What are the differences between the subjects of underground music in Iran and in the west?
Semati – In appears to me that Iranian underground music is also covering a wide range of subjects. Since many of the musical acts in Iran do not have the legal permission, the content becomes “underground” automatically, no matter how mundane the subject matter is. Regardless, I see a wide range of issues covered by musicians in Iran. Rapper EMZipper’s “konkoor” speaks to a widely known social experience by the youth and their families. Then there is the example of the experience of falling in love, nuclear energy, dissing the competition, bragging about one’s neighborhood, bragging about one’s skills in rapping, wanting to get married,… These are some of the examples of the subjects covered by underground music in Iran. We should point out, of course, that in the West a wider range of social groups have made underground or protest music (e.g., women, minorities). 7sang.com – Underground music – especially rap and rock – was popular in west in the 70s and 80s. But in Iran this music h
