King Raam
King Raam (Born in Bushehr, Iran in 1981) is an Iranian-born musician now living in Tehran, Iran. He is the lead singer for the Iranian punk rock band Hypernova and he also does solo work under the pseudonym King Raam.
Early life
King Raam was born in 1981 in the coastal city of Bushehr, Iran. His father was a professor and eventually relocated the family to Eugene, Oregon to complete his PhD. By 1991 the family moved back to Iran.
Musical career
Hypernova
Hypernova was created in 2000. Bandmates Raam (vocals) and Kami (drums) played extensively in the Tehran underground scene as well as a few small-time international gigs. The line-up changed extensively during this period, and Raam even took a brief sabbatical from the band to study International Relations in Toronto. Hypernova got a break in 2006, playing at the Intergalactic Iranian Music Festival in the Netherlands. In 2007, Hypernova was invited to perform at the South by Southwest Music Festival in Austin, TX. Pooya rejoined the band and Kodi Najm (guitar) and Jam (bass) were added to the line-up. Unfortunately, an international incident involving a group of British soldiers held off the coast of Iran caused a delay in Hypernova’s visas. However, their agent was determined to get them to the US and finally enlisted the help of New York Senator Chuck Schumer, who expedited their entry to the United States. Expecting to stay just two weeks, Hypernova brought only their instruments, some clothes and $400. They got a gig at the FatBaby bar on the lower east side of New York, where they garnered attention from MTV and the New York Times. Hypernova continues to tour and has released four albums and their song “Viva La Resistance” is featured on Rock Band 3.
King Raam
Following the success of Hypernova, Raam created King Raam as a solo project. Collaborating with (poet and artist) Tara Aghdashloo, Esfand, and others, Raam released his first solo album, titled Song of the Wolves in November 2011. His second album, named as The Vulture, released in 2014 containing 14 songs in both Persian and English.
Return to Iran
Raam moved back to Iran in 2014, right after he released his second album. He started working with Sajjad Afsharian in theaters in Tehran. In September 2014 he played some of his songs in his own country for the first time.
Other Appearances
Raam appeared on the reality TV “Shahs of Sunset”, Season 1, Episode 6.
