Iran Cracks Down On Underground Music

A music store in Tehran (file photo) (epa) April 23, 2007 (RFE/RL) -- Authorities in Iran have reportedly detained at least six members of underground music bands during the past week and shut down their studios, Radio Farda reported.

At least two detainees taken into custody on April 19 have been freed on bail after pledging not to distribute illegal compact discs of underground music.

Western music is widely banned in Iran, and censors keep a close watch on the domestic arts scene.

Many Iranians, especially young people, find their way around the ban to listen to Western music.

Some unsanctioned Iranian acts have developed their own underground styles of rock, hip hop, and other music that authorities deem un-Islamic.

FURTHER READING
Same Old Tune In December 2005, Iran's president ordered state media not to play "Western and decadent music." more	Tehran Blues RFE/RL presents an excerpt from "Tehran Blues," an account of a generation growing up after Iran's Islamic Revolution by Radio Farda journalist Kaveh Basmenji. more