Harmonious Journeys: Exploring the Creative Worlds of Mohammad and Arian Shariat
In the latest episode of Cozy Corner with Hossein Nasiri, the spotlight turned to the creative worlds of Mohammad and Arian Shariat—two brothers whose artistic and technical journeys converge in their collaborative music project, Jetpack. This dynamic episode delves into their unique creative philosophies, their individual growth paths, and the magic of sibling synergy in artistic endeavors.
The Genesis of Creativity: Individual Roots
For Mohammad Shariat, music has always been a visual and observational journey. Starting with the keyboard in childhood, he later expanded his repertoire to include piano and guitar, performing classic rock pieces in his teenage years. His acute visual memory plays a pivotal role in his creative process. He shares how even mundane moments—like walking down the street and observing a car, a tree, or someone’s face—spark melodies and ideas. “I have a strong addiction to observing everything,” he remarks. This obsession with visual data enables Mohammad to turn his surroundings into a mental database, feeding his work as a composer and arranger.
Arian Shariat’s creative journey took a more spontaneous and technical route. With a degree in computer engineering, his professional life includes ERP systems and programming. But music remains his true passion. He began with drums at 15, later teaching himself guitar and vocals. For Arian, creativity isn’t tied to specific settings. Instead, it’s triggered by bursts of excitement—what he describes as “a momentary burst of energy, like an MP3-like thrill.” This spontaneity often leads him to experiment with loops and ideas in various environments, from his car to his workspace.
Despite their different approaches, the brothers find common ground in their shared passion for music, blending Mohammad’s structured observational methods with Arian’s instinctive bursts of energy.
The Collaborative Dynamic: Jetpack
Jetpack represents the intersection of the Shariat brothers’ creative worlds. Founded in 2017 with their friend Majid Farsangi, the band allows them to merge their distinct styles into a unified musical vision. Arian’s jazz-hop project, Rian, and fusion experiment, Jilliz Williz, reflect his penchant for genre-blending, while Mohammad’s background in sound design and live performance adds depth to their collaborations.
When asked about their collaboration, Mohammad likened it to a Venn diagram: “Picture two circles. Our project is exactly in that point of overlap.” Arian adds, “It’s still that creative thread that connects us, even if it’s stretched longer.”
Jetpack’s projects often take shape in the moment. Whether jamming with friends or developing a live set, the energy of collaboration drives their creativity. For Arian, these settings can sometimes become his “Cozy Corner,” the space where his creativity flourishes. Mohammad, on the other hand, draws inspiration from the visual and auditory cues around him, using his “mental database” to shape their sound.
Contrasting Creative Philosophies
One of the most fascinating aspects of this interview was the contrast in the Shariat brothers’ creative philosophies. Mohammad views live performance as a form of crisis management, a challenge that shapes his identity as an artist. He reflects on moments when he realized how integral music is to his sense of self. “Live performance is a crisis management,” he says, highlighting the immediacy and unpredictability of the stage.
Arian, by contrast, thrives on spontaneity and evolution. He describes his creativity as a “butterfly effect”—an idea might start from boredom, evolve over weeks, and eventually take on a new life in a completely different context. This iterative process allows him to revisit and refine his work, creating layers of depth and complexity.
Their differences extend to their perceptions of creativity’s origins. Mohammad’s approach is deeply rooted in observation and memory, while Arian’s is driven by emotion and bursts of inspiration. Together, these contrasting styles create a powerful synergy, allowing them to balance structure and spontaneity in their collaborative projects.
Sibling Synergy: The Strength of Shared Experience
Growing up in the same household, Mohammad and Arian share a foundation of cultural and familial influences. Yet, as they point out, their creative perspectives diverge significantly. Arian describes them as “two ends of a spectrum,” while Mohammad emphasizes the value of their differences in shaping their collaboration. “Our perspectives on creating are really different,” he notes, “but that’s what makes our work together so enriching.”
The brothers attribute much of their synergy to their ability to respect and complement each other’s strengths. While Mohammad brings a disciplined, observational lens to their work, Arian infuses it with spontaneity and experimentation. This balance is evident in their music, which seamlessly blends structured arrangements with improvisational flair.
The Role of Space in Creativity
When asked about their “Cozy Corners”—the spaces where they feel most creative—the brothers offered intriguing insights. For Mohammad, creativity isn’t tied to a specific location. Instead, it emerges from moments of connection with his environment. “Seeing a person, a car, a tree—these observations often trigger melodies or ideas,” he explains. His acute visual memory allows him to draw inspiration from everyday experiences, turning them into the foundation for his compositions.
Arian’s perspective is more fluid. “It could be while playing music, in the car with my phone, or even at work,” he says. For him, creativity is less about the physical space and more about the emotional or energetic state he’s in. This flexibility allows him to find inspiration in unexpected places, from a loop he’s working on to a fleeting moment of excitement.
Creativity as a Shared Journey
One of the most compelling themes of this episode was the idea that creativity is a shared journey. Despite their differences, the Shariat brothers find commonality in their passion for music and their desire to push creative boundaries. Their collaboration in Jetpack serves as a testament to the power of partnership, showing how individual strengths can be amplified through mutual respect and shared vision.
The brothers also discussed the challenges and rewards of working together as siblings. While their contrasting styles can sometimes lead to friction, they view these moments as opportunities for growth. “There’s definitely something there,” Mohammad reflects. “Maybe it could spark a change in me.”
Artistic Influences and Inspirations
The Shariat brothers draw from a diverse pool of influences that enrich their creative palette. Mohammad’s collaborations with well-known artists such as Chaartaar, Arman Garshasbi, and Milad Derakhshani reflect his versatility and ability to adapt to different musical styles. His work in sound design for live performances further highlights his technical prowess.
Arian, on the other hand, channels his fascination with genre fusion into projects like Rian and Jilliz Williz. By blending jazz, hip-hop, and fusion elements, he creates a unique soundscape that appeals to a wide audience. He explains, “Music for me is a way to experiment with new ideas and push boundaries. It’s where I feel most alive.”
Both brothers credit their upbringing and cultural heritage for shaping their artistic sensibilities. Growing up in a household that valued creativity and exploration, they were encouraged to pursue their passions. This foundation continues to inspire their work today, as they strive to create music that resonates on a personal and universal level.
Expanding Horizons: The Future of Jetpack
Looking ahead, Mohammad and Arian have ambitious plans for Jetpack. They aim to explore new genres, collaborate with international artists, and bring their music to a global audience. “Jetpack is more than a band,” Mohammad says. “It’s a platform for experimentation and innovation.”
Arian adds, “We want to challenge ourselves and our listeners. Music should be an adventure, and we’re excited to see where this journey takes us.”
Their vision extends beyond music. The brothers hope to use their platform to inspire others to embrace creativity and collaboration. Through workshops, live performances, and online content, they aim to foster a community of like-minded individuals who share their passion for artistic expression.
A Vision for the Future
As the episode concluded, the Shariat brothers shared their aspirations for the future. Mohammad’s work with prominent artists like Chaartaar, Arman Garshasbi, and Milad Derakhshani has established him as a respected figure in the independent music scene. Arian’s diverse projects, from jazz-hop to fusion, continue to push the boundaries of genre and style.
Together, they aim to expand Jetpack’s reach, exploring new sounds and collaborations that resonate with a broader audience.
