Home / Arts and Entertainment / Tehrangeles Vice: Celebrating the Vibrant Iranian Diaspora Pop Scene in 1980s-90s LA
Tehrangeles Vice: Celebrating the Vibrant Iranian Diaspora Pop Scene in 1980s-90s LA
17 Oct, 2025
Summary
- New compilation "Tehrangeles Vice" spotlights Iranian-American pop music from 1983-1993
- Compilation features 12 remastered tracks from the "Tehrangeles" scene in Los Angeles
- Music reflects the influence of TV classic "Miami Vice" on the Iranian expatriate community
In the aftermath of the 1979 Iranian Revolution, many citizens fled the country, with some eventually settling in Los Angeles. This Iranian diaspora included artists and creators who had contributed to pre-revolution Iran's golden age of entertainment, forming a thriving "Tehrangeles" scene in the city.
Now, a new vinyl compilation titled "Tehrangeles Vice: Iranian Diaspora Pop 1983-1993" is shining a spotlight on the musical contributions of this community. Released exclusively on vinyl, the 12-track compilation gathers remastered tracks from the 1983-1993 period, with the name "Tehrangeles" being a portmanteau of "Tehran" and "Los Angeles," and "Vice" nodding to the influence of the TV classic "Miami Vice."
The project's creators say the compilation "underscores the illicit nature and daring circumstances from which Tehrangeles pop music was born" and compares its legacy to the significant impact of "Miami Vice" on global cultural trends. The compilation features lyrics, translations, original cassette cover art, and a detailed album note booklet, offering a comprehensive look at this forgotten musical scene.
