ABJEEZ

Washington, DC - From the time of Persian Sarmatian female warriors to the enviable space-trip taken by Iranian-American Anousheh Ansari in 2006 - as the world’s first female non-astronaut-traveler/space-tourist - Iranian women seem capable of conquering it all. We believe the Abjeez - slang for “sisters” in Farsi - are made of the same thriving genetic ingredients as they carry on the Persian tradition of perseverance, equality, artistic expression, and compassion through their pioneering yet organic fusion of Pop-Rock-Reggae-Persian-Flamenco acoustics. In our opinion, sisters Melody - aptly named, as her name means “song” (maybe their mom knew something?) - and Safoura (who shares her name with Moses’s wife) are the best Iranian-musical-sister-combo since Hayedeh and Mahasti.

However, their musical styles couldn’t be any more different. The Abjeez’s music is innovative, timely, and deliciously raw. (Just listen to their tracks Democracy and Edeaa.) Safoura’s training at the Fundacion Cristina Heeren de Arte Flamenco in Seville, Spain with a concentration on Flamenco-Guitar shines through, while Melody’s natural musical instinct is as insightful and melodically in tune, as her name suggests. They express deep emotion using their instruments – as well as their gift for vocal arrangements which are recognizably unique to their perfect creations. A smart mix of their articulate knowledge of formal and slang Persian linguistics is apparent in their witty lyrical choices: “toe bee eh-ssaasi, taa haalaa nakardi ye’ geryeye assaassi”, a verse from their song ‘Geryeye Mard’ that has already become forever-ingrained in our brain.

Like most of our fellow Iranian girls and boys we’ve been in love with the Abjeez from the first time we heard their name, but we admit that once we heard their musical masterpieces – it was over for us. We’ve been officially “obsessed” ever since. We hope you enjoy reading this interview as much as we enjoyed connecting with and getting to know the Abjeez. Melody and Safoura, nicknamed Abjeezooloo and Abjeeloo respectively, not only inspire us to be better through their clever Persian-Cante-Jondo-esque sounds, but also through their refreshingly unassuming charm and lovely personalities. We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: “Rock-on Persian-Princesses”.

***

For more on the Abjeez, please visit: www.abjeez.com - Buy your copy - Listen to samples

*SS = Safoura
**MS = Melody

SK: Where were you born?

SS: In a hospital in Teheran, Iran.
MS: Tehran/Shemiran.

Where did you grow up?

In many places. In India, in the north of Sweden, in the South of Sweden and in Spain. (I'm still growing though.) Mainly Iran & Skandinavia.

When was your last visit to Iran?

Summer 2003. Autumn of 2003.

Describe High School in one sentence.

3 years of determination, observation and lots of pimples. Probably one of the best periods of my life.

When did Abjeez form?

In April 2005. The foundation of the band was built during the 90s but Abjeez as a band was created sometime in 2005.

Why the name Abjeez?

Because that's who we are, each others and YOUR sisters. ;) Because we are sisters.

Who is your biggest musical influence?

I'm not only influenced by one person. This changes all the time. But my brother was my first musical influence/inspiration and then Paco de Lucia who introduced the flamenco and Latin music world to me. My brother and sister.

What is your favorite Abjeez song?

They are all my children and I love them all the same, but if I have to choose I will say Eddeaa. Depends on my mood, but for the moment “Immigrant”, unfortunately you haven’t heard it yet ;O)

What is your favorite song of all time?

Muy difícil to pick only one. But I will choose "Another day in paradise" - Phil Collins. Very difficult question, but if I HAVE to choose, then it's "Coming back to life" by Pink Floyd (Division Bell 1994)

Where did you get your inspiration for your first album?

From everywhere I've lived and with all the musicians I've played and all the beautiful people I have had the honor to meet and get to know. From people around us and the love and support of my family.

How old were you when you picked up your first instrument?

I don't really know maybe 7? The flute. I started learning piano at the age of 12 and continued for 3 year but soon gave it up to painting.

Do you have any classical musical training?

I had classical guitar lessons in Music collage but I forced my teacher to teach me Flamenco, which he didn't know how to play himself. So we learned it together. Great teacher. No.

When did you write your first song?

When I was 12 years old. At the age of 20

Where was the first place you performed?

In middle-school. I don’t really remember but, I think it was in Sweden.

Where's the last place you performed?

In "The old courthouse", Östersund, Sweden, [May 2008]. In Haparanda/ Sweden.

What instruments do you play?

I sing, play the guitar and some percussion.

Name 3 songs currently on repeat-play on your iPod.

I don't have an iPod. But I can't stop listening to this CD: "Knotty Bits" Chris Bottomley. He is GREAT. I never put any song on repeat, unless it is an Abjeez song that has to be memorized.

What time of day/night do you find yourself most creative?

Hmm. I think I would say in the afternoon and evening. I like the day. Sunshine inspires me. At night.

What is your favorite to city to perform in?

It actually doesn't matter in which city we are. Every performance is unique in its own way. The contact with the audience and between us musicians on the stage is what makes a gig special. And that changes from time to time. But we had a great time in Toronto last month so I wouldn't mind going back there again soon! ;) Every city has [its] own charm and beauty and it’s really not so much about the city but rather the type of the [venue] and the [audience] that makes a show memorable.

If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?

Where I have my loved ones and I feel I have something meaningful to do. Where ever I can be around my love ones.

If you could be someone else for a day, who would you be?

A very rich (financially) and powerful person who does not deserve to be it. I am quite comfortable with the person I have learned to deal with all my life. So I’ll stick to being myself. Thank you!

Describe the Abjeez's sound in your own words.

Rhythmical "earthy" pop with a touch of reggae! A bowl of mixed nuts.

Who do you think your listeners are?

Today, curious, open minded and "thirsty" people. In 10 years, a lot more people. People who are very much into music.

What is your favorite instrument?

Guitar. Daff.

How has life, as an Iranian abroad, made you different from your peers?

Life as an immigrant has [taught] me not to be too attached to anything. It has forced me to search for strength in myself. It has made me become more realistic and emotional towards other people.

If you weren’t musicians and you won the lottery, how would you spend it?

In a veeeery good way. Promise! ;) Very quietly ;O)

What do you do when you’re not busy making beautiful music?

I spend time with friends and interesting people. I play with dogs and I go out in nature. Make fun of myself in various music videos.

What's your favorite Iranian dish?

"Khoreshte karafs" or "Ghorme sabzi". (Without meat!) Anything with bademjoon. But I have also fallen for shirin polo [lately].

What would you cook for your friends, if they were to come over to your place?

I would make a dish with salmon, ginger, soy and orange. Abjeezooloo's favorite, cause she would probably be one of those friends coming over. Something delicious, perhaps with bademjoon!

What 3 words would your best friend use to describe you?

I would say "happy", "optimistic" and "spiritual". I will ask. (I am calling him now on the phone..) "Inspiring, a hard worker and loving." Wow, thanks Javi! :) I really don’t know. Let me ask my best friend Saman - he says, “1) Babyzooloo, 2) Problem-solver...NOT, 3. Considerate”.

What are you most proud of in your life?

My wonderful family. My beloved family.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

I get my inspiration from LIFE and people. I know it’s beginning to sound very “cheesy”, but still my family!

Who has influenced you the most in life?

My mother Mahin the sunshine of my life. Abjeeloo [Safoura]

Do you have any pets?

No, but I will have dogs some day. Yes. Two Russian [turtles].

What's next for the Abjeez?

Next up is new music, tours and nice gatherings with all our "jeez" and "daadaasheez" out there! More songs, videos and concerts.

How can your fans stay updated on your adventures?

Through our new upcoming website which will be launched this year. Until then www.myspace.com/abjeez, www.facebook.com/abjeez and www.abjeez.com .