About

Stella Saleh is a multicultural highschool student. She is a third generation Iranian-American whose father fled Iran during the revolution. As a result, Stella's family is not permitted to visit the country. Stella parents raised her to preserve her Iranian heritage in a variety of ways: learning persian language, reading persian books, and celebrating Persian New Year. While this has brought her closer to Iran, there is still a giant gap between the Iran she has been taught and the real Iran existing today.

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Stella started this project to get closer to the Iranian culture of today. During a time of political tumult in Iran, government censorship and suppression are stronger than ever. In addition to her language pursuits, Stella is an avid musician who plays piano and trumpet. As a result, Stella looks at the world through music.

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In this unique research project, Stella analyzes the popular music of Iran, through lyrics and structure to uncover the sentiments of an oppressed population. Underground music in Iran has been a popular form of protest for over a century. Through recognizing the themes and content in popular music, she can piece together the state in this changing country.