Sussan Deyhim is a composer, vocalist and performance artist.1 She says her view was shaped between two worlds. As a child, she joined Pars National Ballet, whose work brought contemporary classical choreography together with Iranian folkloric dance and music. At the Shiraz Arts Festival, she encountered experimental international work alongside indigenous forms.3
Recordings
16 releases, oldest first. Select one for its details and sources.
No matches.
Desert Equations: Azax Attrawith Richard Horowitz
Majounwith Richard Horowitz, Byron Wallen, Doug Wimbish, Peter Freeman and Steve Shehan
Madman of Godwith Reggie Workman, Will Calhoun, Glen Velez and Richard HorowitzSoliloquy
Logic of the Birdswith Richard Horowitz
PossessedOut of Fazewith Keith LeBlanc, Skip McDonald, Doug Wimbish, Adrian Sherwood, Richard Horowitz, Bill Laswell and Jah Wobble
Trouble Manwith Malcolm Francis, Skoti Elliot and Marc Copley
Shy Angelswith Bill Laswell
City of Leaveswith Richard Horowitz, Gingger Shankar, Bill Laswell, DJ Spooky and Duke BojadzievLa Belle et la Bêtewith Mitch Forman, John Leftwich, Steve Haas, Hamid Saeedi, Lili Haydn, Satnam Ramgotra, Greg Ellis and Mehdi Bagheri
The Invisible Road: Original Recordings, 1985–1990with Richard Horowitz
Once Within A Time (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)with Philip Glass
Songs from URwith Torsten Rasch- Turbulent
- Rapture
La Belle et la Bête
- Contributors
- Sussan Deyhim, Mitch Forman (piano), John Leftwich (bass), Steve Haas (drums), Hamid Saeedi (santur), Lili Haydn, Satnam Ramgotra, Greg Ellis and Mehdi Bagheri1337
Turbulent
- Contributors
- Sussan Deyhim13
Rapture
- Contributors
- Sussan Deyhim (composer) and Richard Horowitz (composer)9
Life & work
The House Is Black
In The House Is Black, a multimedia stage work inspired by Forough Farrokhzad’s writing, Deyhim and Richard Horowitz co-composed the music.1 Deyhim describes a process that starts with the poem: she develops vocal melodies first, then builds rhythms, textures and grooves around its nuances. In sessions with musicians, she revises material that feels too literal, sometimes moving it toward more abstract or electronic sounds. She and Horowitz also exchange sounds and groupings, while leaving room for silence and atmosphere.4
Collaboration across recordings and images
The recordings gathered on The Invisible Road: Original Recordings, 1985–1990 are credited to Deyhim and Horowitz, with all compositions attributed to both.5 On Majoun, Deyhim is billed as vocalist and Horowitz as composer; she later called it mostly his album, on which she sang.64
When a remix of her Madman of God was planned, Deyhim asked to work with Bill Laswell. He felt the album did not need remixing, but he and Karsh Kale came up with ideas instead; Shy Angels became Laswell’s reinterpretation of the full album.748
Her sound also reached Shirin Neshat’s video installations: Soliloquy is music and sound design for Neshat’s work, while Rapture gathers Deyhim’s scores and sound design, with music composed alongside Horowitz and inspired by Attar’s Conference of the Birds.89
On Songs from UR, Deyhim and Torsten Rasch share composition, with Deyhim credited for vocals and drones.10 For the Once Within A Time soundtrack, Deyhim and Philip Glass share album billing, with Deyhim credited for additional vocals and sonic collaborations. On “Clarion Call,” both have a specific composer credit.1112
Events
Performances as the venues announced them, oldest first.
Sources
- 1About Me · sussandeyhim.com
5 quotes
ABOUT ME — Sussan Deyhim GalleryAmazonAmazonAmerican ExpressDiners ClubDiscoverGoogle PayMastercardPayPalShop PayVisa
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0498/7148/7131/files/Sussan-Deyhim-Portrait.jpg?v=1607670533
http://youtube.com/sussandeyhim
Sussan Deyhim is a composer, vocalist, sonic conceptualist, and performance artist
The House is Black, Sussan Deyhim’s multimedia stage production inspired by the works of Iranian literary heroine, poet, and filmmaker Forough Farrokhzad, was co-composed with Richard Horowitz and directed by Deyhim in collaboration with renowned American director Robert Egan.
- 2
- 3Progressive Roots: Sussan Deyhim in conversation with Sheyma Buali · Ibraaz ·
3 quotes
Your background includes music, dance, theatre and performance art. You started out, as a child, as part of the national ballet company of Iran.
The expertise of the company was varied including contemporary classical choreography with music by composers such as Edgar Varese, Bela Bartok and so on, as well as incorporating Iranian folkloric dance and music to vitalize the importance of the traditional roots in the field.
So between the two worlds of the old and the contemporary, my view was shaped.
- 4Innerviews: Sussan Deyhim - Sonic Beautification · www.innerviews.org
7 quotes
I’d come up with vocal melodies first and then determine what kind of rhythms and melodies could be based on the poem.
I might make things a little more abstract after that, or a little more electronic.
We exchange sounds and groupings.
I also have an infatuation with silence and the atmospheric elements of things.
It was mostly Richard’s album on which I sang.
When my album Madman of God came out, I was supposed to do a remix. I told Crammed Records that I wanted to work with Bill and they got really excited. Bill agreed, but really liked the album and felt it didn’t need remixing. But he got together with Karsh Kale and came up with some great ideas.
How do you look back at Majoun, your 1996 duo album with Horowitz?
- 5The Invisible Road: Original Recordings, 1985–1990 · RVNG Intl. (Bandcamp)
5 quotes
The Invisible Road: Original Recordings, 1985–1990 by Sussan Deyhim & Richard Horowitz
All compositions by Sussan Deyhim and Richard Horowitz
The Invisible Road: Original Recordings, 1985–1990, by Sussan Deyhim & Richard Horowitz
https://f4.bcbits.com/img/a1469814726_10.jpg
released November 8, 2024
- 6Majoun · Sussan Deyhim Gallery
6 quotes
“Majoun” is a collaborative album between composer Richard Horowitz and Iranian vocalist Sussan Deyhim, released in July 1997 under Sony Classical.
Majoun — Sussan Deyhim Gallery
https://sussandeyhim.com/cdn/shop/files/Majoun__album_1200x1162.jpg?v=1755769461
Release Date: July 1997
Producers: Richard Horowitz & Sussan Deyhim; Label: Sony Classical
Sussan Deyhim – Vocals; Richard Horowitz – Keyboards; Byron Wallen – Trumpet; Doug Wimbish – Fretless Bass; Peter Freeman – Bass Overtones; Steve Shehan – Percussion, Djembe; Others
- 7Madman Of God | Sussan Deyhim | Crammed Discs · crammed-discs.bandcamp.com
4 quotes
Madman Of God, by Sussan Deyhim
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released March 15, 2000
Madman Of God | Sussan Deyhim | Crammed Discs
- 8Sussan Deyhim Music · Sussan Deyhim Archive
6 quotes
Sussan Deyhim and Bill Laswell “Shy Angels” is Bill Laswell’s reinterpretation of the entire “Madman Of God” album
SOLILOQUY Music and sound design for video installations by Shirin Neshat.
MAJOUN A stunning collaboration between Sussan and the great film composer Richard Horowitz, released on the Sony Classical label.
OUT OF FAZE featuring: Keith Le Blanc, Skip McDonald, Richard Horowitz, Doug Wimbish
Remixes by: Bill Laswell feat. Jah Wobble
With great new tracks in collaboration with Richard Horowitz, Bill Laswell, DJ Spooky and Duke Bojadziev
- 9Rapture Music by Sussan Deyhim · Sussan Deyhim Gallery
2 quotes
This beautiful double album release is an elaborate 8 panel 2 CD package of my scores and sound design for acclaimed Iranian filmmaker & visual artist icon Shirin Neshat
The music is composed in collaboration with Richard Horowitz and inspired by the Persian mystic poet Attar’s Conference of The Birds.
- 10Songs from UR | Sussan Deyhim & Torsten Rasch · Torsten Rasch
4 quotes
all music composed by Sussan Deyhim and Torsten Rasch
all vocals,drones: Sussan Deyhim
released September 17, 2025
by Sussan Deyhim & Torsten Rasch
- 11Once Within A Time (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) · Sussan Deyhim Gallery
3 quotes
Artists: Philip Glass & Sussan Deyhim
Composed by Philip Glass with additional vocals and sonic collaborations by Sussan Deyhim.
Release Date: April 18, 2025
- 12Once Within A Time (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) · Apple Music
3 quotes
Clarion Call | artistName: Sussan Deyhim | composerName: Sussan Deyhim & Philip Glass
Once Within A Time (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
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- 13Desert Equations: Azax Attra (Made to Measure Vol.8) | Sussan Deyhim & Richard Horowitz | Crammed Discs · Crammed Discs
7 quotes
Desert Equations: Azax Attra (Made to Measure Vol.8), by Sussan Deyhim & Richard Horowitz
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When it first appeared in 1986, the Desert Equations: Azax Attra album was greeted with enthusiasm
released February 25, 2022
Desert Equations: Azax Attra (Made to Measure Vol.8) | Sussan Deyhim & Richard Horowitz | Crammed Discs
Desert Equations: Azax Attra (Made to Measure Vol.8) by Sussan Deyhim & Richard Horowitz
Sussan Deyhim and Richard Horowitz went on to record numerous albums, together and separately, including Majoun, Logic of the Birds, Madman of God and Shy Angels (Sussan’s albums devoted to Persian Sufi poetry), Possessed and Turbulent (Sussan’s albums in collaboration with renowned visual artist Shirin Neshat), and La Belle et la Bête.
- 14
- 15Desert Equations: Azax Attra (Made to Measure, Vol. 8) · Spotify
One quote
Desert Equations: Azax Attra (Made to Measure, Vol. 8)
- 16Listen to Madman of God - Album by Sussan Deyhim | Spotify · open.spotify.com
2 quotes
"datePublished":"2004-01-01"
Listen to Madman of God - Album by Sussan Deyhim | Spotify
- 17
- 18Mad Man of God: Divine Love Songs of the Persian Sufi Masters · Sussan Deyhim Gallery
One quote
Reggie Workman (bass), Will Calhoun (percussion), Glen Velez (percussion), and Richard Horowitz (strings)
- 19Soliloquy - Album by Sussan Deyhim | Spotify · Spotify
3 quotes
Soliloquy - Album by Sussan Deyhim | Spotify
https://i.scdn.co/image/ab67616d0000b27392ff71416d9c250037f3857a
2001
- 20Soliloquy · Apple Music
3 quotes
Worldwide · 2001
Album by Sussan Deyhim
Soliloquy - Album by Sussan Deyhim - Apple Music
- 21Logic of the Birds · Apple Music
4 quotes
Logic of the Birds by Sussan Deyhim & Richard Horowitz on Apple Music
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Soundtrack · 2001
Logic of the Birds - Album by Sussan Deyhim & Richard Horowitz - Apple Music
- 22Possessed - Album by Sussan Deyhim - Apple Music
3 quotes
Listen to Possessed by Sussan Deyhim on Apple Music. 2001. 5 Songs. Duration: 49 minutes.
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"datePublished":"2001-01-01"
- 23
- 24Listen to Out of Faze - Album by Sussan Deyhim | Spotify · Spotify
3 quotes
Listen to Out of Faze - Album by Sussan Deyhim | Spotify
https://i.scdn.co/image/ab67616d0000b273976facc819625c554564d39f
2001
- 25Out Of Faze Music by Sussan Deyhim · Sussan Deyhim Gallery
2 quotes
Artist: Sussan Deyhim; Release date: January 2, 2001; Label: Venus Rising Records
Out Of Faze, Sussan Deyhim with Keith LeBlanc, Skip McDonald, Doug Wimbish and Adrian Sherwood.
- 26
- 27Listen to Trouble Man - Single by Sussan Deyhim | Spotify · Spotify
3 quotes
Listen to Trouble Man - Single by Sussan Deyhim | Spotify
https://i.scdn.co/image/ab67616d0000b27388c4a22a0e47efac1346c03f
2001
- 28Trouble Man - EP - Album by Sussan Deyhim · Apple Music
2 quotes
January 1, 2001
Trouble Man - EP — Album by Sussan Deyhim
- 29Trouble Man Music by Sussan Deyhim · Sussan Deyhim Gallery
3 quotes
Release date: January 2, 2001; Label: Venus Rising Records
Trouble Man EP. Sussan Deyhim with Scott Jacobi, Malcolm Francis, Skoti Elliot and Marc Copley
This release dates to 20 years ago in collaboration with produces Scott Jacobi & Malcolm Francis, featuring Marc Copley on guitar.
- 30Listen to Shy Angels - Album by Sussan Deyhim | Spotify · open.spotify.com
2 quotes
Listen to Shy Angels - Album by Sussan Deyhim | Spotify
https://i.scdn.co/image/ab67616d0000b27397ebb6cea381b669112bdd1f
- 31Shy Angels | Sussan Deyhim | Crammed Discs · crammed-discs.bandcamp.com
2 quotes
released February 15, 2002
Shy Angels | Sussan Deyhim | Crammed Discs
- 32Shy Angels · Apple Music
3 quotes
"datePublished":"2002-02-15"
Shy Angels - Album by Sussan Deyhim & Bill Laswell - Apple Music
February 15, 2002 8 songs, 45 minutes ℗ 2002 Crammed Discs
- 33City of Leaves · Apple Music
2 quotes
City of Leaves — Album by Sussan Deyhim; July 19, 2011; 9 songs, 43 minutes; ℗ 2011 Venus Rising
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- 34City of Leaves Music by Sussan Deyhim · Sussan Deyhim Gallery
3 quotes
Artist: Sussan Deyhim; Release date: July 19, 2011
City of Leaves is among Sussan Deyhim’s multiple releases on her own label Venus Rising Records. It features tracks in collaboration with composer Richard Horowitz and very special guest, composer violinist Gingger Shankar.
City of Leaves, Sussan Deyhim with Richard Horowitz featuring Gingger Shankar.
- 35City of Leaves - Album by Sussan Deyhim | Spotify · Spotify
One quote
City of Leaves - Album by Sussan Deyhim | Spotify
- 36Listen to La Belle et La Bete - Album by Sussan Deyhim | Spotify · open.spotify.com
3 quotes
Listen to La Belle et La Bete - Album by Sussan Deyhim | Spotify
https://i.scdn.co/image/ab67616d0000b273333cc51fb365cd6942d248de
"datePublished":"2020-02-21"
- 37La Belle et La Bete Music by Sussan Deyhim · Sussan Deyhim Gallery
3 quotes
Release Date: January 31, 2020
Mitch Forman (Piano), John Leftwich (Bass), Steve Haas (Drums), and special guest Hamid Saeedi (Santour)
With contributions from renowned artists including Lili Haydn, Satnam Ramgotra, Greg Ellis, Mehdi Bagheri, and more, the album delivers a multicultural and soulful musical journey.
- 38The Invisible Road: Original Recordings, 1985–1990 · Spotify
One quote
The Invisible Road: Original Recordings, 1985–1990
- 39The Invisible Road: Original Recordings, 1985–1990 · Apple Music
One quote
The Invisible Road: Original Recordings, 1985–1990
- 40The Invisible Road: Original Recordings, 1985–1990 · Bandcamp
One quote
The Invisible Road: Original Recordings, 1985–1990
- 41Once Within A Time (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) · Philip Glass Bandcamp
2 quotes
released April 18, 2025
Once Within A Time (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
- 42Once Within A Time (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) - Album by Philip Glass | Spotify · Spotify
One quote
Once Within A Time (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) - Album by Philip Glass | Spotify
- 43SONGS FROM UR · Apple Music
3 quotes
SONGS FROM UR
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2026-08-10
- 44Songs from UR by Sussan Deyhim & Torsten Rasch · Sussan Deyhim Gallery
One quote
Songs from UR by Sussan Deyhim & Torsten Rasch
- 45
- 46Let Her Sing 2025 - San Francisco · Diaspora Arts Connection
3 quotes
Let Her Sing 2025: A Celebration of Female Voices
Saturday, September 13, 2025
Our lineup this year is comprised of Evin Şah (Kurdish from Turkey, based in San Francisco), Golrokh Aminian (Iranian-Canadian, based in San Jose), Meghan Kabir (Afghan-American, based in Nashville), Monicki (Iranian, based in Boston), Sheenub (Iranian from Bushehr, based in Los Angeles), Shokufeh (Iranian-American, based in Los Angeles), Xye ( Greek, Russian, and Armenian, based in Los Angeles) & ASADI, and Special Guest Sussan Deyhim (Iranian-American based in New York).
- 47Let Her Sing 2025 - Los Angeles · Diaspora Arts Connection
3 quotes
Let Her Sing 2025: A Celebration of Female Voices LOS ANGELES
Sunday, September 14, 2025
Our lineup this year is comprised of Evin Şah (Kurdish from Turkey, based in San Francisco), Golrokh Aminian (Iranian-Canadian, based in San Jose), Meghan Kabir (Afghan-American, based in Nashville), Monicki (Iranian, based in Boston), Sheenub (Iranian from Bushehr, based in Los Angeles), Shokufeh (Iranian-American, based in Los Angeles), Xye( Greek, Russian, and Armenian, based in Los Angeles) & ASADI, and Special Guest Sussan Deyhim (Iranian-American based in New York).