Persian-American singer and composer Lily Elaha is an artist of great depth and sensitivity. Her wide vocal range and unique improvisational style have been quoted as “hypnotic, captivating, and haunting”. Her blend of traditional classic Persian and fusion music creates a style all her own.
About Me,
Who am i?
Lily Elaha was born and raised in Iran. After studying art in highschool she went on to earn an art degree at a university in Tehran
Lily has substantial professional experience in theater, modeling, graphic design, painting, cinema make-up, interior design and sculpting. She played in many theaters in Tehran and some television shows.
She started training in Persian folklore music at age16 and went on to study with some of the best vocal coaches in Iran and the United States, ,including Mozhgan Shajarian.
Lily performed in her first concert when she was 17 years old and had two more concerts in Kish Island at the age of 19 which led to her performing as a backup vocalist for singers such as the late Az Naser Abdollahi. From the ages 18 to 24 she had 80 songs interpreted from her dreams and thoughts and developed a strong talent for improvising.
After moving to Turkey in 2012 Lily performed as a singer in her own pop music band but this provided little satisfaction as she preferred to sing folk fusion music
Upon arriving in Los Angeles, Ca. in 2015, Lily continued singing in different bands as a soloist but wanted something deeper and more artistic...
She left Iran in 2011 and traveled to Turkey where she spent 4 years waiting for a Visa to the United States. Spending 4 years in Turkey Time away from her family and friends was a lonely experience, but she pushed forward, hoping for a chance to travel to the west.
She was eventually granted a Visa and green card in 2015, allowing her to travel to Los Angeles.
After arriving in Los Angeles she continued studying with vocal coaches, all the while partaking in theater productions and musical performances with various bands and musicians. During this time she began writing songs that she wanted to release on an album.
She worked closely with music and video producers in Iran to record her album over the phone, Zoom, FaceTime, and through many file transfers (which was also dangerous for the producers and musicians in Iran.) The internet was sketchy at best, but they managed to produce a 7-song album titled, Signature.
My creative practice is centered on the fusion of Persian classical music with elements of Iranian folk traditions, contemporary pop, and electronic sound design. By bringing together traditional vocal techniques with modern production approaches, I seek to create a bridge between the historical identity of Persian music and contemporary global musical landscapes. My work reflects a commitment to preserving the emotional essence of Iranian music while expanding its possibilities through experimentation and innovation.
A significant part of my artistic process is guided by spontaneous vocal improvisation, emotional intuition, and personal storytelling. I use improvisation not only as a performance technique but also as a means of discovering new melodic expressions and communicating experiences that go beyond words. My compositions are inspired by profound personal experiences, dreams, memories, and inner emotional landscapes, allowing each piece to develop its own unique character and narrative.
As a songwriter and composer, I approach music as a form of personal expression and connection. My work combines vocal artistry, composition, and sonic exploration to create immersive musical experiences that reflect both cultural heritage and individual identity. Rather than being limited by traditional genre definitions, I explore the space between classical, folk, pop, and electronic influences to develop a sound that is both rooted and forward-looking.
Throughout my artistic development, I have focused on creating a distinctive musical identity built upon authenticity, emotional depth, and creative freedom. My goal has been to honor the foundation of Persian music while introducing a contemporary perspective that resonates with diverse audiences. This multidisciplinary approach has allowed me to develop an original musical language that transcends conventional genre boundaries and represents my unique artistic vision.
Through this continuous exploration of voice, composition, and sound, I have created and established my own unique musical style—one that reflects my personal journey, cultural heritage, and innovative approach to music creation.
