Cyrus Moussavi runs Mississippi Records in Portland, and his iranian music connection has grown stronger in recent weeks. Growing up, he listened to Iranian music with his parents, for young Moussavi also spent summers in Iran as a child. That experience gave him a unique view of the region.
Moussavi took over Mississippi Records in 2019, but another person co-founded the label back in 2003. Kenya hosted the story’s beginning several years earlier, yet an internship brought Moussavi there at that time. Someone handed him a camera one day, and that moment changed how he saw music.
Finding overlooked music comes naturally to Moussavi because he digs deeper into areas that others ignore. A website did not exist for the label in its early days, and public promotion was something the company refused to do. Word of mouth became their only growth tool. This approach built a loyal following over time.
Portland’s record store saw Moussavi during one visit, but he tried not to act like a fanboy then. Kenyan guitar music came up in conversation with the staff since six months in Kenya had just ended for him. Some of that music he shared with them, and personal roots later brought his iranian music connection to life.
Regional conflict escalated during June of this year, and an Iranian music mix caught Moussavi’s attention. More Iranian music entered his playlist after that. Comfort came from his iranian music connection during hard times. Songs he loves and appreciates filled that mix, helping him find solace in the melodies.
Iranian music passion came from Moussavi’s parents, and he feels grateful to them for that gift. Language skills improved during summers in Iran, yet violence in the region now weighs heavily on him. His iranian music connection bridges past pain with present hope, prompting him to continue listening daily.
Thousands of Iranian civilians have died in this war because schools and hospitals have suffered bombing from foreign forces. A cultural lifeline exists in Iranian music during this crisis, and solace comes to Moussavi from his heritage’s songs. Processing tragedy becomes easier through this connection, leading him to share music with others.
Many countries have seen Mississippi Records release music, but traditional and overlooked genres are the label’s focus. Early specialties included Kenyan guitar music, while Iranian music may now get similar attention from Moussavi. Future releases will reflect his personal journey, allowing listeners to expect new sounds.
Portland’s record store remains a cultural hub since new sounds draw music lovers there regularly. A broader trend appears in Moussavi’s background, as roots are being reclaimed by many diaspora Iranians. Heritage preservation happens through this connection, which helps music continue to heal.
Millions have been displaced by this war, but conflict makes cultural preservation even more vital. Centuries of history and emotion fill Iranian music, yet global listeners can discover these sounds now. Different cultures come together through Moussavi’s work, thereby helping his label bridge communities.