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Writer's pictureRiia Mallat

Exploring Hamed Habibpour: Traditional Iranian Music with a Contemporary Twist

Updated: Dec 2


Hamed Habibpour is a distinguished multi-instrumentalist, composer, and musicologist whose works bring the traditional sounds of Iranian and Middle Eastern music to audiences around the globe. Based in California, Hamed has built a career that bridges Eastern musical traditions with the innovations of modern production. Represented by the Estonian record label Tunitemusic, Hamed’s artistry is shaped by his profound understanding of Persian and Middle Eastern music, along with his passion for experimenting with traditional forms and instruments.
Hamed Habibpour

Hamed Habibpour is a distinguished multi-instrumentalist, composer, and musicologist whose works bring the traditional sounds of Iranian and Middle Eastern music to audiences around the globe. Based in California, Hamed has built a career that bridges Eastern musical traditions with the innovations of modern production. Represented by the Estonian record label Tunitemusic, Hamed’s artistry is shaped by his profound understanding of Persian and Middle Eastern music, along with his passion for experimenting with traditional forms and instruments.


Early Career and Musical Foundations

Hamed's musical journey began in Iran, where he was immersed in the country’s rich musical heritage from an early age. With a particular focus on Iranian traditional music, he found himself captivated by the textures and tones of Middle Eastern instruments like the santur, setar, and dunbek. His curiosity led him to learn more than 20 different instruments, becoming especially adept at the santur, a type of zither that is central to Iranian music.

His skills and commitment to preserving Middle Eastern musical traditions soon earned him a reputation as a versatile and dedicated musician. Hamed's career took him across borders, performing at festivals in Iran, Turkey, and Tunisia, and collaborating with notable Middle Eastern artists such as Milad Derakhshani, Vahid Taj, and Hussein Neyestan. Each collaboration enriched his understanding of Middle Eastern music and broadened his artistic range.


Discography and Notable Projects

Hamed’s discography reflects his deep respect for tradition and his innovative spirit. His debut independent release, Santur ile Anadoludan Esintiler, reimagines some of the most beloved songs of the Middle East, creating a powerful yet intimate experience on the santur. This release served as a tribute to Middle Eastern musical culture while highlighting Hamed's ability to convey emotion through melody and rhythm.


"Bahar Santur": One of Hamed’s standout projects, Bahar Santur, released through Tunitemusic, takes traditional Iranian music to new places. For this album, Hamed modified the classic santur’s tone by incorporating additional springs, creating a more resonant and complex sound. Each of the eight original compositions on this album is dedicated to a different Middle Eastern city, inviting listeners on a musical journey through the region’s cultural landscape. The album blends elements of New Age, ambient, and world music, using electronic elements and ambient sounds to enhance the traditional santur’s harmonic resonance. Bahar Santur reveals Hamed’s skill not only as a musician but also as a visionary who strives to redefine the boundaries of Iranian and Middle Eastern music.


"Songs for the Middle East": Released in 2021, Songs for the Middle East is an ambient album that further explores Hamed’s fascination with the sounds of the region. Each of the album’s eight tracks is dedicated to a Middle Eastern city, evoking the spirit of places like Isfahan, Cairo, Konya, and Beirut. While the album maintains a meditative, calming atmosphere, Hamed’s technical virtuosity is evident in every note. His command over the santur and setar, paired with the ambient textures and slow tempos, creates a sense of place that resonates with listeners around the world. This album has drawn praise for its tranquil, cinematic quality and has been described as an invitation to explore the diverse and layered musical traditions of the Middle East.


"Dancing Leaf": One of Hamed’s earlier singles, Dancing Leaf, is an enchanting piece that combines the soothing melodies of the setar with electronic accompaniment. Released through Tunitemusic, this track is a great example of Hamed’s skill in balancing traditional Iranian music with modern, ambient influences. The result is a soundscape that is both calming and invigorating, showcasing his unique ability to fuse organic instrumentation with contemporary production techniques.



Bridging Cultures Through Music

Hamed Habibpour’s music is more than just a fusion of styles; it’s a bridge between cultures. His work is deeply rooted in the musical traditions of Iran and the Middle East, yet it is also influenced by Western musical structures and innovations. Through his releases with Tunitemusic, Hamed has succeeded in making Persian music accessible and relatable to audiences who may be unfamiliar with its intricacies. His music resonates with listeners not only because of its beauty but also because it reflects a sincere attempt to connect the past with the present.


Future Directions and Impact

With each project, Hamed Habibpour pushes the boundaries of traditional Iranian music, expanding its appeal and introducing it to global audiences. As a musicologist and composer, he is committed to preserving Middle Eastern musical traditions while simultaneously evolving them. His collaborations with Tunitemusic underscore the label's dedication to promoting unique voices in the world music scene and giving artists like Hamed a platform to share their cultural heritage.

For anyone interested in exploring Iranian and Middle Eastern music, Hamed’s discography offers a beautiful, immersive introduction. From Bahar Santur to Songs for the Middle East, his work is a tribute to the timeless allure of Middle Eastern melodies and rhythms, masterfully woven into a modern tapestry. Hamed’s contributions to world music continue to shine a light on the richness of Iranian musical traditions, proving that music has the power to transcend borders and connect us all.


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