Persian Popular Music
Musicians in Iran have long struggled to express themselves freely through their art. Even classical musicians have weathered periods of suppression that kept their performances hidden from the public. Depending on the attitudes of the local populace or current Shah, musicians played their music in secret for fear of persecution, performing only for close friends and fellow musicians in intimate settings, such as a family home. Although the social climate within Iran has changed for classical musicians, popular artists certainly can face similar challenges. Public performances may be monitored, but underground live performances do exist, and many artists find audiences by selling their music through the black market.