Some stories unfold gradually, shaped by time and experience. Others erupt into existence with the energy of something inevitable—like a spark catching fire. Dot is one of those stories. The collective vision of four distinct artists—Ali, Nima, Sina, and Arsham—has crystallized into a music label that dares to push the boundaries of Iranian sound.
Ali Gandomi, better known as EyGi, is the youngest member of Dot, yet his rare artistic boldness sets him apart. A restless creative, he has fearlessly explored multiple artistic realms, yet this moment feels different—this time, he is stepping into music with undeniable intent. Once recognized as a producer, he now aims to make his mark as a Persian rapper, his debut track “You” arriving in the closing days of 2024 as a declaration of his ambition. Then there’s Nima, perhaps the most familiar face in Dot. Under the moniker Saye, he has been a presence in Persian rap for nearly a decade. A former member of Marz label, his journey now takes a new turn with Dot—one that promises reinvention and artistic evolution. Sina Valikhani, or Sinvali, is the driving force behind Dot’s production, shaping its sonic identity and ensuring its musical vision comes to life. And finally, Arsham Behfar is the eye behind Dot’s striking visuals. A photographer, director, and editor, he brings an aesthetic vision that transforms their music into a fully immersive experience—one that doesn’t just sound bold but looks the part too. This interview isn’t just an introduction to a new label; it offers a window into the aspirations, challenges, and creative journeys of its members. Beneath the drive and ambition lie the universal emotions of any young artist stepping onto an uncertain path—hope, determination, daring, and doubt. In this conversation, we unravel the unexpected twists that led to Dot’s formation, explore the vision they have for Iranian music, and step inside the minds of its members as they navigate this piv- otal moment in their careers. From the evolving landscape of Persian rap to the challenges of collaboration in Iran’s music industry—and even their creative pursuits beyond music—this is a candid look at four artists determined to leave their mark. Their story Is just beginning.
Nima: I already knew Ali, and without any specific purpose in mind, we just decided to meet. We met at a café, and as we talked, I invited him over. Hours passed as we exchanged music and ideas, realizing how closely aligned our visions were. That’s when I suggested starting a music label. Ali was immediately on board. Through him, I met Arsham, and through me, he met Sina. We gathered to discuss the idea and soon found ourselves searching for a name. That’s when Ali suggested Dot.
Ali: The name search was a real challenge. Nima then mentioned that Sina had a concept in mind, something we could all explore together. When Sina finally shared his idea, it immediately struck me as brilliant.
Hossein: Sina, tell us about the idea you had.
Sina: It was around May 2023. I felt that Persian rap, despite its growth, was facing fundamental issues. There’s real potential for musicians to earn, but the core principles of the genre were shifting, affecting its artistic integrity. That’s when I thought a new model was needed—something beyond a traditional record label. It had to foster genuine artistic expression while ensuring financial sustainability. I even designed a logo based on this vision, but I knew I couldn’t do it alone. So, I paused the project, hoping one day I could bring it to life with the right funding and a dedicated team.
Hossein: What is Dot’s core idea, and what gap is it aiming to fill in Iranian music, particularly Persian rap?
Ali: Dot isn’t just one idea; it’s about addressing multiple gaps we identified together. It’s about the identity Dot represents. A movement stands out either through a bold, visible element or something subtle yet profound. For Dot, it’s the freedom to create without boundaries. We’re not limited to any single genre—we aim to challenge the artistic norms in Iran and spark a wave of change that influences many fields.
Nima: From the start of my career, everything I produced was driven by a sense of defiance. I wanted to create something fresh and different, no matter the reaction. For Dot, Persian rap is just one part of a broader vision. Our focus isn’t confined to a genre—it’s about Iranian music as a whole. That’s why we intentionally avoid boxing ourselves into a specific genre.
Sina: Persian rap has become the most successful grassroots movement in Iran in recent years, especially over the last two to three years. However, the artistic growth hasn’t quite matched the movement’s dynamism. Persian rap faces two potential paths: either shallow fusions or commercial pop for profit. But I believe it can remain vibrant without following either. Currently, the scene is fragmented, with artists working in isolation. Yet, the internet and subcultures have created stronger connections. Even in Iran, it’s possible to engage with major global labels. My goal with Dot is to harness the full potential of Persian rap and push it to its creative limits.
Hossein: In the past, labels played a key role in Persian rap, with rappers and producers eager to be part of them. But today, it seems artists are more focused on freedom, leading to a rise in independent musicians. Given this shift, why did you decide to operate under a label?
Ali: Some argue that what’s called a “label” in Iran isn’t really one. The shift you mentioned may stem from musicians facing more restrictions under traditional labels, losing their individual freedoms in the process.
Nima: I believe that collective work leads to better results. When diverse minds and ideas come together, the final product is far more refined than when one person works alone. That’s why I’ve always been part of collaborative groups.
Sina: This shift happened because musicians wanted to escape a model that, instead of fostering creativity and financial growth, only held them back.
Hossein: Many successful Persian rap labels from the past have hit a dead end, with their members now working independently. What do you think determines the success or failure of a record label in today’s scene?
Ali: The key is allowing each member to operate independently. The lesson from the past is that being part of a label should never feel like a constraint. Members must have the freedom to explore new ideas—even if they’re not immediately popular or well-received.
Hossein: One of Dot’s strengths seems to be the mix of members from both rap and hip-hop backgrounds, alongside those with purely artistic experiences. This could bring a fresh perspective to Persian rap. How much did you consider this balance when forming the label?
Ali: In my unreleased works, I emphasize my impact on Iranian art. Art has always been a driving force for me, and my inspiration has never been limited to Persian rap. I draw from a range of musical styles and emerging, innovative artists.
Sina: I’ve never been drawn to staying within one community, unaware of the broader scene. From the first night I spoke with the guys, I considered the value of bringing fresh perspectives into our work. At first, I wasn’t sure it would work, but now, after some time, I’m convinced that integrating ideas from outside our culture is key. Our model specifically avoids defining ourselves by any single genre.
Hossein: Do you feel there’s room for another member in Dot?
Nima: Yes, definitely. I’ve already discussed with Ali that we could bring in a female vocalist with an alternative, avant-garde approach. Her presence would open up exciting new possibilities for our projects.
Hossein: Will Dot focus solely on music, or do you plan to venture into other artistic fields as well?
Arsham: From the start, I wondered what I could contribute to this label. When I saw that everyone shared a broad, ambitious vision, I was excited to join. Beyond music and music videos, we’re open to collaborating with artists whose vision aligns with ours, offering more than just financial contributions. Dot also has plans for events, advertising projects, and short films or documentaries related to art and music, which will unfold soon.
Sina: I see Dot as a medium where we’ll explore what’s feasible over time. If a project doesn’t fit within music or music videos, we’ll explore it through another medium, while keeping revenue in mind. To me, a “record label” should be built on the right infrastructure, something past models have missed. Dot draws a clear boundary between music and other creative ventures, allowing us to pursue both internal and external collaborations.
Hossein: Dot is made up of members who each play a key role, but since most of your activities center around Persian rap, the audience’s focus will likely be on Ali and Nima. Nima has nearly a decade of experience, while Ali is just starting out. Do you think this could disrupt the label’s balance?
Ali: Ultimately, what truly matters is authenticity, creativity, and the lasting impact of the work itself. A track from an emerging musician might capture all these qualities effortlessly, while a seasoned artist, trapped in repetition, may lose them entirely.
Sina: I think Dot’s strength lies in its members’ differences. This decision might seem risky, but when Nima told me Ali was diving into rap, I was all for it. We’re working with a limited pool of artists, but bringing new talent together with experienced ones creates a richer, more diverse space. As the producer, I see this as a bold move that can add tremendous potential to Dot.
Hossein: As you approach 30, how will Nima of Dot differ from Nima of Marz?
Nima: There’s no doubt that both my music and personality will change. People need growth and evolution, and for me, it’s a crucial moment. Lately, I’ve felt quite alone, and to bring my ideas to life, I need collaboration. Nima of Marz was deeply tied to rap and hip-hop, which required a heavier persona and more of a gangster vibe (laughs). But Nima of Dot is going to focus more on art, moving away from the strict rap identity. It’s going to be an exciting shift, and I’m determined to achieve this transformation with the support of the Dot team.
Hossein: Ali, what made you decide to get into rap music?
Ali: I’ve always felt like my current position isn’t where I expect to be, and I’m never fully satisfied with who I am. Because of this, I’m always driven to explore new experiences—things I genuinely love. I see each new endeavor as a fresh challenge. I started with composing music, and eventually, I thought, why not try something new again? That’s how I ended up in rap.
Hossein: Ali, was your decision to pursue music—whether as a rapper or singer—a deliberate part of a larger plan, or was it driven by a desire for broader recognition and financial success?
Ali: No. When I started, I was just sending beats to musicians I knew. But over time, I realized that this music was part of my identity. As a creator, I didn’t feel that these musicians truly valued or understood the work I was putting out. So, I thought, why not take matters into my own hands? I started making beats that didn’t really fit into the Iranian music scene—beats that people might not connect with. For example, singing over a simple sample, which is common in global music, isn’t something you hear in Iranian music. That’s how my musical journey began, with that mindset.
Hossein: Sina, I understand that the idea for the Dot logo came from you. Could you tell us a bit about its concept?
Sina: Each of the three cubes has a different shape, gradually becoming denser. When you look at the pattern from left to right, the concept is about presenting a path toward evolution. The way these cubes, despite their varying forms, come together reflects both unity and diversity. If we look closely at the details, we see many dots that form the structure of the cubes. These dots symbolize a network of people. In my view, the Persian rap network is advancing, but it still operates within the constraints of an old model that has become dominant and flawed. Essentially, this logo represents a new chapter, introducing a new model in Iranian music.
Hossein: Arsham, I believe the weakness of most current Persian rap music videos is the lack of a storyline. It often happens that I can’t finish watching a music video. At the same time, there have been a few projects that truly had a different story or message, which usually stem from something beyond hip-hop and rap, and as a result, their perspective and the patterns they use are more artistic than hip-hop. Do you see yourself as part of this culture, or do you aim to add a new visual identity to Persian rap through Dot?
Arsham: During my year of preparing for the university entrance exams, I had a teacher who said something that has always inspired me. He said we need to take a long pause in all artistic fields, and instead of repeating, we should dive into the depths of past works. This is one of the few things I still remember after 6-7 years, and I believe it’s absolutely right. To create, we inevitably have to look at previous examples and draw inspiration from them. But if we only aim to repeat and are afraid to experience different things or create something new, I don’t think that’s a productive path. In current productions, we often see limited elements, and essentially no new story is told. Instead, we’re just producing poor-quality copies of American content, thinking that this alone is artistic. Of course, I don’t believe we should be so focused on being unique that we fall into idealism and stop producing altogether. There is a balance between these two perspectives. Understanding this balance helps us select the positive elements, add our own taste, mix them, and ultimately create something defensible. This mindset is something I always keep in mind, both for personal projects and for Dot.
Hossein: Describe the other three members of Dot in one word.
Nima: Ali: Forward-thinking – Arsham: Creative – Sina: Brilliant
Arsham: Ali: Multidimensional – Nima: Fundamental – Sina: Attentive
Ali: Sina: Smart – Arsham: Hardworking – Nima: Clever
Sina: Ali: Calm – Nima: Impulsive – Arsham: Logical
Hossein: What is your prediction for what Daat will achieve by the end of 2025?
Arsham: I’m not claiming it will definitely blow up by the end of the year, because that would be a huge statement. However, I believe that if, within a year, people start turning to Dot for music and music videos, we’ll have achieved something significant. In other words, if we can inspire both established and emerging artists and musicians, we will have completely achieved our goal.
Sina: I agree with the latter part of Arsham’s statement. I believe Dot’s success in the coming year depends on being an inspiring model for others.