"Tales of Earth and Sun" is a journey through the heart of folk music, bringing together six tracks inspired by the rich musical traditions of Kurdistan, Lorestan, Balochistan, Hormozgan, Kermanshah, and a heartfelt love song from Afghanistan. Each piece carries the spirit of a place, telling stories of joy, struggle, and memories that connect generations.  
The album’s title reflects this deep connection between the earth that holds our roots and the sun that gives us life. These elements shape the melodies, rhythms, and emotions woven into each track, just as they have shaped the lives of the people who created them.  
From the resilience of Kurdistan to the celebrations of Lorestan, the soulful depth of Balochi music to the vibrant energy of Hormozgan, and the passion of Afghan melodies, this album is a tribute to cultures that have carried their music through time. As always, we in Rastak have been trying to revive these traditions with a fresh sound, staying true to their essence while bringing them to life in a new way.  
We hope you enjoy the journey as much as we did creating it!


Tales of Earth and Sun

Rastak is one of the most well-known bands in Iranian contemporary folk music, celebrated for its innovative approach to traditional sounds. Founded in 1997 by Siroos (Siamak) Sepehri and Behzad Pournaghi when they met in their early 20s, Rastak began as an experimental music group. Their shared vision was to collect, record, and interpret Iranian folk music for a global audience, merging the rich traditions of their homeland with modern sensibilities to create a sound that resonates across borders.

Over two decades have passed since Rastak’s inception, during which the group has grown both in quality and quantity. The eight talented members of Rastak each bring unique expertise in traditional and folklore Iranian instruments and musical styles. The band’s direction comes from Siroos (Siamak) Sepehri, a visionary leader who shapes Rastak’s artistic path with his deep knowledge of Iranian folk, classical music, and Western classical music. Farzad Moradi is a talented lead singer and multi-instrumentalist with profound knowledge of Iranian folk musical heritage; he started playing the Tanbur, a sacred instrument from Kurdistan, at the age of five. Behzad Moradi is one of the band’s most talented musicians and singers, particularly skilled in various folk percussions, especially the Daf. His magical voice, precise technique, and ability to imitate different dialects and languages from across Iran have significantly contributed to Rastak. Dina Doosti, known for her expertise in Kamancheh, Gheychak, and Kamanche alto, adds depth and authenticity to the band's sound. Her expressive performances help bridge the gap between Iran’s musical heritage and contemporary audiences, enriching Rastak’s fusion of folk and modern elements. Akbar Esmaeilipour Farsangi, a talented multi-instrumentalist, has extensive experience playing various Iranian classical and folk musical instruments. His musical talent and taste have significantly contributed to Rastak’s arrangements. Majid is a musician skilled in playing native percussion instruments from various regions of Iran. His knowledge and research into percussions from different ethnicities and regions have greatly contributed to the band. Sahar Rashiditorbati, the youngest band member, plays the Qanun in Rastak. Behzad Pournaghi, one of the co-founders, is a musician and co-composer who arranges the band's music under the artistic direction of Siamak Sepehri. With a strong background in electronic music and sound design, along with his knowledge of Iranian folk instruments, Behzad plays a crucial role in guiding and directing sound engineers during both live concerts and studio recordings.

Rastak’s discography includes albums like Ancient Hues, All My Homeland People, Sorna-ye Norouz, Among Eternal Suns, Bahar, Borderless at Home, Dance with Rastak, Essentials, and singles such as Borderless at Home (Project), Sombre Sky, Bir Yangının Külünü, and Tehna.

Tales of Earth and Sun

Rastak Music Group

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