Feature Friday - Naghmeh
Name
Naghmeh
Pronouns
She/Her
Bio
Naghmeh is an Iranian-Canadian singer-songwriter based in Montreal. Her musical journey began in San Francisco, where she first discovered her passion for music. Eventually, she returned to Montreal, her adopted home, to further pursue her musical career. She weaves influences from these cities' rich and distinct music scenes with her Iranian roots. Singing in English, French, and Farsi, Naghmeh bridges language barriers, connecting with diverse audiences. Her performances have taken her across Canada, to intimate venues and big stages, from small towns to major cities. A child of war and revolution, Naghmeh uses her musical platform to elevate the voice of the voiceless, and to raise awareness about global issues and social causes. If the Talking Heads and Patti Smith had a love child, and that kid grew up listening to Metallica in Iran, it would probably sound like Naghmeh.
Instagram
@naghmehasong
Where in Montreal are you located?
Hochelaga
What do you love about your neighborhood?
I live in a mixed income neighborhood, where I see a lot of middle aged and older folks who have been living here for decades. Gentrification is definitely happening, but you can still see the old school charm, and the Ma and Pop shops still thriving, which gives it a lot of character. In the summer, we have a pedestrian street and lots of events happening right there. There is also the Boisé Vimont/Steinberg, which is basically old abandoned train tracks where I can go for regular walks with my dog. It's a piece of land that in theory belongs to different federal entities, but is wild and beautiful and free. It is a space worth protecting, and I encourage everyone to take a look at Mobilisation 6600 to find out more about how to be involved and prevent the re-industrialization of this area. Also my whole band (except for one member) lives within a 3 block radius and we're all near our rehearsal studio. We often eat together, chill together, borrow a shovel from one another, go to karaoke, etc. The entire thing has a major village vibe to it and I absolutely love it.
What’s your favourite art space in Montreal and why?
I love the small house concert spaces, like Yamistan or Little Loft, but my favorite venues are Turbo Haüs and La Sala Rossa.
Describe your art in your own words.
My music is a reflection of my personal journey and healing and I want that to be transferred to my audience. I want my raw emotions to reach someone and help them not feel alone in their journey. To do so, I write with all my flaws and vulnerabilities, and try to assume responsibility with my words and message.
What have you been working on recently?
I just released The Situation, the first single I recorded with my new bandmates, and it feels amazing to finally release it. We recorded two more songs that we will be slowly teasing out in the coming months.
What sparked your passion for music?
My name, Naghmeh, means melody. So since I was a child, I just thought it was who I was meant to be.
Describe your sound.
If the Talking Heads and Patti Smith had a love child, and that kid grew up listening to Metallica in Iran, it would probably sound like Naghmeh.
What does your creative process look like?
I write a lot but not everything I write ends up being a song or have a melody. Lately a melody ambushes me while I'm driving, forcing me to pull over and do a voice memo and think about what comes next. Other times I've set the intention to write a song and have somehow willed it to happen. But those are rare. Songs don't like being told what to do.
Who are your biggest musical influences?
Lately, I've been super inspired by folks in my own friend groups. I love Unas Escondidas, Avery Jane, Janice Jo Lee. But I've also been immensely drawn to reconnect with my mother tongue, so I seek Farsi speaking artists and others who are promoting the intergenerational transfer of language. Elisapie is an artist that has really inspired me in the last few years.
What do you love about playing live?
Lately, I've had so many folks come up to me and tell me how much they love my Farsi song. These are folks who don't speak Farsi and don't know what my words mean. The fact that I can use this musical expression to bring my mother tongue into spaces where it hasn't been a part of the music scene is really meaningful to me. It makes me feel like my grandparents are in the room with me and makes me proud to represent my culture in ways that hasn't been traditionally accessible to my people.
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