Princes of Persia
Cigarette in hand, Raam wants to light up before the interview. Seated in the courtyard of Sweetwater in Williamsburg, Raam, or King Raama nickname that stuck with him after throwing historic parties back home in Iranasks the waitress for a lighter. Lead singer of Iranian quartet, Hypernova, he has a lot to say.
My dad thinks that I think too much, that I question too much about myself, says the singer, who, dressed all in black, admits theres an appeal to the darker side of life. Its just the nature of my character.
What also exudes from his nature is deep reflection, fleshed out on the bands debut Through the Chaos, released this April. Hypnotic, darkly-woven layers of mostly upbeat tracks, Hypernova are a hybrid of industrial and goth but still emanate less doom and gloom with more hints of pop on Lost in Space and American Dream to fall entirely into either category. Often compared to one of their big influences, The Sisters of Mercy (the two groups recently toured together), the bands volatile, lustful tracks are a total reflection via Raams near-Andrew Eldritch vocals and their stomp pace, but more a revelation of the life they once had. Chaos delves into some frivolity (once forbidden chances to party, have sex, experiment with drugs and play rock n roll) on more dance beats like the lascivious Fairy Tales, about a 17-year-old obsession, to boppier Viva La Resistance, with Raam gliding through lyrics dance like youve never danced/ scream like youve never screamed and I will not bow down to your guns/ this is not who I am, an obvious look back at the bands former life of underground, secret shows for hundreds of kids and the risk of beatings or imprisonment if caught performing in Iran.
Covert shows and leaving everything behind, Hypernovas journey hasnt been an easy one. The Tehran-born band, made up of guitarist Kodi, drummer Kami and Jam on bass, lived in Los Angeles for a year before permanently relocating to Brooklyn nearly five years ago. When we first came into this country, we were these nave, idealistic dreamers, says Raam, but we still dream. Its a combination of this idealism and our passion for the music that keeps us going so strong.
Financial struggles also plague the band, who live in a house of seven near their Williamsburg studio and are facing eviction, but its all part of the process of making it and not something Raam dwells on much. He still feels the band needs to prove itself and has a long way to go. Its easy to write songs about girls, break ups and relationships, says Raam, but given the platform that we have now, we feel we have a responsibility as ambassadors to our country to share more important themes and messages in our music.
The band often gets criticized for moving to American. As Raam sips a glass of Rioja, he explains their journey and sacrifices. We can never see our families, he says. We can never go back to our lives. We didnt say goodbye to anyone. We thought we would be here two weeks and go back home. They dont get the bigger picture of what were trying to accomplish.
What Hypernova is trying to do is become as big as it can and shed a positive light on their country. I dont think wed be doing much if we went back home, he says. Were doing much more good over here. Sometimes it feels like were this exotic animal in a cage. Thats something that really drives us to work harder and to write better music.
Still a dreamer, Raam believes most people do not live out their fantasies. We have this fear of finding security or social status, he says. This fear actually prevents us from following what our heart deserves. A friend wrote that the universe is kind to those that are unfettered by logic and consequences. Once you think in the same logical sequence and youre not afraid of the consequences, youre free to do what you desire.
Raam asks the waitress for a light a second time before she finally tells him that smoking actually isnt allowed. Unfazed, Raam continues on. Hes heading back to the apartment just a few blocks away to sleep, drink, party, make music.
Were pretty much in this for the rest of our lives, says Raam. I feel like its merit. There are certain sacrifices and compromises you have to make, but its all for the greater goodto become a rock star and perform on the biggest stages in the world.
Hypernova
June 15, Bowery Ballroom, 6 Delancey St. (betw. Chrystie St. & Bowery), 212-533-2111; 9, $13.