ZÖj - Fil O Fenjoon

ZÖJ is an experimental cross-cultural music duo based in Australia, comprising Gelareh Pour on Kamancheh Qeychak Alto and Voice and Brian O’Dwyer on drumkit. The duo has been creating music as ZÖJ since 2016 but have worked together in other projects since 2012. The ideals of ZÖJ are firmly rooted in true expression of inter-culturalism, specifically what it means to be from more than one place.

ZÖJ creates a unique and powerful sound that combines the traditional music of their respective cultures with contemporary experimental elements. Pour’s virtuosic Kamancheh playing is complemented by O’Dwyer’s dynamic and diverse drumming, resulting in a sound that is at once complex and accessible.

Pour’s classical background comes through in masterful playing and evocative interpretations of Persian poetry sung in Farsi. No ZÖJ performance is ever the same. Improvisation is tooled to allow each musician to explore their instruments within the confides of each new setting. The energy, a reciprocal process between the musicians and their audience, determines the depth of exploration into each piece.

A ZÖJ performance demonstrates a fluidity in abstract musical conversation. It unveils similarities and celebrates differences as new. And, like eavesdropping on any conversation, connecting
meaning to context requires a close listen.