Behzad Omrani: The Art of Playing Without a Map

Some creative journeys are meticulously planned, charted step by step, with defined goals and clear-cut ambitions. Others, however, are born out of pure curiosity, shaped by chance encounters and unexpected detours. The story of Behzad Omrani and his band Bomrani is a testament to the latter—a story of improvisation, fearless experimentation, and unwavering camaraderie that has kept this group intact for over 16 years in Iran’s unpredictable music scene.

In this episode of Cozy Corner with Hossein Nasiri, we sit down with Behzad Omrani, singer, guitarist, songwriter, podcaster, and actor, to unravel his creative journey—one that began with a teenage crush, took shape in underground cafés, and flourished into one of Iran’s most enduring independent music bands.

An Accidental Beginning

Most bands start with a clear intention: a group of musicians coming together with a shared vision. Bomrani, however, was the result of a happy accident. It all began with a mispronounced email address. When Behzad was setting up his first email account, his father suggested using “B. Omrani” instead of his full name to avoid unwanted numbers being added to his ID. The name quickly stuck. Soon, chat room acquaintances started calling him “Bomrani,” and when the time came to release his first solo album, he simply embraced the mistake and used it as his artist name.

But what started as a solo project quickly transformed. After collaborating with Jahan and Mani, who were also learning music at the time, the trio recorded a song together. Encouraged by how it turned out, they kept going. More friends joined—Arash, Kiarash, and later Abtin—and before they knew it, Bomrani was no longer just Behzad’s name; it was a collective.

Bomrani’s early days were far from glamorous. The band had no formal training, no structured plan, and no roadmap for where they were headed. They were just a group of young musicians fumbling their way through guitar chords, harmonica solos, and unstructured jam sessions. And yet, their lack of experience turned out to be their biggest asset.

“We didn’t know anything at all. We learned everything together, and because of that, no one feels superior to anyone else. In a way, no one has an ego.”

This philosophy of shared learning became the foundation of Bomrani’s identity. It kept them humble, open to growth, and most importantly, free from the power struggles that often break bands apart.

A Band Without Borders (Or Venues)

Starting a band in Iran is no easy feat. Beyond the usual struggles of funding and recognition, there are more pressing issues—like the risk of getting shut down. With limited performance venues for independent bands, Bomrani’s early concerts took place in underground cafés, where tickets were sold discreetly over the phone.

One of their first performances at Café Vino was riddled with paranoia. A lookout system was in place, with friends stationed outside, watching for signs of trouble. At one point, a silent alarm spread through the venue mid-song, forcing them to stop playing instantly. Everyone in the café froze as two clerics walked past the window. The moment they were gone, the band picked up right where they had left off, as if nothing had happened.

These covert performances, while risky, shaped Bomrani’s stage presence and resilience. They learned to adapt, to play with restrictions rather than against them. Their shows became a performance within a performance—music layered with secrecy and defiance.

Theater, The Ultimate Band Practice

Serendipity played another major role in Bomrani’s evolution. A chance invitation from director Sajjad Afsharian introduced them to the world of theater music, an experience that profoundly shaped their teamwork.

Unlike traditional concerts, theater music demanded discipline, collaboration, and adaptability. Musicians had to sync their performances with actors, adjust to unexpected changes, and operate within a highly structured environment. Through these experiences, Bomrani learned to function as a true ensemble, sharpening their ability to listen, respond, and improvise in real time.

For three years, Bomrani became one of the most sought-after theater music groups in Iran, composing and performing live for multiple productions. But at some point, they faced a critical choice: continue down this path or prioritize their own music. They chose the latter, pulling themselves out of the “theater swamp” to focus on their first official album.

Funding the Dream, One Show at a Time

Releasing an album in Iran without a major producer or financial backing is an uphill battle. So, Bomrani got creative.

The band pooled its limited funds and decided that the only way to afford recording time was to perform as many underground gigs as possible. Each performance brought in just enough money to book another studio session. They recorded their debut album, Barefoot Socks, in a single day—playing live, making mistakes, correcting them on the spot, and moving forward.

When the album was finally released, they weren’t ready for what came next.

The Shock of Success (And Criticism)

Bomrani had always operated in a bubble—playing for friends, fellow artists, and underground music lovers who understood their experimental, rough-around-the-edges style. But after signing with a producer and releasing their next album to a wider audience, they were suddenly exposed to a whole new wave of listeners—and critics.

“The hate we got was unbelievable! People were like, ‘This voice is so squeaky! What is this nonsense?’”

This sudden influx of negativity was jarring. For years, they had been celebrated in niche circles, but mainstream exposure brought new expectations. Concert ticket sales slowed down, and morale took a hit. At one point, Behzad admits, he dreaded waking up in the morning.

But instead of backing down, they channeled their frustration into their next project. The result? An album called Gozashtan va Raftan Peyvaste (Passing and Going On), which turned out to be a game-changer.

“We had zero expectations. But when we released it, it exploded overnight.”

Beyond Music: Creativity in Every Corner

Behzad’s creativity extends far beyond music. Over the years, he has explored everything from acting to podcasting to an unexpected side business: lamp-making.

During COVID lockdowns, frustrated with delayed online orders, he decided to build his own lamp from old, repurposed objects. What started as a personal project quickly turned into a full-fledged business, with Behzad crafting and selling vintage-inspired lamps. The joy of creating something tangible—of taking an old object and giving it new life—became another unexpected artistic outlet.

Then there’s his podcast, Locker Room of Losers, a deeply personal project where guests share stories of failure and resilience. Inspired by a Turkish film about two friends hosting an underground radio show, Behzad saw an opportunity to create a space for unfiltered storytelling.

“I didn’t start this podcast thinking it would be big. It was just a little joy, a small space to share stories.”

But the podcast took off, accumulating millions of listeners, which brought its own set of challenges. With success came expectations, scrutiny, and pressure—the very things he had always tried to avoid.

The Secret to Longevity: Fun, Family, and Fearlessness

What keeps Bomrani together after 16 years, when so many bands fall apart? The answer is surprisingly simple.

“We were just having fun.”

From the start, Bomrani operated as a family, with a flat hierarchy, equal pay, and shared responsibilities. They set up a band fund for emergencies, supported each other’s side projects, and eliminated ego from decision-making.

Mistakes weren’t a source of shame—they were a way forward.

“The coolest achievements have come from mistakes.”

For Behzad, music isn’t just a profession—it’s the ultimate high. The stage is, as he puts it, “the most powerful drug in the world”. It’s what keeps him going, despite the setbacks, the criticism, and the ever-changing landscape of Iran’s music scene.

Because at the end of the day, Bomrani’s journey has never been about getting it right—it’s about learning to play without a map.

Author’s Note:
If you enjoyed this deep dive into Bomrani’s story, check out the full episode of Cozy Corner with Hossein Nasiri, where Behzad shares even more insights into his creative process, personal struggles, and artistic philosophy.