Playing music in the US has literally been a dream come true for the Iranian born founder of the Muckers, Emir Mohsseni. Growing up in Tehran after the revolution, guitarist and vocalist Mohsseni gravitated to Western music that dominated the airways across the globe in the 60s and 70s but wasn’t exactly popular with the regime there. He longed for the freedom to play the music he loved and worked tirelessly to obtain a Visa to go to NYC and fulfill his dream.
Those dreams were nearly dashed when, after receiving final clearance for that important document, the travel ban was put into place, barring citizens of seven major Muslim-majority nations from entering the U.S. Fortunately the ban was struck down, and Mohsseni wasted no time in flying to New York.
Once he was there, he enlisted guitarist Chris Cawley, bassist Anthony Azar, and drummer John Zimmerman to join the Muckers, which played its first gigs over that July 5th weekend. While the group has so far released only an EP, It’s Better Without You, the reception has been incredible with NME proclaiming the Muckers, “one of New York's most exciting new bands.” Rolling Stone took note too, raving It’s Better Without You is ”a record that shimmers with fire and possibility.“ Expect to hear a lot more from these guys.
This Town Will Drag Us Down