"New Album Celebrates Iranian Women’s Resilience"
Milan-based Persian experimental electronic artist NAVA is set to release her debut album, GABBEH, on November 14th via Oyez! The album honors the struggles and resilience of Iranian women and the ongoing Women, Life, Freedom movement, reflecting the ongoing fight against systemic oppression in Iran. NAVA’s musical journey is deeply intertwined with her personal narrative and the realities faced by women in her homeland.
The latest single, “Aisle3,” showcases NAVA’s avant-pop style and explores themes of identity and self-perception. According to NAVA, the track encapsulates the experience of being judged while navigating one’s authenticity. It serves as a reminder of the complexities of artistry, particularly for those in marginalized communities. This single is the final preview before the album drops, following earlier releases like “Poki” and “Fire” (feat. Loraine James).
NAVA describes GABBEH as a collection of intimate diary entries, with each track representing a fragment of her experience and emotions. The songs were born out of spontaneous creative sessions, allowing the music to develop naturally without preconceived constraints. This approach resulted in a vibrant musical expression that traverses multiple languages—Persian, English, and Italian—capturing the emotional truth embedded in each.
The inspiration for GABBEH draws heavily on NAVA’s cultural roots, including Persian proverbs, traditional rituals, and storytelling, blending them with contemporary soundscapes. The album also reflects on the bittersweet nature of living far from home—a privilege that comes with its own challenges and heartaches. Through this context, NAVA articulates the complexities of maintaining one’s identity amidst distance and displacement.
Each song in the album carries its own voice and narrative, weaving memories into a cohesive musical tapestry. The title, Gabbeh, references the handmade carpets crafted by nomadic tribes in Iran, symbolizing the mingling of personal history and cultural heritage through art. Just like the carpets, each track contributes to a larger story, revealing NAVA’s journey and her connection to her homeland.
As NAVA explores the existential questions regarding her identity and creative path, she also uplifts the voices of Iranian women, honoring their bravery and resilience. The music addresses universal themes of desire and self-exploration, while also reflecting NAVA’s personal struggles and triumphs.
NAVA invites listeners to engage with GABBEH not only as an album but as a profound act of expression and courage. It stands as a tribute to those who navigate multiple homelands and the rich narratives that shape human experience. Pre-orders for GABBEH are now available, promising a musical journey that is both intimate and politically charged, aiming to resonate deeply with anyone who has ever felt like an outsider in their own life.
