Emerging from the obscure and long hazy nights of Tehran, Iran, when everyone else is gripping the pillow under the full moon, Tame Werewolf is sitting in the cockpit of a synth-wave spaceship to disappear into a chillin’ but still adventurous aesthetic electronic space and reappear in the past.
Formed in 2018 by Keivan Hosseini, the band creates a retro ‘80s electronic sound, incorporating influences of space synth, synthwave, Italo disco, J-pop, and Eurobeat.
Growing up as an only child, Keivan chose the keyboard as his best friend at a young age, which opened the door to discovering his genuine gift for music. Learning keys and vocals all on his own, he soon started exploring the works of legends such as Stevie Wonder, Elton John, Billy Idol, and the flourishing early Persian pop and rock music scene that existed before the revolution.
Inspired by the new wave and crossover fusion act of Yellow Magic Orchestra and the 16-bit age of Yuzo Koshiro, Tame Werewolf has released 2 EPs of 7 super catchy tracks, titled Secrets of Love and Phasermania, followed by a single track 5th Wave, that amazingly fit with a lot of moods and atmospheres, from midnight chill and video gaming to disco dancing and late-night drives on the highways of the city. With the band's third album in the making, Tame Werewolf is working on a funkier version of its original sound.
On a once-in-a-blue-moon night, Tame Werewolf stations in your backyard, secretly granting access to the one and only seat available on the spaceship to take you on a musical magic trip. Lose yourself in the drama of the moment. Hop on, sit tight, and lift off in the glory of the night.
Q: Tell us about your story. How did it all come about?
A: As a kid, my passion for music started when, for the first time, I saw my cousin playing a few songs with his keyboard. Luckily, my mom got me my first Yamaha keyboard, and I took the first step toward music-making! I used to make beats and play them for my friends, and I was encouraged to make more.
After a while, I went to a hard rock underground live show in Tehran, and it had such a huge impact on me that I decided to drop out of college and start forming my own band. I hooked up with my friend from school, with whom I used to talk a lot about music. We covered our favorite indie rock songs and made some tracks too. After a while, we shaped our own sound, which was inspired by '60s psychedelia, and we even released two albums on Burger Records.
Later in 2018, I started the band Tame Werewolf to create more of a retro synth-pop sound that people could dance to, the kind of music for which I had the most passion and potential. Soon I was able to fit into the genre and find my own kinda style.
Q: Why did you make the decision to move on from your first band to form Tame Werewolf and create a whole different sound?
A: I always had this passion for electronic and disco music but had never got the chance to work on such a project. I wanted to have new experiences in my career, so I decided to start this idea.
Q: What is your reason for creating music?
A: I believe creating art is a magical way to express one’s feelings, and for me, I feel like I have a duty to make music. I can’t imagine my life without music.
Q: Your music is unique and catchy, sounds new and yet familiar! How do you describe your sound?
A: That’s so great to hear. Inspired by many artists, I always tried to create my own sound. I can say it is synth-pop with elements of nu-disco and a bit of funk.
Q: What inspires you? And name some of your biggest influences.
A: 80’s italo-disco inspires me the most, Giorgio Moroder and bands like Silent Circle and C.C. Catch.
Also, I like listening to soul music by legends like Isaac Hayes and Sade.
Retro gaming is another inspiration to me, as playing those games with their mind-blowing soundtrack takes me back to that era.
Q: Your third album is in progress. How is the music-making going? What is your songwriting approach?
A: It’s quite the original sound of the Tame Werewolf, with new beats and ideas, maybe even more emphasis on the space disco. There are different ways to make music; sometimes it just comes from my mind, and I only need to use your equipment to translate it into music and go with the flow, but sometimes it’s created by making loops and expanding ideas.
Q: How is the music scene in Iran?
A: Well, I have to say it’s not the easiest to make music in Iran, as only certain types of music are legally allowed to be played or performed. Other types are banned or restricted by law. So, there’s a lot happening “underground”. But I believe it doesn’t matter where you are as long as you create what comes from the heart. It will take you where you want.
Q: What are some of your future goals?
A: Touring worldwide sometime soon and collaborating with other bands and musicians!
Q: Anything you want to say to the readers?
A: Life is too short to not follow your dreams ☺
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