Rostam Teams Up with Clairo and Tobias Jesso Jr to Celebrate Iranian-American Roots on New Album ‘American Stories’

Explore how Rostam blends his Iranian-American identity with Americana sounds in his latest album, featuring collaborations with Clairo and Tobias Jesso Jr.

Embracing Identity Through Music: Rostam’s New Chapter

When Rostam Batmanglij, the acclaimed multi-instrumentalist formerly of Vampire Weekend, announced his upcoming solo album, American Stories, fans knew they were in for something special. Set to release on May 15, this album arrives on the heels of his 2021 LP Changephobia and promises a fresh blend of sounds that reflect Rostam’s unique heritage and musical vision.

Born in Washington D.C. to Iranian parents, Rostam has always navigated the rich terrain of his dual identity. But this time around, his music is a direct reflection of that journey. Far from just a collection of songs, American Stories is a nuanced sonic tapestry where Americana vibes meet the haunting beauty of traditional Persian music.

A Joyful Blend of Cultures

One of the most compelling aspects of American Stories is how Rostam plays with the friction and harmony between his Iranian roots and American upbringing. He revealed that during production, he realized the album he wanted was one that fully expressed his bi-cultural identity.

“At some point in making this record I realised the album I wanted to make was one that reflected my identity as both Iranian and American. Pushing the most Iranian elements right up against the most American ones brought me a certain kind of joy.” — Rostam

This artistic choice led to fascinating musical experiments, such as layering microtonal saz melodies—an instrument deeply embedded in Persian music—over classic Western guitar chords. Initially, Rostam found the collision jarring, but with repeated listening, he found himself addicted to the unique soundscape this fusion created.

Collaboration: A Family of Sound Creators

Rostam didn’t walk this creative path alone. Throughout American Stories, he's joined by several notable collaborators who enrich the album’s texture. Clairo lends her distinct vocals on the track ‘Hardy,’ adding a fresh modern softness that contrasts beautifully with the traditional elements.

Grammy-winning songwriter Tobias Jesso Jr. also steps in with co-writing credits, complementing Rostam’s intricate production style with his own poignant songwriting flair. Other contributors include Amir Yaghmai—guitarist of The Voidz and a fellow Iranian-American—plus Daniel Aged, Paul Cartwright, Gabe Noel, Hamilton Berry, Henry Solomon, Andrew Tachine, and Joey Messina-Doerning. This constellation of talent helps bring Rostam’s vision to life in vibrant detail.

American Stories Tracklist

Here’s the full song lineup that guides listeners through Rostam’s cultural and musical exploration:

• Like A Spark
• Back Of A Truck
• Different Light
• Hardy
• Forgive Is To Know
• To Feel No Way
• The Road To Death
• Come Apart
• The Weight

The album opens with the evocative single ‘Like A Spark,’ a haunting yet uplifting introduction that perfectly frames the album’s themes. Rostam has shared a live performance clip of the song from American Stories: A Concert Film, a project that captures an intimate eight-song set filmed at the legendary Sound City Studio A.

Touring: Bringing American Stories to Life

Following the album release, Rostam plans a robust North American tour over May and June, with support from Henry Solomon, Elori Saxl, and the soulful Zsela. The journey continues in September with five European dates, kicking off in London at the Village Underground on September 8. Bad Actor will provide opening support for most of these performances.

Pre-sale for tickets begins on March 11 at 10 a.m. local time, with general sales commencing two days later—both at 10 a.m. Fans can look forward to experiencing new tracks live, alongside some of Rostam’s well-loved classics.

Honoring the Past: The Original ‘Campus’ Release

Alongside these developments, Rostam recently released the original pre-Vampire Weekend version of ‘Campus’—a track that eventually appeared on Vampire Weekend’s self-titled debut album in 2008. This original rendition will be issued as a limited-edition seven-inch vinyl on May 15, the same day American Stories drops.

For collectors and longtime fans, this is a special glimpse into Rostam’s early creative process, a reminder of his evolution as an artist while honoring his roots.

As Rostam weaves together his Iranian heritage with the melodies of American music, American Stories stands as a compelling testament to identity, creativity, and the power of collaboration. Whether you're drawn to the fusion of traditional and contemporary sounds or the heartfelt narrative behind the album, Rostam’s latest work invites you to listen closely and celebrate the beauty of cultural convergence.

FAQ

• What inspired Rostam’s new album ‘American Stories’?
  Rostam was inspired to create an album that reflects his dual identity as Iranian and American, blending elements from both cultures into his music.
• Who are the key collaborators on ‘American Stories’?
  Notable collaborators include Clairo (vocals on ‘Hardy’), Tobias Jesso Jr. (co-writing), and Amir Yaghmai (guitarist and fellow Iranian-American), among others.
• When is ‘American Stories’ releasing?
  The album will be released on May 15 via Rostam’s label Matsor Projects through Secretly Distribution.
• Are there any singles available from the album?
  Yes, the lead single ‘Like A Spark’ is already out, and a live performance video from Sound City Studio A has been shared.
• Will Rostam be touring for this album?
  Absolutely. Rostam will be touring across North America in May and June, followed by a European leg in September.

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