Beyond all the hype, there's a reason the UK's Crosstown Rebels is currently the most lauded underground electronic dance music label in the world -- number one on Resident Advisor's prestigious poll. The label takes chances on artists of substance, with authentic voices and stories to tell -- timeless music destined to outlast the ephemeral dancefloor fillers.
Case in point: Iranian-Canadian producer Amirali Shahrestani. Last year he was a relative unknown, but his debut album In Time -- released on Crosstown this past spring -- has catapulted him to the forefront of the international scene. And his success is riding on the strength of the music itself: delicately-crafted modern house numbers imbued with a melancholic vocal soul all his own.
Crossfade caught up with the new star ahead of his debut headlining performance at the Electric Pickle on Friday to talk about his musical influences, the new album, and his live show.
Crossfade: How did you first get drawn to electronic dance music and when did you begin producing? Are you a classically trained musician?
Amirali. Friday, July 20. Electric Pickle, 2826 N. Miami Ave., Miami. Doors open at 10 p.m. Call 305-456-5613 or visit electricpicklemiami.com.
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