Faranak Shahroozi, an Iranian-American composer and pianist who was born in Abadan, Iran, on January 22, 1966, is more than just a musical expression of her feelings. Her melodic compositions, which are frequently likened to the output of masters like Francis Lai and Nino Rota, depict a tale of ardour, tenacity, and the quest for self-expression.
When Faranak was just five years old, he first experimented with music. However, it was her family’s trips to Greece that exposed her to Greek music and culture, which kindled her musical passion. She learnt to play the piano with unrivalled intensity after being fascinated by the lyrical skill of Greek singer Demis Roussos. When her sister wed a Greek guy, her musical journey became even more entwined with her Greek heritage, turning her become a passionate fan of Greek music.
Faranak fled Iran for the US in 1984 in search of safety from the turbulent times. Her musical expressions underwent a transformational change as a result of the sudden upheaval she experienced. These adjustments reverberated throughout her works, finally drawing Preston Glass’s notice. She rose to fame and was recognised as a musical soul who touched the heartstrings of the Napa Valley, where her music became inextricably linked to the region’s cultural environment.
Trials on Faranak’s trip left their marks on her memories. She considers how her beautiful upbringing was disrupted by the Iranian Revolution and the ensuing Islamic rule. She recalls, “Life was never the same for me,” her voice heavy with the weight of recollection. Her teenage energy was eclipsed by forced conformity and restrictive rules, so she turned to her love of music for consolation. “I was a playful musician, and no one could mould me to conform,” she admits. She was able to leave the constrictive atmosphere and accept her genuine self as a result of her parents’ choice to move her to America.
Faranak has spent her entire life pursuing her yearning for musical expression as a form of self-expression. She considers music to be more than simply a hobby; it is who she is. She excitedly exclaims, “Music is the sixth sense to me.” Since she was a little child, it has been at her side constantly, influencing her thoughts, dreams, and very being.
Faranak’s compositions have served as her emotional canvas through betrayals, grief, and difficulties in life. She started writing evocative piano tunes as a result of her split with her lover, the terrible death of her nephew in a car accident, and the accumulated trauma of growing up during a revolution and war. Her music evolved into a symbol of her tenacity, a means of coping with grief, and a way to transform adversity to art.
Faranak has a diverse range of influences on his music and composition. She adores the beauty of music from all countries and genres, and her passion of music has no bounds. She clearly appreciates the variety of music, from the affecting Greek songs of Demis Roussos to the ethereal piano masterpieces of Yanni.
Collaborations have made a lasting impression on Faranak’s musical career. Her collaborations with the late Syreeta Wright, Stevie Wonder’s wife, stand out among them. Syreeta sang the heartbreaking song “From My Heart To Yours,” which is yet unpublished and displays Faranak’s emotional range.
Her words of wisdom for aspiring artists serve as proof of her tenacity. She emphasises, “Be passionate, consistent, and extremely persistent,” exhorting them not to let rejection deter them. She has lived by the maxim “knock on doors until one opens.”
The music of Faranak Shahroozi has a bright future. She intends to keep writing, producing, and publishing songs while experimenting with covers that speak to her. Her involvement with movies is highlighted by her work on “165 Days,” a gripping tale of a kidnapped British filmmaker.
The personal narrative of Faranak Shahroozi is intertwined with her music and is one of overcoming adversity, pursuing artistic expression, and unflinching devotion to her trade. Not only do her musical compositions ring true with the notes she plays, but also with the tales she tells about love, grief, and the never-ending quest for one’s Innermost self.
