In a world where everything seems polished and perfect, official bans and restrictions continue to shape the lives of many artists. Today, we sat down with Iranian music producer, record label owner, and radio host AliPink to talk about his challenges, his work, and his journey.
Ali runs the successful underground label Techno Tehran Records, which has released over 70 tracks since its inception in 2017 and garnered recognition from publications such as Mixmag and DJ Mag.
In 2021, he founded Techno Tehran Radio, a 24/7 online station broadcasting underground electronic music worldwide. Despite obstacles such as internet shutdowns in Iran and relocating the platform to Toronto with his collaborator, Farshid, also known as Ayaöla, the station continues to thrive.
Ali has faced personal hardships, including imprisonment and confiscation of his equipment, but his passion for music has never wavered. His story is one of resilience, creativity, and hope, reflecting an artist determined to pursue his passion despite the odds.
Hello Ali, thanks for joining us today. How are you doing, and how has the start of December been for you so far?
Hello guys, I’m doing very well—thank you so much for having me. First of all, I’d like to thank House Nest for the invitation.
The start of December has been especially meaningful for me. After a long time, I had the chance to travel to Shiraz, one of the oldest and most historically rich cities in Iran. During this trip, I visited Persepolis, one of the world’s most ancient cities, originally built by Darius the Great.
I also visited the tomb of Cyrus the Great, a figure globally recognized for authoring the first known charter of human rights. Experiencing these places firsthand was deeply inspiring and grounding, both on a personal and creative level.
You’re originally from Tehran, Iran—a place where raves are officially banned, yet still happen underground. What does it feel like to live with that constant sense of risk while pursuing what you love most?
I think history and social studies have shown us that in any society where something is forbidden, people naturally feel more drawn to it—sometimes out of curiosity, sometimes out of genuine passion.
In Iran, it’s very much the same. Raves, parties, and even certain styles of music are officially banned, yet many young people feel a deep connection to this culture and to underground electronic music.
I can honestly say that some of the rawest and most authentic underground parties in the world take place in Iran. They exist because of passion, not profit or trends.
The combination of constant stress—the fear that authorities might intervene at any moment—and, at the same time, a pure love for music, dancing, and sharing a night until sunrise creates an intensity that’s very hard to describe unless you’ve experienced it yourself.
Why is partying considered a crime in Iran, and how do you personally navigate those restrictions—especially as a DJ and record producer?
In Iran, authorities fundamentally oppose people enjoying themselves, dancing, or listening to music, seeing it as contrary to their interpretation of religious law. I have never accepted this limitation. For me, it’s a kind of ongoing struggle.
Even though I have been imprisoned several times and my equipment has been confiscated, I have continued and will continue pursuing my passion as a DJ and record producer.
Do you see any realistic path toward change in the future?
Yes, 100%. I do see a path. Although it is slow and challenging, the enthusiasm of Iran’s Gen Z for music and underground parties is incredibly strong. People are actively seeking change, and I believe it will happen sooner than we expect.
You run Techno Tehran Records, which has grown to more than 11,000 followers on Instagram and continues to expand. What motivated you to start your own label, and how has the journey evolved over the years?
It has 11,600 followers—haha! Back in 2017, I noticed that many of my friends were incredibly talented in music production, and the tracks they were creating could easily compete on international stages. That inspired me to start a record label based in Tehran.
Since I am older and have more experience in the underground scene, my friends respect my perspective. When I asked them to release their tracks through a Tehran-based label, they were very supportive. My instincts proved correct: within a year, magazines like Mixmag and DJ Mag recognized Techno Tehran as one of the most prominent record labels in the Middle East, which was a huge honor for us at the start of our journey.
You’re also behind Techno Tehran Radio. Can you tell us more about the concept and what listeners can expect from the platform?
Techno Tehran Radio is a 24/7 online station featuring multiple shows across different genres. I founded it in 2021, during a period of major street protests in Iran, when the government shut down the internet for about two weeks. This completely cut off our connection to the world and forced the radio to go offline.
After that, I had to rebuild the entire website, streaming engine, and platform. This time, with the help of my friend Farshid, aka Ayaöla—one of the best Iranian DJs and producers living in Toronto—we moved the radio to Toronto. Today, Techno Tehran Radio broadcasts from there.
Our most famous show is Label Showcase, hosted by Techno Tehran Records, where leading melodic techno artists have appeared as guests, including Q.U.A.K.E, Sharam Jey, Martin Magaal, Monophase (IT), and many others.
Read this next: OFFAIAH: “That means the music is king — nothing else matters. No ego, no politics, just pure house music”
With more music being released every day and the industry moving faster than ever, how do you stay focused and creatively sharp while juggling a record label, a radio station, and your own productions?
For the label, my friend Parsa, aka Parsapi, one of the oldest and most respected deep house and progressive producers, has always provided invaluable support, and I want to take this moment to express my gratitude to him. Aydin, aka AydinAT;01, also a very well-known melodic techno artist, has always supported me and is a partner in part of Techno Tehran.
Regarding the radio, Farshid, a great friend and talented artist, has always helped selflessly. Even with their support, the work remains very demanding. Sometimes I sit in my studio working at my system, and when I step out for tea or coffee, I realize it’s already midnight without me even noticing.
For my music production, I usually collaborate with my friends Navid, known as Navid Kaya, and Arshiyazi, as our styles are very close and our tracks are released as collaborations. My latest release was a collaboration with Navid on the legendary label Steyoyoke. The next track will be a collaboration with Arshiyazi, soon to be released on ZEHN Records, the label founded by the legends Tube & Berger.
You recently announced an upcoming single on the legendary Tube & Berger imprint ZEHN Records. How did the release come together, and how did the track get signed?
I have known and followed Tube & Berger for many years, ever since I was a very young DJ. I noticed that the releases on their label were very close in style to the tracks Arshiyazi and I had been producing recently. I sent them a demo, introduced myself, and explained the story behind the track—a story about artists who, despite loving their city deeply, are forced to leave because they cannot work freely there.
After nearly three months, they responded, saying they really liked both the track and its story and told me they would release it.
Read this next: Farzam Feiz: “DJing is about reading the crowd, whereas producing is about exploring the inner geometry of the self”
What makes this particular single special to you?
As I mentioned earlier, the story behind this single is very meaningful and special to me. In a way, it reflects the life experiences of Arshia and me—the story of artists who, despite their deep love for their city, are forced to leave because they cannot freely pursue their work there.
Finally, outside of music, what does everyday life look like for you?
Every day, when I wake up, I have my coffee and check emails. On some days, when I’m in the mood, I listen to promos that have been sent to me. I usually speak with Navid on the phone about our work.
I also want to say that I hope for better days for my country and for my life. I plan to share this interview on my Instagram, but as you know, my account was blocked by the morality police for a year, so I cannot always speak freely about certain issues. Still, I want to express that I am hopeful for the future and continue to fight for freedom.
Finally, I want to sincerely thank you for this opportunity, and I hope that one day I can invite you to my country and my city.
Support the artist and buy ‘Edge Of Time’ on Beatport
Follow AliPink on Social Media:
SoundCloud l Spotify l Instagram
