Tan Haw

Iranian classical roots, psychedelic and electronic futures.

Brooklyn ⟷ Mexico
Setâr · Vocals · Fretless guitar
Persian · Azerbaijani · English · Spanish

Configuration

Setâr, Double Bass, and percussion [Tombak / Drums] — the core acoustic trio, drawing on the Radif tradition and original compositions that move between Iranian classical, folk, and contemporary improvisation.

Bio

Tan Haw is the stage name of Mani Nilchiani, an Iranian musician who splits his time between Brooklyn and Mexico, trained in Setâr and the Radif tradition, moving between Persian classical roots, psych-rock, and electronica across Persian, Azerbaijani, English, and Spanish.

Music

12

12 recounts the mourning of my heart during Israel's 12-day invasion of my homeland in June 2025 as I visited my friends and family back home. The song begins with bewilderment and gradually transitions into solace and resolve. On the eve of the 11th day, I opened the Divan of Hafez, pleading to the mystic poet to guide me. He spoke to me resolutely from the Great Beyond.

Mani Nilchiani — Setâr, vocals

Sho-Hud

Iranian-traditional-inspired psychedelic instrumental rock, microtonal fretless guitar riffs.

Yahya Alkhansa — percussion · Kate Pass — electric bass

Shiraz Pamir

“Shiraz – Pamir” is a contemporary adaptation of a beautiful traditional Central Asian devotional tune by The Badakhshân Ensemble, with sublime poetry from 14th century mystic Persian poet, Hâfez of Shiraz.

Mani Nilchiani — Setâr, vocals

For Unidentified Body 11780

An improvised space of mourning, dedicated to an unnamed slain protester during the massacre of Iranian protesters, January 2026.

Mani Nilchiani — Setâr, vocals

Daybreak

An homage to the historically intertwined world of Iranian classical music and poetry, Daybreak's sound borrows heavily from Iranian folk melodies and lyrical sensibilities while developing a contemporary psychedelic sound.