Journey Through 'American Stories': A Conversation with Rostam on Music, Memories, and More
Rostam recently performed his latest album, "American Stories," at the Ford in Los Angeles, where he was joined by Robin Pecknold of Fleet Foxes for a rendition of Bob Dylan's "Don't Think Twice, It's All Right." Following the show, I had the opportunity to chat with Rostam about the themes and inspirations behind his new album, as well as his affinity for songs about vehicles, such as "Back of a Truck," "From the Back of a Cab," and "4Runner."
Rostam shared that his love for transportation stems from his childhood fascination with racing games and the experience of traveling by various modes of transport. He reminisced about his first car, a Mercedes-Benz station wagon, and the joy of carpooling with friends in high school. While his previous album, "Changephobia," was centered around the saxophone, "American Stories" features a mix of pedal steel and saxophone sounds, showcasing Rostam's diverse musical influences.
The album was not strictly built around one sound, as Rostam aimed to incorporate different elements into each song. He initially envisioned every track as a story song and wanted to include Persian music in each one. However, he embraced the diversity of the final product and emphasized his preference for creating albums that are not confined to a single concept.
"The Weight," the closing track on the album, references a college campus setting, reflecting Rostam's own graduation from Columbia University 20 years ago. He discussed the complexity of writing songs that convey multiple meanings and the gift of ambiguity in songwriting. Rostam expressed his desire for his music to resonate with listeners in a timeless and open-ended manner.
When asked about the influence of Coldplay's "Viva La Vida" on his album, Rostam reflected on the importance of the first four songs on an album, as suggested by producer Rick Rubin. He shared insights into his creative process and the impact of his experiences in both Los Angeles and New York City on "American Stories."
As Rostam continues to navigate between the two cities and set up a studio in New York, he remains open to exploring new musical territories. He also mentioned his mother's expertise in Persian cuisine and revealed his culinary specialty, tahdig, a rice dish with a crispy bottom layer. Despite the unexpected fame of a particular photo wearing a Metallica T-shirt, Rostam reflected on his unique perspective on music and the philosophical depth he finds in various musical genres.
In conclusion, Rostam's "American Stories" album reflects his eclectic musical journey and storytelling prowess, blending diverse influences and personal experiences into a rich tapestry of sound and emotion.