Meet JONATHAN SHAHERI | MUSIC COMPOSER & FILM DIRECTOR

We had the good fortune of connecting with JONATHAN SHAHERI and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi JONATHAN, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The most important factor behind my success has been perseverance, courage, and authenticity. Even though the journey to success may feel arduous and even unattainable, the experiences and lessons learned along the way are the most valuable treasures one can earn. To stay true is paramount. The universe understands your intentions and I have always been true to my heart and soul as an artist and as a person.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As a child born and raised in Los Angeles, I began learning classical piano and violin until I picked up the guitar in High School. After, I left to study Film in San Francisco. Around 19 I joined a few local bands, playing piano and guitar in jazz clubs around town until I started ‘The Sufis’ (Gypsy-Mediterranean Jazz) and ‘The Coo Coo Birds’ (Rock). After recording 6 albums and touring America and Europe with the Birds I decided to move to LA to pursue film scoring with Hans Zimmer and his company Bleeding Fingers. I scored for TV and Film with BF for a few years and was part of the EMMY winning team for Best Score for ‘Primates’ in 2019. Then Covid hit and we all had to work remote. This gave me the chance to work and eventually make my Persian-Noir film ‘The Rake’ which I wrote, directed, acted, and scored in early 2024. But I still felt a void artistically and realized I had to be on stage again. So I started my new music project under my last name SHĀHERI in 2024 which is the culmination of all my music in one. I am able to draw from what moves and influences me deeply, whether it’s Sergio Leone’s reverb guitar, or the grooves of Kourosh Yaghmaie and Vigen, the music is the sound of my experience through the lens of an LA born first generation Persian-American. The music blends 1970s Persian psychedelic rock, funk, and the cinematic twang of spaghetti western guitars through a modern landscape. I’ve been playing full capacity shows around LA with my incredible band that involves my best friends and my brother Justin Shaheri. Early summer of 25 I met Nathan Chwat, signed with him and he’s been my Manager since. Shortly after, we signed a record deal for my single ‘DOKHTAR SHEKAR’ with Mind of a Genius Label ran by my close friend David Dann. I’m very excited for my EP Persiadelica to be released late 25 and all else that waits ahead.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Low Key Bar Restaurant (Goodfellas Vibe)
Jones Bar in Hollywood

Watch Live Music in a quaint New Yorkesque small bar
1642 Bar in Echo Park

Live Music Bar to hang with friends
Goldiggers Bar in Hollywood

Morrocan Nightclub
Members Club in Weho

Favorite Pastrami in LA
Canter’s Deli on Fairfax

Favorite Persian Food
Darya in West LA

Italian Restaurant Vibey Date Spot
Donna’s in Echo Park

Favorite Cafe
Figaro Bistro in Los Feliz

Favorite Pizza
Mulberry’s or Vito’s

Favorite Diner
Rae’s in West La

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to thank my family, friends, and peers for the all the support during this wondrous adventure.

Website: https://shaheri.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaherimusic/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-shaheri-778517126

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonnyshaheri/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shaherimusic

Image Credits
Ken Pivak (All Photos Except 3 Desert shots)
David Julius Roston (3 Photos in desert)