Rastak

Rastak is a renowned Iranian contemporary folk music ensemble established in 1997 with the mission of collecting, recording, and interpreting the rich and diverse traditional music of Iran for a global audience. The band name, "Rastak," is a Persian word for a young plant, symbolizing their approach of drawing from the deep roots of Iranian history and culture to grow a new, contemporary musical expression. The group, comprising musicians from various ethnic backgrounds, conducts extensive academic and practical research into Persian folk music, aiming to bridge generational and geographical gaps in Iran's musical heritage by combining well-known regional melodies with lesser-known ones.

Merging traditional Persian instruments like the kamancheh, tar, and daf with contemporary rhythms, Rastak has developed a unique sound that is both authentic and modern. The band has gained significant international recognition, performing at major festivals and venues across Europe, North America, Asia, and the Middle East, serving as cultural ambassadors of Iranian folk music. With seven albums and numerous singles, their discography explores music from different regions of Iran, showcasing the country's diverse cultural legacy. Their work is a testament to their ability to captivate worldwide audiences with an enchanting fusion of traditional Iranian music and contemporary elements.