The Decline of Los Angeles Music’s Influence
As pop music reemerged in Iran, the influence of Los Angeles music began to wane. According to a study by Kaveh Basmanji, by the mid-1990s, the smuggling of Los Angeles music cassettes had decreased by 30%, and about 55% of people had switched to local music. This shift was indicative of a broader trend, where the Iranian population, particularly the younger generation, began to gravitate towards music that was more reflective of their everyday lives and experiences.
However, it is important to note that while the popularity of Los Angeles music may have diminished, it did not disappear entirely. The genre continued to have a dedicated following, particularly among the older generation of Iranians who had lived through the pre-revolutionary era and the early years of exile. For this demographic, Los Angeles music remained a vital link to their past and a symbol of their cultural identity.
The 2000s and Beyond: Los Angeles Music in the Digital Age
The Impact of Digital Technology
The advent of digital technology and the internet in the early 2000s brought about significant changes in the music industry, and Los Angeles music was no exception. The widespread availability of digital music platforms, such as iTunes and Spotify, made it easier for Iranians both in the diaspora and within Iran to access Los Angeles music. Additionally, the rise of social media platforms like YouTube allowed artists to reach a global audience without relying on traditional distribution channels.