Before beginning my doctoral studies at the University of Kentucky, I spent most of my professional career in music journalism, with a particular focus on rock, jazz, and pop scenes in post-revolutionary Iran. While I primarily covered music, I also occasionally contributed to other cultural areas, including a brief period on visual arts.
I began as a blogger in 2010, with some of my earliest posts archived here. In 2012, I joined Divan Magazine, Iran’s first rock and metal music publication, as a staff writer, where I worked until 2013. Following this role, I transitioned to Honar-e Musiqi monthly magazine, where I served as a staff writer.
From 2016 to 2018, I worked as a freelance journalist, contributing to numerous newspapers and online magazines, including Musicema, Farhan-o-Ahang, Aftabnet, ILNA, Gozaresh-e Musiqi, Tajrobeh, Exir, Etemad, Andishepouya, and Owrsi. During this period, my work included
• Pitching and writing stories and essays about Iran’s music scenes
• Reviewing albums, concerts, and recently published music-related books
• Conducting interviews with musicians and industry professionals
My professional writings from this period can be accessed through Magiran and ElmNet. Please note that all of my journalistic writings are in Persian.
In February 2018, I co-founded Cadence, an online platform specializing in Iranian alternative music, alongside fellow music journalists. As Co-Founder & Editor, I helped establish the platform’s editorial direction and content strategy. The platform continues to thrive and gain traction, featuring content across YouTube and Instagram. While I remain connected to Cadence’s mission, I am no longer involved due to academic commitments.
From 2021 to 2022, I briefly worked at Toccata in Tehran, which marked my final role in music journalism before transitioning to doctoral studies in the U.S.