Agah Bahari was born on July 3, 1983 in Tehran, Iran. He started studying music at the age of seven, playing the recorder flute and xylophone. When he was ten, he moved on to the classical guitar (nylon string), but soon gave it up in favor of playing the keyboard which he played for four years.
Then, when he was fourteen, he picked up an electric guitar for the first time and hasn't put it down since! At the time, he loved Metallica, Megadeth, Pantera and few other speed/thrash metal bands, and played rhythm guitar in this style for four years. By 2002, he was ready to play five sold-out performances for more than 1,000 people at the Tehran Art University with the band Exir. Couple of month later, he has accepted to attend world known Berklee College of Music, placed in Boston, MA, which never happened as his student visa request has been rejected by the american embassy.
Soon after, he formed his own experimental trio, D.N.A. In 2003, D.N.A. performed four shows, for over 800 people, with proceeds benefiting a charity for children with cancer. D.N.A. broke up about a year later because of the problems musicians in Iran sometimes face. Soon after, Agah was asked to write a song for a video and music exhibit called "Depression: A Multimedia Project" at the Tehran art gallery Tarrahan Azad.
In the Fall of 2004, he was invited to join the band Meera who had released their first album in both Iran and Australia. Agah performed guitar, songwriting and composing duties with the band, and recorded three new songs with them, one of which he wrote. This song later reached Number One on Iran's music billboard.
In 2005, Agah moved to Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia for 5 months to attend the International College of Music (ICOM).He studied music and performed as a guest guitarist, getting his pre-foundation certificate and improved his writing skill in the songwriting workshop with Sting and Dominic Miller. He returned home to Iran and re-joined the band Meera, playing four sold-out shows. After another live performance at the Taraneh Music Institute in Tehran, he began to write and record his own music.
In June of 2006, the first song, "Revolving Universe", was recorded with members of Planet X, Derek Sherinian ..boards, Virgil Donati on drums and Rufus Philpot on bass. The Planet X members recorded their parts in Hollywood and then added Agah's guitar tracks,which has recorded in Tehran.
In Oct of 2006, the iranian ministry of culture announced that Agah has been officialy banned to having any performance and/or recording in Iran since 2003.Soon after, in Oct.11.2006, Agah has left Tehran, Iran to Toronto, Canada.
In Jan.08.2006, Agah has re-started working on his first solo album with the keyboard virtuoso and the producer, Derek Sherinian, as well as other legendary names in Prog/Fusion music, Virgil Donati and Ric Fierabracci.
.... The journey has just begun - let's see what's next!
Hey Agah! Just heard your new stuff...These are all really good...Nebular Hypothesis is my favorite...It's sort of King Crimson met Buckethead met Micheal Shriver's band..The Basslines are also awesome... Great Job...It's good to have some Iranian Artists who actually have something modern and up-to-standards to offer..
Hey Agah! Long time no say hello! How's the world ruling you or you ruling the world? Wonderful summerdays with super short light nights over here, really difficult to remember to go to bed...
agah, greetings from victoria on beautiful vancouver island, one of THE up 'n coming music capitals of the world! hey, ya know what? I jUsT wAnT tO pLaY tHe BaSs! cheers, ~RiCk
Hope all is going well for you...Cant wait to hear your new solo project CD! I know it will be outstanding...The new OSV-II CD is coming along great...
Salam Agah Bahari, this is Michel C.(bass) for Collusion. Just wanted to say, as karetoon kheyli khosham umad. Found you from Pouya Mahmoodi's page(Faryaad). It's good to see more Iranians playing good Prog music. Wish you the best. Leave us a comment also if you want. Roozetoon Khosh.
thank you very much agah....well our bassist was your student so I think the flame comes from you in some sorts...and sorry for the bad quality it's the best you can do in Iran!...cheers
Hey you..... it's been awhile... how are you I see Toronto has had quite the snow same here...I'm thinking of coming in April, so what's up in your music world???? : )
Hey hon, hope you had a great Christmas and a fun New Years! Happy 2008 to you! I'm sure it will be filled with much success for you. Sending lots of love and blessings to you! Cheers, Ann & Aleeah xo :)