Like in many other parts of the world, Iranian pop music revolutionized the music industry in the 1950s. 

Artists like Vigen Derderian, known as the “Sultan of Pop” and later Googoosh were hugely popular during this Golden Age of Persian Pop Music. 

This golden age was short lived, however.  Pop music was banned within Iran after the 1979 revolution.

Amir Hamz is the co-director of “Sounds of Silence.”  The film delves into the underground rock and hip hop scene in Iran.  It examines the many financial and political challenges facing Iranian musicians today. 

Iranian pop music recently exploded with new artists and new types of music.  Hamz told Jerome how pop music became big again in Iran.

Interview originally aired October 26, 2007.