It’s a warm summer day in Tehran, and the sun beats down on the bustling streets of the Iranian capital. In the distance, the sound of guitars and drums can be heard, emanating from a small basement studio.

Inside, a Persian grunge-pop duo is hard at work, honing their craft and preparing for their next big show. Meet Neda and Ali, two musicians who are taking the Persian music scene by storm.

Neda and Ali first met in college, where they bonded over their love of grunge and alternative rock. They began playing together in local bars and clubs, performing covers of their favorite bands and gradually developing their own sound.

Their breakthrough came in 2018, when they released their debut EP, “Black Roses.” The record was a critical success, with Rolling Stone magazine hailing the duo as “a breath of fresh air in the Persian music scene.”

Since then, Neda and Ali have gone from strength to strength, touring the country and gaining a dedicated following of fans. Their music blends the gritty, distorted guitars of grunge with the melodic hooks of pop, creating a sound that is both unique and infectious.

But their success has not come without its challenges. Iran’s conservative government has strict rules governing artistic expression, and Neda and Ali have had to navigate these obstacles carefully. They often perform in underground venues, and have been known to face harassment from the authorities.

Despite this, Neda and Ali remain determined to make their voices heard. They see their music as a way to connect with people, to bridge cultural divides and to spread a message of hope and unity.

“We want to show the world that there is more to Iran than what you see on the news,” Neda says. “We want to show that there is beauty and creativity here, too.”