Honesty with oneself can be elemental to personal growth, and when a musician explores such depths of self awareness, they tend to come up with some of their best music. For Southern Californian singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Ehson Hashemian, his latest body of work Believe represents a moment of soul-searching.
Believe is the artist’s fourth solo album — previously, he released Animation (2023), Face Shine (2024) and Bliss (January 2025). The album is another illustration of how Ehson prioritizes artistry over commercial considerations. For example, the average track duration of over 4 minutes is wildly inconsistent with today’s streaming trends.
Such freedom has allowed Hashemian to make music that resonates with many people, wherever in the globe they are actually listening from. In this regard, his ability to effortlessly blend genres helps big time. Spanning genres like indie rock and indie pop, and characterized by fingerstyle guitars and complex rhythms, Believe is really delightful. The vibe is sometimes funky, other times dreamy. Listeners feel transported to a world of engaged introspection. And, the album’s relaxed pace suits its thematic landscape.
Believe leaves one inspired and optimistic, especially during those periods when they feel stuck in life and unable to make meaningful steps. Himself, Ehson has demonstrated an admirable level of resilience, perhaps owing to his huge passion for music.
Primarily a singer when he was younger, he soon became a multi-instrumentalist, taking up the role of a keyboardist for The Jakes (the band is now called Young the Giant). When he left the band in 2009 to create his solo project named Backwards Forwards, Hashemian’s writing naturally got more introspective. As Backwards Forwards, he did release an EP called You Are Here in 2012, before unveiling his Still Life album two years later.
With Believe, the musician set out to present his listeners with music that is just as refreshing as it is reflective. I think he achieved that goal — the album will have you dancing while appreciating life’s moments.
Listen to the 14-song collection below via Spotify. To get up-close and personal with Ehson Hashemian, be sure to follow him on Instagram.
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