Modular synthesis meets Iranian tradition in Oliv Oliv’s ‘Tehran Mountains’

Dutch producer and sound artist Oliv Oliv (real name Olivier Terpstra) makes his full-length debut with ‘Tehran Mountains’, out September 5 on Uncloud Editions; the label linked to Utrecht’s Uncloud Festival.

‘Tehran Mountains’ was created together with Iranian artist Meshkat Talebi and mixes modular synthesis with traditional Iranian instruments and spoken narration.

The album took shape during a residency at MONOM Studios in Berlin, where Oliv Oliv used 4D sound technology to place instruments and voices in a three-dimensional space, creating an immersive environment where experimental electronic music and cross-cultural sounds coexist in harmony.

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Opening piece ‘Remember My Name’ introduces Talebi’s voice through a poem by Pouyan Moqaddasi, grounding the record in themes of remembrance and continuity.

On ‘Resonant Memories’, Iranian musician Soheil Shayesteh adds kamancheh (an expressive bowed instrument), weaving traditional phrasing into electronic atmospheres.

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‘Sonic Dialogues’ highlights Oliv Oliv’s own study of the oud, bringing its microtonal language into dialogue with modular tones.

The title track moves from large, layered synthesis to delicate details with poetry and oud, while ‘Lights of Valiasr’ uses rhythmic beats and flickering textures to capture the feel of Tehran’s busy main street and its trees.

The album closes with ‘Reflecting Memories’, combining bells, chimes, and spoken word into an atmospheric ending.

Purchase ‘Tehran Mountains’ in both digital and vinyl form here.

Amira Waworuntu is Mixmag Asia’s Managing Editor, follow her on Instagram.

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