Formula Indie Sessions Interview with Nilly Haghani

What is your earliest memory connected to music?  

My very first memory connected to music was when my mother sang me a melancholy lullaby called “A Ring with a Thousand Jewels”, a popular song by Googoosh, the Iranian first lady of music. At four years old I couldn’t fully comprehend it, but later I discovered my mother had been a singer herself before the Islamic Revolution. At just 12 years old she was awarded a medal from the King’s Committee for her outstanding vocal performance. That makes the memory a hundred times more special; her voice was the most beautiful sound to me as a child.  

How did your passion for creating music begin?  

It began when I started imagining myself in Hollywood at the age of 10. In my hometown of Mashhad, some schools had launched language programs that included musical lessons. As I learned English and connected with songs daily, I felt compelled to write my own verses. I asked teachers and professors for guidance until I couldn’t help but write constantly; during exams, history lessons, math class; always scribbling lyrics to melodies, creating my own songs.  

What’s the story behind your current music project?  

The project I’m working on now is the most prestigious of my career in Iran. About eight months ago, my amazing friend Nazila Azizi, an independent filmmaker, screenwriter, and director from Los Angeles, told me about a project for major Iranian musical celebrity Aron Afshar. We connected and began working together. I traveled between Tehran, Mashhad, and Dubai to record demos, write lyrics, produce songs, and coach Aron in vocals and dialect. While details aren’t yet public, I can say I’m proud to be part of this cultural movement.  

How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?  

Vocally, I’m influenced by jazz, soul, rock and roll, and blues. In my personal projects, I aim to make jazz a worldwide mainstream genre once again. While earlier projects leaned toward rock and roll, I’ve discovered my true artistic expression lies in jazz compositions and performances.  

What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?  

I learned through extensive training that you don’t need to force high notes to be powerful. True artistry lies in using technique to serve storytelling.  

What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?  

My guitar, plenty of stationery, and a good recording room. Most importantly, the presence of like‑minded musicians with a shared purpose; that’s the ultimate key to great compositions.  

Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?  

I’m absolutely in love with the sound of Lord Huron, particularly “The Yawning Grave.” It’s hauntingly beautiful and a masterclass in storytelling.  

How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?  

My journey as a woman pursuing music in Iran has shaped every phase of my artistry. I began in classical choir and theater productions, then joined a blues rock band in university, which led to underground performances across genres. But the restrictive environment created constant fear of arrest. That fear fueled my rebellion; I collaborated in hip hop and protest songs for women’s freedom. In 2021, I became the only female finalist and one of the top four rock musicians nationwide to win the Persian Rock Star Award, an international competition held in Turkey. Soon after, I was arrested by the regime. For two years I worked in secrecy under surveillance, which led me to a more fluid, healing sound; expressing quiet resistance and endurance through jazz.  

What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?  

I want listeners to heal and feel emotions they might normally suppress. At the same time, I want them to feel strong; to know that, like water, resistance and consistency can break through the toughest barriers.  

What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?  

Music has taught me to connect with people entirely different from me. When I sing, strangers become family. Music strips away barriers and leaves us present with our souls and emotions. It is the sound of the universe and unity.  

What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?  

I’ve always dreamed of performing at Red Rocks—the view is otherworldly. I also dream of Walt Disney Concert Hall and Azadi Stadium in Tehran. Azadi Stadium once hosted Frank Sinatra in 1975, a jewel in Iranian musical history. I will one day perform there as a woman with the same grandeur.  

If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?  

My goal is to work with Seth MacFarlane. His velvety baritone, tender phrasing, and arrangement ideas are exactly what a jazz artist needs to make the genre mainstream again. His creative vision and vocal artistry are extraordinary.  

Where can our listeners follow and support your music? (Website, Spotify, IG, links)  

My Instagram handle is @Nillyhaghani, and you can find my music on Spotify under the same name.  

Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?  

My dream, which is already becoming reality, is to move to Los Angeles and continue my musical career in Hollywood.  

What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?  

I hope listeners discover not only my songs but the story behind them; how they were created and how I became who I am today. My story carries my music as much as the melodies themselves.  

Representative YouTube video:  

A small homemade performance; let’s hope women will soon be able to have concerts in Iran.