PRESS RELEASE

Melbourne Music Community Unites Behind Aria

Jackknife Music and have joined with Letters For Ranjini to support Aria, a metal drummer currently seeking refuge from Iran.

Aria, a former champion kickboxer, was forced to flee Iran after an underground metal concert was raided by Police. 60 people were arrested and musicians were taken in by intelligence officers due to a ban on metal music in Iran. Arriving in Australia by boat, Aria is currently detained on Manus Island and hoping for a life of freedom in Australia.

Aria described his experiences in a letter obtained by refugee advocates - “I have always loved music as long as I can remember. I started playing drums in Heavy Metal style which is my passion. In the last 4 years before I came to Australia this became very dangerous for me. I did playing with lots of difficulties. Because Heavy Metal is completely prohibited and illegal in Iran, it’s known as “Evil Music.” Government officials and the Religious who are in charge will arrest you and take you to Intelligence Department and anything can happen to you then.”

In an effort to help Aria during the mentally exhausting period of detention, Letters For Ranjini, Jackknife Music and Fist2Face Records have organised as a hamper of some of Australia’s best rock and metal CD’s and T-Shirts to send to Manus Island.

Fist 2 Face Records, located in Ringwood, donated albums from The Living End, House vs Hurricane, Karnivool and many more.“Running a record store, we see every day how important music and albums influence peoples lives.. and to think a government somewhere doesn’t allow people to create the sounds and songs they want.. it just boils my blood to be honest” said Gerard Pidoto, owner of Fist 2 Face.

Melbourne record label Jackknife contributed CD’s and T-Shirts from their artists, including The Bennies, Foxtrot and releases from The Smith Street Band signed with messages of hope from the band.

Anthony Bieniak, founder of Letters For Ranjini, was blown away by the support of the music community.

“I always knew that the Melbourne music scene was a generous place, but I was still blown away by the donations we received. Music has the power to give hope and inspire people, and I hope these CD’s are able to keep Aria strong in the tough conditions on Manus Island”

MEDIA CONTACT
Anthony Bieniak