The Iranian drummer smashing social norms
Marching to her own beat
in Iran's male-dominated music industry
Shirin Vaez is a drummer
and music teacher
who is pushing social boundaries
by pursuing a career in music
(SOUNDBITE) (Farsi) FEMALE DRUMMER, SHIRIN VAEZI, SAYING:
"I wouldn’t say it’s just the men's viewpoint that’s troublesome. Rather, it is the viewpoint of all people toward women choosing an artistic career, that is troublesome. Our families see it as strange and terrible, it's like stepping into an abyss with an unknown end, and this distress is totally visible in our families now."
Shirin’s love for music spurred her
to join a progressive band called AstriA
Despite the obstacles she has faced
she is seeing some progress
for aspiring female artists
(SOUNDBITE) (Farsi) FEMALE DRUMMER, SHIRIN VAEZI, SAYING:
"The path I have walked over the last, not 10, but at least four to five years, this new generation of girls can walk very easily through the use of social media, and other platforms that are ready for them. I'm very happy about this, the negative view of female musicians has been destroyed."
