Delband is an exciting, emerging London-based band of musicians from Iran, Italy and France who discovered each other’s diverse talents at a refugee centre in London. They celebrate unity through music. The group is made up of Ramin, Ardavan, Anna and Romain.
About Delband’s members
Ramin is an Iranian artist whose work spans music, calligraphy and painting. As a singer and ney player, he blends traditional and pop music, capturing the essence of Iranian musical heritage. Through his art, he strives to showcase the richness of Iranian culture in Europe, offering a window into the purity and depth of his homeland’s artistic traditions.
Born in Shiraz, Ardavan discovered his passion for music at 16, starting with the guitar, which has remained central to his musical journey. By 18, he transitioned to electric guitar, drawing inspiration from bands like Metallica, Tool, Porcupine Tree, and Sleep Token. He has released music independently through Zang Records, with his songs available on platforms like Spotify. In Delband, Ardavan has collaborated with professional musicians, blending Iranian traditional scales and rhythms with Western music.
Anna is a drummer and percussionist originally from Italy. She started playing from a young age and studied different percussion instruments within different musical styles/traditions. Whether playing, leading, or supporting various musical projects, she has performed at prestigious venues and events such as We Out Here Festival, La Linea Festival, King’s Place, Southbank Centre, the Roundhouse and Leeds Opera North.
Romain is a professional freelance cellist who grew up and studied music in France, before moving to London, where he obtained a Bachelor of Music with a First at the Royal College of Music and a Masters in Participatory and Community Arts at Goldsmiths College. Then, he created the World Harmony Orchestra CIC, an ensemble of international musicians playing for humanitarian causes, empowering people through music lessons and delivering ‘Cuppa Concerts’ to isolated people. He also works as a community musician and choir leader for Islington Centre for Refugees and Migrants, and Core Arts.
Delband’s songs, rooted in Iranian culture, intertwine Persian and English lyrics, reflecting their diverse backgrounds and global outlook. Their music transcends boundaries, weaving a tapestry of emotions and experiences. Fusion music is their forte, blending traditional Iranian melodies with contemporary sounds. Since their creation, they have performed their melodies to various causes, organizations and charities supporting refugees as well as other humanitarian causes.
The group began by creating their own versions of famous Iranian folk songs, and then developed towards the making of new original works that they shaped with their own signature style, resulting in an EP recorded in the summer of 2024. Throughout this journey, they have been blending Eastern and Iranian musical traditions with their exploration of Western music.
In Farsi, Delband means ‘the bonds of the heart’. Which is why they describe their music as ‘”not just about rhythm and melodies, but it is also a testament to the power of harmony, unity, and the universal language of the heart.”
‘Listen to the World’ is a place of live music where the traditions and talents of migrants, refugees and asylum seekers find a home among local artists. A playlist of shorts and other recordings from the Listen to the World programme can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/@StEthelburgasLondon
Co-ordinator: For all questions about Listen to the World or to be added to the mailing list, please contact Jo Winsloe Slater at jo.winsloe@stethelburgas.org.