Shahyar Ghanbari: 'Without Wings and Head in the Middle of Los Angeles'

Shahyar Ghanbari ended last year in sorrow over the loss of his wife, a year that coincided with the release of his album 'Ghazalsound.' However, the death of his wife not only affected the renowned lyricist's perspective on his songs but also prompted him to take action as a social activist for the relatives of cancer patients. He is now in the process of establishing a foundation or association for this purpose and mentions having discussions with the famous singer Dariush, who has long been involved in addiction prevention through the Ayneh Foundation. In an interview, Ghanbari reflects on the strange and terrifying year he experienced, stating that he lost a significant part of himself with the passing of his partner of 35 years. He expresses that this loss has led him to a deeper understanding of his own work and the themes he explores in his lyrics, particularly loneliness. Ghanbari emphasizes that the weight of words changes with life experiences, and he feels a serious responsibility as an artist in a society that is in dire need of meaningful expression. He critiques the current state of music and poetry, suggesting that many contemporary songs lack depth and substance. Ghanbari's personal journey through grief has also inspired him to focus on supporting those affected by cancer, aiming to create a resource for patients' families. He acknowledges the difficulties faced by the artistic community in Iran, including a lack of educational resources and support for young artists. Ultimately, he hopes to use his experiences to help others and bring attention to the challenges faced by those in need.