Currently based in Istanbul, Stereotype’s musical journey unfolds on live stages. Originating from Iran’s banned music scene, especially challenging for female artists, Meshcut and Xeen defy stereotypes with a unique blend of Electronic Rock and Synthwave. Their shared musical perspectives and personal experiences breathe life into a captivating fusion. Despite the hurdles, the duo passionately pushes boundaries, captivating audiences with thought-provoking music that transcends cultural limits.
KALTBLUT caught up with the duo as part of our #TheCulturalConnection-series to chat about how the pandemic and protests have inspired Stereotype, as well as their performance at this year’s Tehran Contemporary Sounds Festival.
KALTBLUT: Can you tell me a little more about the formation of Stereotype in the midst of the underground music scene in Tehran in 2020?
Zhina: In 2020, the formation of Stereotype in the Tehran underground music scene was rooted in a tight-knit community of musicians navigating restrictions on public performances. The scene itself is relatively small, with a notable hub being a specific house where weekly Jam Sessions served as a haven for underground musicians unable to showcase their work elsewhere. It was during these gatherings that Asal, Meshkat and I, who were previously involved in different musical projects, became acquainted.
Asal and I had collaborated in an all-female indie rock band, while Meshkat was engaged in various musical collaborations. Our close friendship evolved further during the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic when quarantine measures were enforced. Isolated together, we seized the opportunity to channel their creativity into collaborative music-making, culminating in the establishment of Stereotype. This formation not only reflects the resilience of the underground music community in Tehran but also underscores the unique circumstances and bonds that emerged during a period of global uncertainty.
KALTBLUT: How did the global pandemic, as well as the protests last year, influence your creative process and songwriting?
Zhina: The events of the global pandemic and the protests in Iran last year profoundly influenced our creative process and songwriting. Beyond being perceived merely as societal unrest, the protests were intimately intertwined with our personal narratives, representing the collective experiences of every Iranian woman. The extensive suppression and denial of basic human rights, which compelled us to leave Iran, became a poignant backdrop.
The tragic loss of innocent lives during those tumultuous times left us in a state of perpetual grief and shock. Upon resuming our musical endeavours, we channelled our emotions into a composition titled “Tehran.” This musical piece serves as a reflective embodiment of our feelings and memories, offering a profound expression of the impact that these tumultuous events have had on our lives and artistic expression.
KALTBLUT: Could you share how your musical journey led you to Istanbul, and how has your current location influenced your music and performances?
Zhina: Our musical journey led us to Istanbul as a pivotal step in pursuing our passion for music. In Iran, the restrictions on women performing in public compelled us to seek opportunities beyond our homeland. The decision to leave was a challenging one, marked by the awareness that returning might not be guaranteed.
Upon arriving in Istanbul, we encountered the vastness of the city, which presented challenges in navigating its extensive music scene and integrating ourselves within it. The process of finding our place in a new cultural and musical landscape has been ongoing, and while uncertain if we have fully assimilated, we remain dedicated to our craft.
Our experience during a mini Europe tour reinforced our aspiration to reach larger stages and expand our performance repertoire. Recognizing the potential for more significant opportunities in Europe, we acknowledge that being situated here may facilitate broader access to shows and stages aligning with our musical ambitions.
KALTBLUT: Being born from the banned music scene in Iran, especially for female artists, must have had a significant impact on your artistic expression. Can you elaborate on the challenges you’ve faced and how you’ve managed to create a unique blend of Electronic Rock and Synthwave?
Zhina: The journey from the banned music scene in Iran, particularly for female artists, has undeniably shaped our artistic expression and posed numerous challenges. As a guitarist, I encountered restrictions early on, facing the prohibition of women taking electric guitar classes. To attend these classes, I had to navigate the challenges of surveillance, discreetly avoiding CCTV cameras.
Further obstacles emerged when attempting to rent a studio for band rehearsals or recordings. We received messages stating that the studio couldn’t accommodate female musicians. Consequently, we resorted to rehearsing and recording in my bedroom, albeit with limited resources. The prohibition on public gigs led us to organize underground shows, often disrupted by police interventions.
Despite these formidable challenges, our deep passion for music compelled us to persevere. Music became our refuge and a powerful means to express ourselves, transcending the barriers imposed on us. This tumultuous journey has played a pivotal role in shaping our sound.
Despite these challenges, music remains our universal language and a daily pursuit that allows us to communicate and perceive the world.
KALTBLUT: How has transcending cultural boundaries played a role in your musical journey, and what message or themes do you aim to convey through your music?
Zhina: Transcending cultural boundaries in our musical journey has been a formidable endeavour, marked by numerous challenges and moments of contemplation about giving up. There were days when the pursuit of music as a professional career seemed to jeopardize our lives and mental well-being. Years of dedicating time, energy, and effort often yielded results that fell short of our expectations.
Despite these challenges, music remains our universal language and a daily pursuit that allows us to communicate and perceive the world. The overarching message in our music reflects resilience, the refusal to surrender, and the anticipation of brighter days. It is a testament to our unwavering commitment to continue our journey even when faced with adversity, encapsulating the belief that the “Lights would shine” eventually.
Follow @stereotypeduo on Instagram to keep up with upcoming releases and shows. Stream their music here.
Cover photo by @ilkinzeybek_
You can revisit all Cultural Connection interviews at #TheCulturalConnection here.
