“Delara takes the hard road and gives her fans harder bars and rhythms” – METAL
“Norwegian-born Delara has already made light work of conquering her own country” – COMPLEX
AS FEATURED IN ROLLING STONE, THE INDEPENDENT, RED BULL, CLASH MAGAZINE, THE LINE OF BEST FIT, INTERVIEW MAG, METRO, GAFFA
Backed by the endorsement of Alicia Keys and having shared the stage with renowned artists such as Dua Lipa, Khalid, and Kali Uchis, Delara has emerged as an unstoppable force within the Norwegian music scene, with a global listenership numbering in the millions. Positioned for a journey towards even greater heights, she unveils her much-anticipated debut album, Shahrazad.
Inspired by the iconic character of Shahrazad from One Thousand and One Nights, Delara chose the album’s title as a representation of her own storytelling prowess and unapologetic approach to life. Shahrazad, as the ultimate storyteller, symbolizes the power of words and narratives to shape and inspire. She explains, “That’s precisely what I’ve done with this album, uncompromisingly and freely expressing what feels right for me, without worrying about making myself understood and more palatable to the majority.” When asked about the common thread that ties the album together, Delara speaks of her human experience. The songs in Shahrazad collectively narrate the story of who she is today and why. Each track is a piece of her heart and soul, inviting listeners to join her on a deeply personal and emotional journey.
“As a traveller in the City of God, I seek freedom in the treasures of dreams and stories.” – Delera
Shahrazad is composed of fan favourite tracks “Unbound,” a song that was added to the rotation on Norway’s largest national station, NRK P3, “Didn’t You Know,” a composition that delves into the profound realization of our solitary entry into this world and our ultimate departure from it in solitude, and the recently released “Kalash” featuring renowned Justin Bieber and Beyoncé collaborator, and one of Delara’s favourite artists Beam. The album is made complete with six new offerings including the vibrant “Free my people free their love,” setting a spirited tone, “City of God,” an intricate portrayal of the intense battle with the awareness that all that comes into existence must eventually depart, “Selfish,” “Forbidden Song,” “Fly my ship to space,” and lastly, closing track “Cheshme man.”
Shahrazad is not just a project; it’s a statement of self-confidence and the pursuit of love, regardless of the sacrifices involved. Delara’s music encourages listeners to live authentically and stand up for what they love, even in the face of adversity. In this way, the album is a reflection of the artist’s own journey and her commitment to embracing the power of storytelling as a vehicle for self-expression. Her remarkable journey to success is characterised by her ability to adapt and evolve in the music industry. She has received acclaim from renowned publications such as The Independent, Interview Mag, Red Bull, Clash Magazine, and more.
Born in Sweden and raised by Iranian parents before moving to Norway as a child, Delara has a complex relationship with her heritage. While she feels deeply connected to Iran, she is also a vocal critic of its current political regime. In 2022, she joined an Amnesty International-affiliated protest outside the Norwegian Parliament building in Oslo, following the tragic death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in the custody of the hijab police for “inappropriate clothing.” This conflict of love for a country and its people, influenced by Persian poetry that informs her writing, while also feeling alienated from its governance, resonates throughout her current musical incarnation. Delara’s music not only captures her unique sound but also her passionate stance on pressing social issues, making her an artist with a message worth listening to.
SHAHRAZAD TRACKLISTING
1. Free my people free their love
2. City of God feat. BEZI
3. Forbidden song
4. Unbound
5. Selfish
6. Kalash feat. BEAM
7. Didn’t you know
8. Fly my ship to space
9. Cheshme Man (Delara´s version)
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