Vispa is an artist set in Tehran, Iran, and pushes the limits of what is typical of the music scene in his native country. His foray into electronic music is as unorthodox as it is inspirational. Vispa was surrounded by a wide range of intellectual and cultural influences during her formative years. He initially made a name for himself in a completely different field: translation. Known for his exceptional ability to bridge linguistic gaps, Vispa was celebrated as Iran’s premier translator.
His meticulous work translating between Farsi and English earned him the prestigious Grand Statuette for Best Translator, particularly for his translation of a specialist book on judgment and decision-making. But beneath the surface, Vispa’s love of music—especially electronic music—was always simmering. Inspired by the innovative sounds of Depeche Mode, the cinematic soundtracks of Hans Zimmer, and the avant-garde electronic works of Jean-Michel Jarre, Vispa’s musical journey started out as an introspective investigation into sound and feeling.
His experience translating plays a major influence in his music, enabling him to express abstract ideas and nuanced feelings in his works. Vispa’s sound is unique in that it combines nostalgic pop production from the 1980s with creative electronic music. His music has a timeless yet futuristic soundtrack because to the perfect blending of powerful rhythms, melodic synths, and deep emotional undertones. This distinct style has not only set him apart in Iran’s music scene but also garnered him international attention.
On June 6th, 2024, Tehran’s own Vispa releases his groundbreaking debut EP, “Ideas,” marking a significant milestone in his career and for electronic music in Iran. “Ideas” redefines what electronic music can sound like and is more than just an EP. Vispa’s “Ideas” is a seven-track masterwork that masterfully combines the inventive potential of contemporary electronic music with the nostalgic sounds of the 1980s. The opening track on the EP, “Walking Into The Light,” perfectly embodies this blend, providing a cheery and upbeat anthem that is sure to fill dance floors and uplift people’s emotions.
The sci-fi-inspired EP includes songs like “Cosmic Force” and “Space Odyssey,” which take listeners to a futuristic environment. Every song on “Ideas” is a reimagined rendition of an earlier Vispa composition, painstakingly re-recorded, re-mixed, and re-mastered with fresh sounds just for this release. Vispa’s capacity to convey ethereal ideas and feelings through the medium of music is demonstrated by the unified and engrossing experience that emerges. Fans of electronic music and beyond should not miss this EP, which is a monument to his technical mastery and artistic vision.
Ideas EP Track List:
Cosmic Force (Original Mix):
From his EP “Ideas,” Vispa’s single “Cosmic Force (Original Mix)” is a mesmerizing trip that pushes the limits of electronic music. I was immediately swept away by a surge of synths that took me to a future soundtrack. With a beautiful blend of melancholic piano notes and precisely emotive synth sounds, the music starts to show its true soul at the 0:03 mark. The addition of subtle percussive elements and an EDM-inspired beat creates a harmonious blend that feels both soothing and groovy. The deep bass adds a layer of elegance, resulting in a progressive midtempo rhythm that is joyful and introspective.
As the track progresses, the sounds evolve, inviting a multitude of emotions within one sonic experience. The interplay between the instruments is nothing short of magical, with the piano and synth-piano moving gracefully and with precision. This seamless interaction elevates the track to a peak of creative expression. Between 2:47 and 3:00, the music takes a soft, melancholic turn, dominated by the synth-piano, which adds a pleasing and reflective quality. By 3:01, the groove returns, gradually building in intensity and emotion until it reaches a climax at 3:33, where the track’s full melodic qualities are restored with renewed vigor.
What truly sets “Cosmic Force” apart is its ability to evolve and evoke a wide range of emotions. The track touches on introspection and melancholy, yet remains uplifting and engaging throughout. Vispa’s meticulous attention to detail and his ability to blend various elements into a cohesive whole left me speechless. This cinematic electronic revelation showcases Vispa’s talent for creating music that is not only innovative but also deeply moving, making “Cosmic Force (Original Mix)” an extraordinary listening experience.
Floatation:
Vispa’s “Flotation” from the EP “Ideas” is an enchanting piece that left me mesmerized by its creativity and emotional depth. The track immediately stood out with its unique sound, making me feel like I was floating in my own fantasy world. From the very beginning, I was transported on a celestial journey, gazing at the stars through Vispa’s masterful composition. The track opens with a balanced interplay of drum notes and sweet synth-piano sounds, which seamlessly transition into an ethereal blend with the electronic bass guitar. This combination creates a dreamy soundscape that blurs the lines between reality and fantasy.
As “Flotation” progresses, the ethereal piano sounds emerge, evoking a sense of an angelic orchestra. The inclusion of light percussive elements adds an unhinged elegance, enhancing the track’s overall sophistication. Between the 1:05 and 1:22 mark, a subtle change in the piano melodies feels like a gentle transition, guiding me further into this astral plane. By 1:24, I was fully immersed in an ethereal space, surrounded by elegant synth sounds, soft shaky percussions, and the gentle padding of the drum beat. The divine piano melodies create a rhythm that feels both heavenly and grounding.
The consistency in the tempo, which remains mid and soft, alongside the dynamic, progressive rhythm, gives “Flotation” its chilled vibe. This track can elicit a range of emotions in the listener, allowing each person to interpret and feel the music in their own way. The melody weaves sweet tales and dreamy tunes, maintaining a light groovy feel while evolving subtly. Vispa’s “Flotation” is truly a masterpiece of dreamlike soundscapes, offering a magnificent auditory experience that is both introspective and otherworldly.
Walking Into The Light:
Vispa’s lead single “Walking Into The Light” from the EP “Ideas” is a masterful blend of creativity and emotional depth. From the moment I pressed play, I was enveloped in a wave of joyful instrumentation that showcased Vispa’s boundless passion and artistry. The track opens with an anthemic drum beat, quickly unveiling a full instrumental arrangement featuring delicate piano lacing, vibrant synth sounds, an EDM-inspired beat, and deep bass. This combination creates a rhythm that is both happy and calmly vibrant, with a slightly fast tempo that perfectly suits the flow of the music.
The song’s unpredictability is one of its most captivating features. At the 0:27 mark, the track takes a new turn as the EDM beat morphs, and by 0:35, delicate synth-like percussive sounds and piano join in, creating a dynamic and progressive rhythm. This intricate interplay of instruments continues, with the rhythm reverting back to its original form at 0:58, but with a refreshed and dynamic feeling. The consistency and precision of this happy, progressive rhythm kept me engaged, while the unique interplay between the instruments added layers of depth to the listening experience. Between 1:47 and 2:00, the song shifts to an introspective tone, featuring bird-chirping synths and harmonizing vocals that evoke a serene and reflective atmosphere.
As the track progresses, the pressure builds up again at 2:01, with the EDM beat rejoining the harmonizing vocals and bird-chirping synths to create an evolving and beautiful flow. Between 2:28 and 2:35, the song transitions into a transformative tune driven by sophisticated synth movements, adding a new layer of dynamism. By 2:36, the track regains its momentum and energy, showcasing Vispa’s ability to test different sonic waters while maintaining the essence and value of the music. The noticeable changes, shifts, and transitions throughout “Walking Into The Light” make it an exceptional track, proving that Vispa’s creativity knows no bounds. It’s a must-listen for anyone seeking a truly innovative and emotionally rich musical experience.
The ground-breaking EP “Ideas” by Vispa not only demonstrates his extraordinary talent but also creates new standards for electronic music in Iran. His ability to combine his own vision with the sounds of legendary electronic artists creates a sound that is simultaneously future and nostalgic. The EP’s songs are all demonstrations of his inventiveness and commitment to the trade. “Ideas” is an essential listen for anyone who like avant-garde electronic music. Vispa’s debut in 2024 will be remembered for its exceptional aural experience, which is both very personal and incredibly enticing to all listeners. “Ideas” has something unique to offer everyone, regardless of their taste in music—be it 80s pop, contemporary EDM, or just discovering new sounds.
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