers, amplifying the voices of his fellow countrymen and women in the global electronic music scene.

Despite the legal constraints, Payam Parvizi fearlessly organised underground parties, defying social norms and providing an outlet for self-expression in a country where dancing was prohibited. For over a decade, he transformed hidden spaces into pulsating havens of music and camaraderie, pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo.

Payam Parvizi’s influence extended far beyond Tehran’s borders. As a visionary curator and promoter, he bridged cultures and continents, bringing renowned artists from Europe and Georgia to perform in Tehran. His efforts not only enriched the local scene but also fostered connections between diverse musical communities, acting as a vital conduit between Tbilisi and Tehran.

Through his unwavering dedication and pioneering spirit, Payam Parvizi has left an indelible mark on Iran’s underground music scene, shaping its trajectory and inspiring countless individuals to embrace creativity and freedom of expression.

WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT AND SOLIDARITY ON THIS.

RooBeRoo Mansion is not just a venue—it is our beloved home, and as Paraffin Tehran, we stand in full solidarity with its dedicated and professional staff. A few days ago, our dear friend Houman Memar Panahi, the founder and director of RooBeRoo Mansion, was arrested along with his entire team by security forces during a performance by Hiva Safizadeh, a female Iranian musician. They have been in custody ever since.

We are deeply grateful for the incredible memories Houman has created for us and for the trust he placed in us, providing a platform where artistic expression could thrive. His contributions to the arts community have been invaluable, and his unjust detention is a grave injustice.

We strongly condemn these actions and stand firmly against any form of repression targeting artists and musicians—especially female artists, who have every right to sing, perform, and express themselves freely. This situation is utterly unacceptable.

We urge everyone to raise their voices and demand Houman’s immediate release. Together, we can help bring him home where he belongs.

MUSIC IS NOT A CRIME

Pictures: (ALL TAKEN AT ROOBEROO MANSION)
1: RooBeRoo Mansion
2: ‘s Live Performance in Tehran, Iran
3: ‘s Live Performance in Tehran, Iran
3: .linell ‘s Live Performance in Tehran, Iran
4: ‘s Live Performance in Tehran, Iran
5: and after 3Days Of Paraffin
6: Rhauder’s Live Performance in Tehran, Iran
7: .music ‘s Live Performance in Tehran, Iran
8: ‘s DJ set at RooBeRoo mansion Sound Festival in Tehran, Iran
9: ‘ Live Performance in Tehran, Iran
10: .linell ‘s Live Performance in Tehran, Iran
11: ‘s DJ set during 3Days Of Paraffin in Tehran, Iran
12: RooBeRoo Mansion

Paraffin Recommends:
Salar Ansari - Chi Gofti? Nagi Jayi!
Released: 2024 on Portal Garage Sounds