Meet The Dream Rovers: Iran’s Hardcore Traditional Country Band
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“This political animosity only pushes people away from each other … When there is music, nobody thinks of fighting.” — Erfan “Elf” Rezayatbakhsh
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What does your average Iranian know about country music? Probably not very much, especially due to the repressive regime that rules the country, and rarely lets Western music be heard, let alone performed. But that hasn’t stopped one ambitious, country-loving Iranian from trying his hand at the distinctly American art form, and spreading it to his home country.
His name is Erfan Rezayatbakhsh or “Elf” for short. He’s a singer and songwriter from Tehran, and along with guitar player Ahmad Motevassel, they are the Dream Rovers.
This is not some weird-sounding Iranian techno music with a banjo slid in there to certify it as “country.” The first album of the Dream Rovers was a covers record that included old country music classics like Tennessee Ernie Ford’s “Sixteen Tons,” and Merle Haggard’s “Hungry Eyes.” The band first formed as the Persian Rovers in January of 2007, and shorty after were forced to go on a hiatus after Elf was conscripted into the Iranian military service. After a few personnel changes, the band re-formed as the Dream Rovers—Iran’s first country music band.
It was a CD that Erfan “Elf” received for his sixteenth birthday that inspired his love for country music. “It was 101 country music songs. Mostly classics by Merle Haggard, Charley Pride, Sons of the Pioneers, old stuff. And that was it,” he says. Elf was hooked, and American country music became a life pursuit.
Between 2011 and 2012, the Dream Rovers recorded and released an album of original material called Off The Road. Along with the five original songs from Elf, it also includes three compositions that incorporate lyrics from country music songwriter Shel Silverstein into the songs. Interesting to note that Shel Silverstein is of Jewish decent—not exactly someone you may expect an Iranian songwriter to emulate, but not much about Elf and the Dream Rovers meets expectations.
The “single” off the Dream Rovers album was called “Dear Superstar” (see below)—a sort of critical open letter to Taylor Swift, who at the time was public enemy #1 to many of country music’s traditional fans. Elf was inspired to write the song after watching Taylor Swift’s video for “Love Story.” He wanted to articulate just how hard the lives are for many of Taylor Swift’s fans throughout the world who live outside of the comforts of Western affluence, challenging her to sing to the struggles of many young women of less fortunate means.
Though most of Western music in Iran can only exist in forbidden, underground channels, Elf and the Dream Rovers were able to present their music publicly at the Sharif University of Technology (SUT) in Tehran on multiple occasions, and for audiences of more than 500 people.
“I was born and raised in a country that has absolutely zero background in country music,” Elf tells Saving Country Music. “Yet I am very passionate about preserving the true country music, which is the most important and authentic part of the American heritage and culture and introduce it to the people of Iran through workshops, concerts, and the release of albums and singles.”
The success for the Dream Rovers project inspired Elf to try and bring his country music to the United States, and while researching country music festivals, he found information about a program that would allow him to study music through East Tennessee State University’s bluegrass, old time, and country music program in Johnson City. He was awarded a Public Performance and Pulmer’s scholarship, and attended the school between December 2012 and December of 2014, graduating Summa Cum Laude. He was the first ever Iranian to graduate from the program.
And yes, Erfan, who currently is pursuing a career as a singer songwriter, could face restrictions coming back to the country music homeland due to the temporary ban on Iranian nationals entering the United States.
“I studied country music for two years at East Tennessee State University, and most of the musicians I know live down there. Of course one of the first effects of this Executive Order is cutting the potential cooperation between me and American country artists,” Elf explains. “Besides that, there are a lot of emotional consequences.”
To Erfan Rezayatbakhsh, his passion for sharing country music goes far beyond the simple joy of music itself.
“Iran and the United States have had terrible relationship since 1979, and the governments on both sides have been addressing each other with the worst words such as ‘axis of evil’ and ‘the great Satan’ and so on. This political animosity only pushes people away from each other and creates a vile image of the other nation, both of which are awfully wrong. As a musician I do believe I can help present a clear image of reality, at least for my audience.”
Elf currently resides in Mississauga, Canada, near Toronto.
“I came to the United States with a student visa, and when I graduated I found it so difficult to change my status to a work visa or green card, and I would never even think of staying in the country illegally. On the other hand Canada accepted my request for permanent residency.”
“Music will always be an important part of my life,” Elf continues. “The first year I came to Canada I didn’t do any music. However, in late 2015 I started to get back in the saddle. Ahmad Motavassel, the band’s main member besides me, joined me to start Dream Rovers again. Since then we released one single “I’ve Been Everywhere,” and we are working on our new album. We are releasing an album only in Iran in early April and hopefully soon after that we will release another album on the Internet worldwide.”
Erfan “Elf” Rezayatbakhsh and the Dream Rovers may not be your next favorite honky tonk band, but you may also be surprised by their knowledge of country music and proficiency. Like many country music artists and bands from non English-speaking countries, some of the subtleties of the art form can get lost in the translation. But that says nothing about the heart and dedication Elf has brought to the music, recording country songs in both English and his native tongue, and illustrating how even country music, which seems so characteristic of a specific place, can defy borders, and perforate insular environments and the inherent differences between the American and Iranian mindset.
“When there is music, nobody thinks of fighting,” says Elf. “That’s why I came to the United States—not only to study country music in its homeland, but also to travel to the country which had been introduced to me by the media in Iran as ‘the enemy’ and ‘the great Satan’ and see the people, talk to them, and learn about their culture through them.”
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January 30, 2017 @ 7:33 pm
And folks, please don’t assign any political motivations to this story. This is a story about an artist, and his music. There’s a deeper wisdom to be had here than trying to score any political points.
January 30, 2017 @ 7:47 pm
Come on Trigger. Do you really expect readers to believe that this article wasn’t politically motivated?? That you just happen to have this tale of a country music outsider on the tip of your fingers and oh boy, what a coincidence! Please.
And since he’s living in Canada what does the temporary ban on immigration from Iran have to do with him? Nothing, that’s what. So why imply otherwise?
January 30, 2017 @ 8:18 pm
Hey jae, if you would take a few minutes to read up on the order you would know that the ban prohibits nationals from certain countries, including Iran, from entering the US. Since he is an Iranian citizen he cannot enter the country legally, even though he would likely be traveling from Canada.
January 30, 2017 @ 9:17 pm
Jae,
Elf reached out to me on Sunday (less than 36 hours ago) asking me to check out the music of the Dream Rovers. No travel ban or anything else was mentioned. I chose to delve deeper into his personal story because I felt it was a good illustration of how music can bring people together and break down barriers. Yes it is a topical subject, but what I meant by my comment is to not imply that I am coming out for or against anything politically, I am just telling a story. I think Elf has a perspective that we can all learn from in a very contentious time.
January 30, 2017 @ 8:38 pm
You didn’t even have to say that. You’re belittling your audience. You’re no worst that a pandering country artist. You should have just let the comments roll-in…yet you tried to be high and mighty. E tu, Brute…
January 30, 2017 @ 7:38 pm
That’s a pretty good effort. I wish him success.
January 30, 2017 @ 8:10 pm
Yeah, ok good for them following their passion. But that is terrib…… nevermind no point.
January 30, 2017 @ 8:17 pm
sounds more like Gogol Bordello than Wynn Stewart
January 30, 2017 @ 8:42 pm
That’s the ‘Iranian Johnny Cash’. Im a fan.
January 30, 2017 @ 8:56 pm
Very cool.
January 30, 2017 @ 9:07 pm
Damn, Trigger…thanks for posting this, sorry for the butthurt douches who can’t see past their preconceived notions and prejudices far enough to realize you found something unique and interesting you were trying to share. For what it’s worth, I appreciate it and don’t give a shit to qualify that with any political BS.
Not the best singer, but also seems like the language/accent thing probably had an awful lot to do with that. A lot. Even having said that, I enjoyed the hell out of the song and the article. Didn’t enjoy everyone totally missing the point about when the music’s playing, STFU about your political BS and listen to the damn song. Seems that point went way above some folks’ heads
January 30, 2017 @ 9:17 pm
I’m sorry your career is effected by a temporary ban due to the sponsorship of terrorism of your home country. It’s nothing personal, however the president has a responsibility to American citizens safety that simply out weighs your career right now. Fortunately, once provisions are made to screen out your countrymen who wish us harm are in place, you will be able to resume your dream of touring in America. Good luck and see you when the ban is lifted.
January 31, 2017 @ 1:26 pm
This is sheep talk, “the president has a responsibility”, you mean to Exxon Mobil, the banks, Russia, and his own organization. He doesn’t care about women, minorities, lgbt, or poor people in general. The American people are the ones who have the responsibility to elect someone qualified for the job. All those statistics everyone lies about , and they finally proved one right: 50% of Americans are of below average intelligence. Wanna guess which half? They probably don’t get called “progressive” very often.
Also that song was not good to my ears at all, stop being so nice.
January 31, 2017 @ 6:41 pm
Actually today President Trump just upheld an Obama-era anti-LGBT discrimination order in the government. Seeing as there’s no ‘anti-woman’ legislation on his platform or in his actions as President (in fact the temp. travel ban could be seen as pro-woman), I’m not sure you have a leg to stand on.
If you listen devoutly to what the mainstream media and Twitter has to say about Trump, you may feel that way. But when you actually get into the specifics of your accusation, you realize that there’s not much truth to them. Seems like some people are totally worked up into an irrational frenzy.
January 31, 2017 @ 7:00 pm
I don’t listen to mainstream media, and this is just what I’m talking about when i say sheep. He did nothing, signed no legislation, he just leaked that he would sign executive order against lgbt rights (really the stupid bathroom.stuff) and then announced he would “uphold” the legislation already active. So he is just taking credit for something Obama did, because he doesn’t have to write an order that a Republican controlled house and Senate are already going to pass in a more comprehensive bill.
Below average intelligence; “travel ban is pro woman”. First what is pro woman, you mean women’s rights? Tell that to the refugee women trying to escape rape, assault, and murder in their war torn country being turned away. You’ll fall for anything, mainstream media has been tainted for ever, but you know your Facebook feed isn’t the word of God. You know their are sources for news still dedicated to unbiased reporting: Reuters, AlterNet, wikinews.
January 31, 2017 @ 7:13 pm
You made the claim that Trump didn’t care about gay people. I’m pointing out that he didn’t remove the legislation, which he would have done if he actually didn’t like them. Furthermore, Trump is making exceptions for those fleeing persecution, *including* gays from the ME. So basically gay refugees can be exempt from the ban. That homophobe!
No doubt, but many of the refugees coming in, as shown in Germany and other places, display very negative attitudes towards treatment of women. Why do you think there were armed police with machine guns at New Year’s this year in Cologne?
In 2015, only 16% of the 800,000 refugees in Europe were women. 62% were men. Goes against the ‘poor helpless women’ narrative, doesn’t it? Furthermore, Canada is also very picky with who they resettle, pretty much bringing in families, not single young men. It’s a temporary ban, until vetting procedures can be strengthened. Which makes sense.
January 31, 2017 @ 8:34 pm
100% BS. No one except government officials are exempt from the ban, (Olympic athletes but not exempt exactly the same as government officials, paperwork and rigorous vetting). Even the order sent down by the judge is being ignored. You are talking about recommendations on exemptions
2015 it WAS 16%… 2016 it is 78% women and children according to state department. Last I checked this was the first month of 2017. You’re talking about the past. You apply whatever old statistic or political musing that will justify your stupidity. How can you use Germany as an example of anything that could happen in America? Do you live some place where you would let a group of men randomly assault women, regardless of their race?
October 28, 2020 @ 5:09 am
my country in no way sponsors terrorism Scott S. , before you speak on someone else’s country think twice about what you say and do your research. Iran is not a terrorist country and never will be. not all middle eastern countries are terrorist countries
January 30, 2017 @ 9:37 pm
This site should seriously consider changing its name..
January 30, 2017 @ 10:53 pm
To what?
January 31, 2017 @ 9:19 am
Saving Motorhead, maybe?
January 30, 2017 @ 10:42 pm
The timing of this one is certainly.. coincidental…
January 30, 2017 @ 11:16 pm
No it’s not, it’s 100% purposeful. We’re living in a time where the polarization is so acrid and overwhelming, the issues this is causing are arguably even worse than the implementation or retraction of whatever issues we’re fighting about. The lesson of the Dream Rovers is that we can use music to bridge differences and breed understanding among one another, and perhaps find a path out of this self-imposed malaise being spread throughout the country and world through the sharing of stories and creative expression.
For all the folks that are somehow offended by this inspiring story, or think it’s not the place of Saving Country Music to tell it, I would task you with reading the quote at the very top of the site. What’s sad is this article has actually been very well received, but as always, it is a vocal minority who wants to question motives and cause more division. For those that don’t want to read such articles, by all means, pass them up. I’m slaving away all day at a keyboard every day trying to post engaging material that appeals to as many people as possible, and don’t ask a red penny for access to it. If you don’t want to read this I’ve posted plenty of other options.
Don’t mean to jump your butt Simon. I’m just piggy-backing off your comment to get some things off my chest. I appreciate everyone’s patronage, and feedback.
January 31, 2017 @ 5:49 am
Thanks for this article Trigger and for having the courage to write it. I’ve read a similar article I think it was on BBC News. About an Iranien Metallica band. who of course also had problem playing their music.
January 31, 2017 @ 11:35 am
The idea that Trigger should have to refrain from posting any article that has something to do with the current political climate is just ridiculous. This was an interesting read about a very unique thing (Iranian Country), and I thought it was made even more interesting given the timeliness of it.
January 31, 2017 @ 6:35 am
I’ll never understand Internet trolls who scour websites like this looking for an article to twist and contort, and to accuse and slander the author. What a sad existence. Politics really brings out the worst in a lot of people
January 31, 2017 @ 7:27 am
This is really fuckin simple, if you don’t like the articles posted here then don’t visit the site. The internet is filled with websites that tell you exactly what you want to hear at all times. I don’t agree with all the stuff Trigger posts on here but who cares, I never thought SCM was supposed to be an echo chamber for all my opinions.
January 31, 2017 @ 8:02 am
I appreciate articles like this and don’t understand how people can come out and complain and politicize the meaning behind the article which I interpret as putting cultural bias aside and reaching out to understand others on a human level. I haven’t listened to the video or checked out the band yet but I like what Elf had to say and the effort he’s put into getting country music out in Iran.
January 31, 2017 @ 8:05 am
Really appreciate the article. Sick of the huge swaths of country fans who act like anyone who is “country” has to fall in line with the Hank Jr./Toby Keith/Charlie Daniels mindset.
January 31, 2017 @ 8:14 am
Thanks for turning me on to another great musician, Trigger. The last couple years I’ve become quite lazy/apathetic in seeking out new music. It’s kinda embarrassing, but most of what I’ve been listening to lately has come from your recommendations. Iranian country music!? Fucking brilliant! Saving Country Music is a wonderful resource; thanks for running such a challenging and stimulating site.
January 31, 2017 @ 8:19 am
Thanks for the article. Very interesting and It is good to know that America’s music is still enjoyed around the world. America’s rich musical tradition is something I have always been proud of and love of music can transcend politics and divisiveness, which is why I think it is especially important now.
January 31, 2017 @ 8:54 am
Thanks for sharing, Trig. This is one of the most unique music projects covered by SCM in a while. Very cool!
January 31, 2017 @ 9:23 am
I am Iranian.
I have posted regularly on this website – not so much recently as I have been a bit busy.
I was born in Iran. My mother is a big Elvis fan and I grew up listening to him in Iran.
We moved to the UK in the early 1980s and that is when I discovered Dire Straits, Bruce Springsteen, Fleetwood Mac, The Eagles, Tom Petty, etc…
By the early 90s popular music started taking a different direction (a turn for the worst in my opinion).
I remember very clearly my first exposure to Country Music. I was in my car waiting to pick up my brother when I started to randomly go through the radio stations broadcasting.
By luck I happen to come across the first test broadcasts of a country radio station that was to be launched in London – Country 1035 (unfortunately it is no longer with us).
The first song I heard was Confederate Railroad’s “Queen of Memphis” – and I was hooked! There was no turning back.
I count that as a huge turning point in my life. My life would not be the same and as enjoyable without Country Music. It has enriched my life, made me learn to play the guitar (not that I am any good), sing (even worse than my guitar playing) and write songs (worse than my playing and singing!).
But most importantly Country Music has given me uncountable hours of enjoyment for which I am grateful.
I have visited Nashville 8 times (however unlikely for a return trip any time soon due to the political situation).
Even though I was raised in Iran in my early years, subsequently lived and grew up in the UK and really had no exposure to Country Music until I stumbled across those test broadcasts, Country Music resonated deep within my soul and moves me emotionally. I have always found this interesting and intriguing – that despite a completely alien background to the traditional environment where Country Music originates, it still connected with me on such a deep emotional level.
Your article has made me see that I am not the only one.
Music really does cross boundaries and borders and is blind to race, colour, creed, nationality, religion and everything else that we arbitrarily chose to divide us. I only wish human beings were as open minded.
Thank you for posting this article. Although I appreciate it will not be the same for all your readers, for obvious reasons for me it is the most interesting one.
Thank you again.
January 31, 2017 @ 10:27 am
Nice said Cowboyal. I grew up with country music in a country (european) that radio doesn’t play any country song and no one listens to. Many folks laugh at me when they find out what my favorite music is.
But i don’t care , this is what i enjoy most.
January 31, 2017 @ 2:37 pm
I hope things get better soon so you can visit Nashville for the 9th time, or more if you want to. I wish things weren’t this screwed up politically speaking in my country(I live in the US).
I visited Nashville for a Terri Clark fanclub party some years back and it was fun!
February 1, 2017 @ 8:39 am
Thank you. I enjoyed my Nashville visits very much. The people are very nice and friendly and of course I greatly enjoyed the music and going to live shows.
Hopefully I will make return trips sometime in the future.
Many thanks:-)
January 31, 2017 @ 10:27 am
My wife’s cousin is married to an Iranian. He points out that when western reporters are allowed to talk with the ‘regular’ Iranian people they typically find no real issue with westerners. That is the real Iran. It is the Governments that cause the tension. The Iranians whip up the occasional flag burning, and the Americans whip out the oppressive sanctions. Seems like good fodder for some heartfelt country music songs. Good on the Dream Rovers for expressing themselves and sharing with the world.
January 31, 2017 @ 4:29 pm
“It is the Governments that cause the tension.”
THIS^^^^^^^^^^ is the fact which is what causes young men to die for old men, poor men to die for rich men and the weak minded to die for the tyrannical and denounce someone because someone (gov’t) tells you they are the enemy, never mind your gov’t created the enemy trying to force its way on another.
Citizens (many of us) on both sides relate through music. Gov’t’s relate to power. Music brings people together. Gov’t’s drive a wedge between people and its success rate is evidenced in the divisions that serve the best interest of those in power.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6Y4O_F5feg
January 31, 2017 @ 8:55 pm
^^ this dude’s woke as fuck. Love it!!
January 31, 2017 @ 12:32 pm
Sounds like some people on here need to play or listen to more music. “When there is music, no one thinks of fighting”
January 31, 2017 @ 12:36 pm
There is hope for the world yet 🙂
This article really made my day. This is why music is so important, because it brings us together and saves lives.
I’m definitely a cynic on multiculturalism and excessive immigration, but anyone who makes music like this and who listens to music like this is welcome in my town.
Blessings from Australia
January 31, 2017 @ 1:11 pm
Maybe we can work out a swap? We keep the Dream Rovers and we send two music row bros to Tehran.
January 31, 2017 @ 2:09 pm
That would be good for us but intensify the Iranians dislike of the US and be used as propaganda for terrorists 😉 All Americans are like FGL! We must eradicate them!
January 31, 2017 @ 1:59 pm
This was an awesome read. I love hearing other country’s takes on established genres like country. Germany has an interesting country scene as well.
January 31, 2017 @ 8:09 pm
Very interesting Trig. Personally, I don’t give a damn about all the political bullshit. I think it’s kinda cool that a couple of boys from Iran dig our sacred country music. I took a listen to he song you posted, it’s not my flavor of country, but it’s a lot better than a lot of the crap coming from most of Nashville. I think Dear Superstar has a slight south of the border feel to it. I may wander on onthe YouTube and see if anything else of theirs turns up. Stuff like this is why I check this site religiously, i never know what I may stumble upon. Lord knows I’ve dropped a lot of cash thanks to this site.
February 1, 2017 @ 1:27 pm
I’m glad they’re trying hopefully they’ll make it better than mainstream country nowadays.
February 1, 2017 @ 7:12 pm
Thanks for posting this, I like it. I wish them the best and hope they can catch a break.
February 13, 2017 @ 8:33 pm
Sad when foreigners have more appreciation for real country music and its ability to speak to people than the powers of Nashville.
August 4, 2017 @ 8:49 am
I actually know Erfan and no matter what else is going on in the world today, I can tell you honestly, he just really loves country music and wants to make it in the country music capital of the world. That’s it. No politics. He’s a nice, earnest guy, he’s doing his best, and he means well.