Today we’d like to introduce you to Ārmanā Nysús.
Hi Ārmanā, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I began my musical journey at the age of six, attending Orff music classes that introduced me to rhythm, melody, and musical expression. By the age of eight, I started learning the tar, a traditional Persian instrument. At thirteen, I was accepted into the Conservatory of Music in Tehran, where I continued to deepen my classical and traditional music training.
At fourteen, I added the piano to my repertoire, and by fifteen, I began songwriting, composing, singing, producing my own music, and starting to play cello. These early years shaped my technical skills, artistic voice, and identity as a creator.
At eighteen, I was accepted to Berklee College of Music in Boston with a scholarship—an incredible opportunity that expanded my exposure to global music styles and pushed my creative boundaries even further. Today, my work blends elements of Middle Eastern, orchestral, rock, and modern pop music, reflecting both my roots and my evolving artistic vision.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It’s never been an easy journey, and honestly, I don’t expect it to get easier. But the truth is, I’ve realized that if I don’t earn something through struggle, it doesn’t feel as meaningful to me.
As a Persian woman pursuing music, I’ve faced countless challenges from the ban on female singers to the lack of resources and opportunities for artists in general. I often found myself comparing my path to those who never had to fight just to be allowed to sing, and I used to see that difference as deeply unfair.
Over time, though, I began to recognize how those restrictions shaped me. I don’t believe they were justified, but I also can’t deny how they influenced my growth. The challenges I faced both as a woman and as someone living in the Middle East had a profound impact on my art.
My lyrics and music are deeply rooted in social issues. They speak to the struggles I’ve witnessed and experienced issues like domestic violence, poverty, and gender inequality. These aren’t just problems in my country; they’re global. Growing up surrounded by these realities gave me a powerful source of inspiration. Music became my way of telling those stories of giving voice to pain, resistance, and hope through art.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a musician and to be more specific, I’m a singer, songwriter, composer, arranger, producer, and tar player. My music blends traditional Middle Eastern sounds with modern styles, and the fusion shifts depending on the concept of each piece. The styles I explore range from Middle Eastern synthwave to orchestral pop and electronic, and beyond.
One of the things I’m most proud of is that over the past year, I’ve truly found my artistic direction. I’ve been able to craft a unique sound by drawing inspiration from my roots and traditional music, and blending it with modern elements to shape a style that feels authentically mine.
What I believe sets me apart is, first and foremost, the concept and lyrical content of my songs. In recent decades, fewer artists seem to address social or political issues in their work, and I’ve felt a growing need to fill that space. I want every song I write to speak to the struggles we face, especially the ones we’ve been forced to forget because they hurt too much.
My lyrics are full of metaphors; I rarely say things directly. Instead, I prefer to use symbolism and irony to express protest, resistance, and emotion. Over this past year, I’ve realized that no matter how many standards the music industry tries to impose, I don’t want to mold myself to fit those expectations. I have my own style, and I know I never want to stop speaking out about the issues that matter through music, through metaphor, and through my voice.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What I like best about Los Angeles is its incredible cultural diversity and creative energy. As an artist, I find it inspiring to be in a city where people from so many different backgrounds come together to express themselves. There’s a real sense of artistic freedom here, and the opportunities for collaboration and innovation are endless. The music scene is vibrant, experimental, and open to global influences, which makes it a perfect place for someone like me who blends Middle Eastern and modern styles.
What I dislike about the city, however, is how overwhelming it can feel at times, especially for emerging artists trying to find their place. The competition is intense, and the cost of living can be a major barrier for creatives who are just starting out. But despite those challenges, I believe the energy of the city and its openness to new voices make the journey worth it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://song.link/5fj9k6kdgpbwm
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/armana_nysus?igsh=MWszdmcyeTZ2MW9iNA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Image Credits
Neda Boroomand
