Immigrant Songs: Salome MC

I first heard the work of Salome MC while researching music for a show that focused on Iranian Music. This was motivated by the deteriorating political situation between the US and Iran and the specter of conflict once again rose in the region. I wanted to present the broad range of Iranian music to have my audience rethink the current saber-rattling coming from political circles and absorb the culture and humanity that is associated with music.

Salome MC represents a part of Iran we don't often see in the West. She is a new generation of young women who are pushing against the social, cultural, and political limitations that are shackling their opportunities in Iran. Her lyrics also address the hypocrisy of power that is evident in both countries, with the hope of empowering others to live their full lives. She now lives in Seattle but works with artists in Iran, North Africa, and the Middle East to help them find their voice. She also conducts educational hip-hop workshops for youth in underserved communities at Seattle's Jack Straw Cultural Center – recently hosting a session for visually impaired high schoolers over Zoom.

Her immigrant story is based on hope and a belief that art can change lives worldwide. 

About Immigrant Songs: Immigrant Songs is a series presented and produced by KEXP, with support from The Vilcek Foundation. Through in-studio performances, interviews with local and national artists, and other written content, KEXP DJ curators will explore the immigrant experience. Read more stories here. 

About The Vilcek Foundation: The Vilcek Foundation was established in 2000 by Jan and Marica Vilcek, immigrants from the former Czechoslovakia. The mission of the foundation, to honor the contributions of foreign-born scholars and artists living in the United States, was inspired by the couple’s careers in biomedical science and art history, respectively, as well as their personal experiences and appreciation for the opportunities they received as newcomers to this country. The foundation awards annual prizes to immigrant biomedical scientists and artists and sponsors cultural programs such as the Hawaii International Film Festival. To learn more, visit Vilcek.org.