Rostam began his first North American tour on January 29th to an anxiously excited, sold out crowd at The Earl in Atlanta, GA. While more notably known for his time with Vampire Weekend or working behind the scenes with Frank Ocean or Solange, Rostam Batmnaglij’s debut solo album, Half-Light (Sept. 2017 – Nonesuch Records), showcases his uniquely warm indie pop delicate-ness. His debut album features fifteen songs that were written, produced, and performed by Rostam in his Los Angeles home studio. He entered the dimly lit room with an endearing smile and genuine spirit joining his minimal set up accompanied by a string quartet. The strings weaved between Iranian sounds and orchestral notes allowing for a magical sound capable of showcasing the wanderlust ethos of Rostam’s vocals. An openly queer, first generation Iranian-American immigrant, his live show emulates the ever-poignant desire to just be accepted as is. His crowd willingly participated adding their whimsical harmonies to his songs.
A simple projector behind him displays visuals that guide the crowd giving Rostam a moment to breathe as he gives a compelling performance.
There is something innately intimate yet incredibly light about Rostam – his music and live show parallel this feeling.
Philadelphia based 5-piece, Joy Again, joins Rostam on the North American tour warming the audience with their hazy indie rock.
Before the sold out show at The EARL, Rostam performed an acoustic set at Criminal Records for a special in-store performance and signing that included a cover of Nick Drake’s “Pink Moon”:
Written by, and all photos by Kara Hammond. Check out more of Kara‘s photos from the show:
Rostam Online:
Twitter // Instagram // Website
Rostam Upcoming Tour Dates:
Feb 1, 2018 – Washington, DC – U Street Music Hall
Feb 2, 2018 – Philadelphia, PA – First Unitarian Church (Sanctuary)
Feb 3, 2018 – Boston, MA – Museum of Fine Arts
Feb 5, 2018 – Montreal, QC – La Sala Rossa
Feb 6, 2018 – Toronto, ON – The Opera House
Feb 8, 2018 – Pittsburgh, PA – The Warhol Theater at The Andy Warhol Museum
Feb 9, 2018 – Grand Rapids, MI – The Ladies Literary Club
Feb 10, 2018 – Chicago, IL – Lincoln Hall
Feb 12, 2018 – Milwaukee, WI – Turner Hall Ballroom
Feb 13, 2018 – Madison, WI – High Noon Saloon
Feb 14, 2018 – Minneapolis, MN – Fine Line Music Café
Feb 16, 2018 – Denver, CO – Globe Hall
Feb 17, 2018 – Salt Lake City, UT – Urban Lounge
Feb 19, 2018 – Seattle, WA – Neumos
Feb 20, 2018 – Vancouver, BC – Venue
Feb 21, 2018 – Portland, OR – Doug Fir Lounge
Feb 23, 2018 – San Francisco, CA – Slim’s (Noise Pop Festival)
Feb 24, 2018 – Los Angeles, CA – El Rey Theatre
Mar 22, 2018 – Knoxville, TN – Big Ears Music Festival
