MUSIC

Sepehr Haddad is a musician, activist, husband, father, and one half of contemporary world-music band Shahin & Sepehr (S&S). With the identifiable and widely-acclaimed “One Thousand and One Nights” as a starter-album to S&S’s musical career, the timeless melodies of these artists are penetrating enough to be felt from within. Their music has an opinion. And we agree with it.

Creating the kind of music that becomes the soundtrack to a whole era of one’s life - or a memorable sunset-summer-evening filled with passion, love, peace, beauty, and pleasure – Shahin & Sepehr’s music is simply a music-library must-have for everyone.

Proving the universality of Sepehr’s artistry, his latest solo album “Summer in Beijing - One World, One Dream”, has been composed in celebration of the upcoming Summer 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China. As he continues to tell stories through his instruments, in this album Sepehr uses just the right dose of traditional Asian sounds to create his stimulating musical conversations.

If you haven’t already experienced Shahin & Sepehr’s musical journeys, then, where have you been? Not to worry, you no longer have to miss out on the soundtrack to your life. Buy your copy today: [One Thousand & One Nights] [E] [Aria] [World Cafe] [East / West Highway: The Best of Shahin & Sepehr] [Nostalgia]

SKS: What is your name?

SH: Sepehr Haddad

Where and when were you born?

Born Oct 19, 1957, Washington DC

Where did you grow up?

In Washington DC until the age of 7, after that in Iran

When did you leave Iran?

In August 1975

Where in Iran did you live?

Tehran

When was the last time you went back for a visit? How was it? Unfortunately, the last time was in Summer of 1978, I haven't been back in 30 years, but am planning to take the wife and kids soon for a visit.

What's the first instrument you played?

the melodica, I don't know if you remember those, it was like a keyboard that had a plastic pipe you would blow into, it worked sort of like an accordion.

At what age did you first play an instrument?

12 or so

Have you had any classical training?

No

Do you write your own music?

Yes

You are one-half of Shahin & Sepehr, how did you guys meet?

In Tehran International School, "Iranzamin", we were schoolmates

What's something your listeners would be surprised to know about you?

I can't read notes.

How did you come to choose your band name?

Two friends from high school in Iran, Shahin Shahida & Sepehr Haddad making music together, we just dropped our last names.

Are you pursuing a solo career now?

Shahin and I are both working together on our next album and also doing solo work on the side, this way we keep fresh influences in our work.

What's the name of your new album?

My solo album is titled "Summer in Beijing"

Did you create the music specifically for the Olympics?

I created the music specifically for this event, the summer Olympic games, hence the title "Summer in Beijing"

Will you be attending the Summer Olympics in China?

No

How would you describe your sound?

World Beat

Where have you toured?

My solo work is mostly studio work with computers, samples, keyboards, etc. so I don't tour solo, however with the Shahin & Sepehr band we do go on tour. We have played all over the US and also in Italy.

What was your first paid gig?

Besides playing solo at pubs and coffee houses in California during college in the 70’s/80’s, professionally as the Shahin & Sepehr act, we first performed at the Lincoln Theatre in Washington DC.

Is your music sold in in Iran?

Yes, but unfortunately illegally so we don't receive royalties on music sold in Iran. They are not signatories to the copyright laws that govern music.

Do you have any idols?

Johann Sebastian Bach, every time I listen to him, I am amazed at how perfect his music is.

If you could tour with any three bands (from any era), who would they be?

Jethro Tull, The Decemberists, Sting

What is your favorite Iranian dish?

Chelokabab

How does your family feel about your musical pursuance?

At first, like most Iranian families, not very excited, but that all changed once we made a name for ourselves in the industry. Also, it wasn't like I went into music straight out of high school, I went to college and got a degree in Agricultural Development and had a "regular" 9 to 5 job so they didn't have to worry if the music thing didn't pan out.

Describe your current life in one sentence.

Thankful

Where can one see Sepehr Haddad perform?

Solo, probably nowhere, with the Shahin & Sepehr band soon.

How do you want to be remembered 50 years from now?

I'll be over 100 then so I don't think it would matter to me

What's your favorite song?

"Killing me Softly" by Roberta Flack

What's your favorite Shahin & Sepehr song?

"The Last Goodbye" from our album "e"

What's your favorite city to play in?

In the US, its San Francisco, overseas, it would be Tehran if we get the chance.

Describe Iran in three words.

I love it

Describe the US in three words.

I love it

Are you and Shahin going to continue working together? A new album? Yes, we have almost finished our next album, have to put the finishing touches on it, it will be our 7th overall. I've been listening to the demo in my ipod over the past few months.

We have also recently finished a single tune called "Fields of Change" and it should be uploaded to itunes, napster, lala.com, rhapsody and amazon.com by June 2008 for digital download. It will be our first studio recording since 2002, and even though its just a single, we are excited and look forward to its release.

Where can everyone buy your music?

My solo music can be found on Sepehrmusic.com or myspace.com/sepehrmusic. The Shahin & Sepehr music can be bought on itunes, amazon, and everywhere else on the web with digital mp3 downloading, and the physical CDs can be bought from any internet or actual record (CD) store. Our S&S website is on myspace.com/shahinandsepehr. We can also be found on Facebook.

Do you guys have any other talents that your fans might want to know about?

None to brag about

What time of day are you most creative?

Late evening, when it’s quiet.

Best guitarist ever?

In my opinion, I don't know if he's the best ever, but one who's acoustic playing I enjoy is Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull.

Who would you say your music has been influenced by the most?

We listen to so many different styles and kinds of music, its hard to tell, its sort of a melange.

Would you play in Iran if asked?

Yes. We were asked a while back and were planning to go to perform and do a PBS special, but it fell through due to logistical problems.

Kalleh-paacheh or Haleem?

Haleem

***

For more info on the music of Shahin & Sepehr please visit www.myspace.com/shahinandsepehr or the Shahin & Sepehr music page on Facebook.