ZÖJ

Jaques Soddell

ZÖJ is an experimental cross-cultural music duo from Ballarat, comprising Gelareh Pour (kamancheh, voice) and Brian O’Dwyer (drum kit). Drawing on Persian musical traditions, contemporary improvisation, and experimental art music practices, the duo creates immersive performances that blur the boundaries between composition and spontaneous creation.

Central to ZÖJ’s work is Persian poetry, which shapes both their musical language and emotional expression. Their distinctive approach has seen them perform at major national and international festivals including WOMADelaide, Dark Mofo, Mona Foma, Experimenta, Le Guess Who?, Tromsø World, National Folk Festival, and the Women in Jazz Festival, among many others.

Their recordings and performances have received widespread critical acclaim, earning the 2024 Art Music Award (APRA AMCOS) for Excellence in Experimental Practice, the 2025 Australian Folk Music Award for Best Song in a Non-English Language, and recognition for Performance of the Year in the Jazz/Improvised Music category in 2022.

Through virtuosic musicianship, deep listening, and a commitment to authentic intercultural dialogue, ZÖJ creates powerful performances that are intimate, adventurous, and profoundly human.

ABOUT THE PERFORMANCE:

May The Devil’s Ear Be Deaf is an intimate and immersive live performance that explores the fragile space between expression and disappearance. Inspired by a Persian saying used to protect moments of beauty from envy and misfortune, the work unfolds through improvisation, Persian poetry, and a deeply responsive musical dialogue between Gelareh Pour (voice, kamancheh, qeychak) and Brian O’Dwyer (drums and percussion).

Created in the spirit of the album recorded live at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity in Canada, the performance embraces risk, vulnerability, and spontaneity. Nothing is fixed; each piece emerges through listening, trust, and the energy of the moment. Themes of longing, dream, silence, and resilience weave through the music, inviting audiences into a powerful and deeply human experience.

For those seeking something beyond a conventional concert, May The Devil’s Ear Be Deaf offers a rare opportunity to witness music being created in real time; where Persian poetry, improvisation, and intercultural collaboration become an act of beauty, resistance, and shared presence.

We love the energy and ephemeral sounds produced by this incredible duo here at Trash Cult, and are absolutely stoked to have them back again.

Joining Zöj is reverred Bendigo sound artist Jacques Soddell, this will be an awesome night.

Trash Cult

ZÖJ + Jaques Soddell