Paraffin Tehran

📷: Kaveh Golestan

This month’s residency at Netil Radio is different.

Azim was in Iran less than two weeks ago. He had just returned to London when everything escalated. His family is still there. And watching it all unfold from afar has been unbearable.

Azimdon’t usually speak much during his shows — he let the records tell the story. But this time, he will be on the mic.

Azim will be playing rare Iranian records — voices like Fereydoun Farrokhzad, Farhad, Shahram, GooGoosh, Ebi — alongside post-revolutionary and contemporary sounds from Iran. And he will be speaking from the heart, not about the tracks, but about what this moment feels like as an Iranian artist living between two worlds.

This one is personal.

Wednesday
3–5PM London time
6:30–8:30PM Iran time

Tune in.

Step into a time machine of sound with Echoes of Iran, a special edition of Azim Fathi’s The Art of Digging on Netil Radio. For this September’s episode, Azim casts his vinyl-digging expertise toward Iran’s golden age of music—the electrifying 1960s and 1970s—unveiling a curated tapestry of spoken word, folk, funk, jazz, soul, and pop from a generation that redefined the nation’s musical soul before the revolution.

We are proud to welcome the one and only as the special guest on the latest episode of . Widely regarded as a foundational figure in Iran’s electronic music scene, Payam has played a pivotal role in shaping and inspiring a new generation of artists who are now pushing the boundaries of Iran’s underground movement.

His longstanding support for Paraffin Tehran has been instrumental in the growth and impact of our work both within Iran and internationally. It is a true privilege to feature him in this episode, and we are deeply grateful for his continued contributions to the community.

We’re thrilled to announce that will be the next guest on our Paraffin Podcast series, a special project dedicated to showcasing voices that have shaped the underground electronic music scene in Iran and beyond. As one of Paraffin Tehran’s closest collaborators and a long-time friend, Payam’s contributions to our platform have been instrumental in pushing the boundaries of cultural expression through sound.

This upcoming episode, airing on Tuesday, July 23rd at 12 PM Tehran time / 9:30 AM London time, dives deep into his journey, vision, and ongoing impact — both within Iran and across borders.

Payam Parvizi, a DJ, record producer and a Promoter hailing from Tehran, embarked on his musical journey in 2007. From the bustling streets of Iran’s capital, he cultivated his passion for electronic music, carving out a unique niche in a country where such expressions were often restricted.

In 2021, he founded “Spaced Apart”, a platform dedicated to nurturing and showcasing Iranian talents to the world. Through vinyl releases and international showcases, he broke barriers, amplifying the voices of his fellow countrymen and women in the global electronic music scene.

Despite the legal constraints, Payam Parvizi fearlessly organised underground parties, defying social norms and providing an outlet for self-expression in a country where dancing was prohibited. For over a decade, he transformed hidden spaces into pulsating havens of music and camaraderie, pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo.

Payam Parvizi’s influence extended far beyond Tehran’s borders. As a visionary curator and promoter, he bridged cultures and continents, bringing renowned artists from Europe and Georgia to perform in Tehran. His efforts not only enriched the local scene but also fostered connections between diverse musical communities, acting as a vital conduit between Tbilisi and Tehran.

Through his unwavering dedication and pioneering spirit, Payam Parvizi has left an indelible mark on Iran’s underground music scene, shaping its trajectory and inspiring countless individuals to embrace creativity and freedom of expression.

Paraffin Podcasts - 046 - Koti
Its OUT NOW on ‘s

Paraffin Podcasts - 046 - Koti ( )

A true pioneer of Iran’s underground electronic music scene, Amirali, better known as , is a name that commands deep respect. For over a decade, he has played a pivotal role in shaping and elevating the culture of electronic music in Iran. A master of his craft behind the decks, Koti’s influence extends far beyond the booth—his work has inspired an entire generation of DJs and producers, leaving an undeniable mark on the country’s evolving soundscape.

From Berlin’s pulsating nightlife to the raw energy of Tbilisi and his hometown of Tehran, Koti’s name on a lineup is a magnet for Iran’s electronic music enthusiasts. His ability to craft immersive journeys through sound has made him one of the most sought-after selectors in the region.

Beyond the club scene, Koti is an active figure in Iran’s theatre and performing arts community, where his expertise in sound design has elevated some of Tehran’s most compelling productions. Notably, his work on Navid Mohammadzadeh’s acclaimed play “Funfair” was nothing short of brilliant ( ) , showcasing his ability to manipulate sound as an essential storytelling element.

Koti was also a huge help and inspiration and also one of the founding members of Adaptor Records, a groundbreaking platform dedicated to fostering Iran’s electronic music culture. Adaptor is much more than a record label—it hosts events, curated broadcasts, and is home to Tehran’s first physical record store specializing exclusively in electronic dance music. Through projects like “Off Color”, a series of in-store sessions recorded in both audio and video, Adaptor has become a crucial hub for the city’s underground sound. Even Paraffin Tehran’s founder, Azim Fathi ( ), has been part of this series, further strengthening the connection between these two influential platforms.

It is only natural for Paraffin Tehran to welcome Koti to its highly selective podcast series, “Paraffin Podcasts”. Stay tuned as he takes over the decks for an exclusive mix—dropping in the next 24 hours on Paraffin Tehran’s SoundCloud.

TODAY

, founder and art director of , returns to Netil Radio for his monthly residency, presenting two hours of meticulously curated selections that embody his deep connection to sound and vinyl culture.

In his ongoing series, The Art of Digging, Azim explores the craft of record collecting as a form of artistic discovery—unearthing rare, timeless, and boundary-pushing music that transcends genres. Each episode is an invitation into a rich and immersive sonic landscape, where every track tells a story.

This month, he embarks on a global journey through the deep and hypnotic realms of electronic dance music. Expect an expertly woven mix of Techno, Deep House, Dub Techno, and Electro, featuring timeless cuts from artists like Lost Trax, Conforce (aka Versalife/Vernon Felicity), Havantepe, Payam Parvizi, Levon Vincent, Vakula, and more.

Renowned for his genre-defying DJ sets at underground venues worldwide, Azim brings that same depth and precision to his Netil Radio residency. The Art of Digging is more than just a radio show—it’s an ode to musical exploration, celebrating the textures, rhythms, and emotions that define the art of DJing.

Tune in live on Wednesday, 5th March, for a carefully curated auditory journey. Broadcasting from London, only on Netil Radio.

WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT AND SOLIDARITY ON THIS.

RooBeRoo Mansion is not just a venue—it is our beloved home, and as Paraffin Tehran, we stand in full solidarity with its dedicated and professional staff. A few days ago, our dear friend Houman Memar Panahi, the founder and director of RooBeRoo Mansion, was arrested along with his entire team by security forces during a performance by Hiva Safizadeh, a female Iranian musician. They have been in custody ever since.

We are deeply grateful for the incredible memories Houman has created for us and for the trust he placed in us, providing a platform where artistic expression could thrive. His contributions to the arts community have been invaluable, and his unjust detention is a grave injustice.

We strongly condemn these actions and stand firmly against any form of repression targeting artists and musicians—especially female artists, who have every right to sing, perform, and express themselves freely. This situation is utterly unacceptable.

We urge everyone to raise their voices and demand Houman’s immediate release. Together, we can help bring him home where he belongs.

MUSIC IS NOT A CRIME

Pictures: (ALL TAKEN AT ROOBEROO MANSION)
1: RooBeRoo Mansion
2: ‘s Live Performance in Tehran, Iran
3: ‘s Live Performance in Tehran, Iran
3: .linell ‘s Live Performance in Tehran, Iran
4: ‘s Live Performance in Tehran, Iran
5: and after 3Days Of Paraffin
6: Rhauder’s Live Performance in Tehran, Iran
7: .music ‘s Live Performance in Tehran, Iran
8: ‘s DJ set at RooBeRoo mansion Sound Festival in Tehran, Iran
9: ‘ Live Performance in Tehran, Iran
10: .linell ‘s Live Performance in Tehran, Iran
11: ‘s DJ set during 3Days Of Paraffin in Tehran, Iran
12: RooBeRoo Mansion

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