Faravaz

Faravaz Farvardin is an extraordinary singer, songwriter, and musician, known for her powerful voice, diverse musical style, and unwavering passion for singing and music. Originally from Iran and currently living in Germany, Faravaz showcases exceptional talent in three languages: English, German, and Farsi (Persian). Her repertoire spans indie pop with Iranian elements, a testament to her extensive knowledge of folk and world music styles. However, it is her profound life experiences and relentless drive for change that have shaped her into the exceptional artist she is today. On her latest EP, "WLF," Faravaz delves into the captivating world of indie pop. Inspired by the "Woman Life Freedom" movement in Iran, the EP serves as a powerful ode to the strength and resilience of women who have risen up against the suffocating chains of oppression. Faravaz channels the collective frustration felt by Iranian women after enduring years of daily humiliation. Through her music, Faravaz hopes to serve as a catalyst for change in her country through her music. Faravaz's musical journey began in Iran, where solo singing was illegal for women and where social acceptance of women's involvement in music was limited, even within her own family. Undeterred by these challenges, Faravaz's determination shone through. Seeing her passion, her mother saved money to buy her a guitar and enrolled her in guitar lessons at the age of 12. Faravaz practiced in her orange garden and took every opportunity to sing. But those opportunities were limited to the sidelines. Legally, she was only allowed to sing as a backup vocalist, forced to watch male performers take center stage while being denied the chance to do so herself. "Every time I went to a concert, I cried," she recalls. "I imagined myself and other female singers on the stage, and the sadness of not having that opportunity overwhelmed me." In 2016, Faravaz boldly stepped into the spotlight as the soloist in the music video "Dance With Me." With this powerful production, she sought to portray the resilience and hope of people striving for happiness despite their difficult lives in Iran. "Dance With Me" was shared on social media platforms, because conventional avenues were closed off to Faravaz. Unfortunately, her bold defiance of the Islamic Republic came at a high price. In 2017, while Faravaz was in Berlin for a concert, she was charged and sentenced to one year in prison for her participation in the piece. Faced with an agonizing choice, she had to choose between returning to Iran, giving up her freedom to sing and disappearing from the stage, or staying in Germany, far away from her family and homeland, but with the chance to pursue her dream of singing. In a just world, no one should have to face such an impossible dilemma. She chose to stay in Germany, not only to pursue her own musical aspirations but also to be a beacon of hope for other women in Iran who share her passion for singing. "Singing is my weapon to fight," Faravaz explains. "Even though I may not have achieved all my dreams, this fighting spirit keeps me resilient. The stage is my sanctuary, where I find comfort and safety. I genuinely love people, and music allows me to effortlessly connect with them and their emotions. Music becomes my outlet to express anger, the driving force for change. I sing to change the world and make it a better place to live." In 2018, Faravaz fearlessly launched the women's #RightToSing campaign, an online movement that vehemently opposes the ban on women singing in Iran. Through this campaign, she amplifies the voices of countless Iranian women who share her love for singing but face severe restrictions or even imprisonment for expressing themselves. She also founded a nonprofit organization with the same name, aiming to raise awareness about the ban and empower female singers in Iran to produce their own music. Anna-Sophia Richard has created the documentary ‘My Orange Garden’ about Faravaz's voice, her life struggles, and her extraordinary journey as an artist. The documentary delves into Faravaz's music, exploring her personal experiences and the societal challenges she has faced. Through this intimate portrait, viewers gain insight into Faravaz's artistic inspiration, her resilience, and the transformative power of her voice. The New Yorker magazine has shown great interest in the 'Right to Sing' campaign and is supporting the distribution and promotion of 'My Orange Garden' in 2024.