Peyman Salimi returns to Toronto for the release tour of The Psychology of Letting Go, a concept album of alternative pop/rock ballads in English and Persian that he will perform live with Zoe Guigeno on bass and vocals. Mahmood Schricker opens with new music from his EP Mount Dilaudid, on setar and electronics, in homage to some of Iran’s most prominent musicians from a dub techno perspective dedicated to Marjaneh Moghimi. Presented by Link Music Lab, both sets offer new perspectives on poignant 2022 releases.

With a third album under his solo project, Peyman Salimi uses his music to raise awareness and show his support for the women of Iran, hoping to inspire others to take action and back the movement. The Iranian-Italian contemporary singer, songwriter and music producer based in Brussels and Seattle was the longtime lead vocalist and guitarist for indie-rock band The Allophones, formed in Florence in 2010, known for their rich guitar riffs, melodic vocal lines and intriguing grooves. While he continues to collaborate and perform with them, Zoe Guigueno, a Canadian bass player and singer-songwriter based in Brooklyn, will animate Salimi’s songs, creating a powerful and dynamic experience as a duo.

Focusing on integrating minimal ambient and dub sounds with Persian melodies, having transformed the setar into an electronic instrument to expand the possibilities for Persian music, Toronto-based Mahmood Schricker’s latest EP is a palimpsest of culture and memory. Each track muses on legacy and loss by revering Parisa, Persian classical singer and Avaz master, Delkash, Iranian diva and actress, and Zolfonoon, the formidable setar player, composer and music teacher.