Rostam Batmanglij, the former multi-instrumentalist and co-founder of Vampire Weekend, has released a new cover of the band's 2013 track 'Young Lion.' This reimagined version transforms the original short piano piece into a longer, guitar-driven arrangement that highlights its Persian musical influences.
Originally appearing as the closing track on Vampire Weekend's acclaimed album 'Modern Vampires Of The City,' 'Young Lion' holds special significance—it was the only song in the band's catalog where Rostam served as sole lead vocalist and writer. The track was initially composed during sessions for their 2010 album 'Contra.'
In his new interpretation, Rostam performs the melody on guitar, accompanied by fellow Iranian-American musician Amir Yaghmai of The Voidz on the saz, a traditional Persian string instrument. This collaboration brings the song's inherent Persian inspiration to the forefront.
"The piano melody in 'Young Lion' was always inspired by the Persian music I grew up with," Rostam explained. "In this version that line passes from Jack's piano, to my guitar, and then finally to Amir on Saz. I love that this melody can live all these different lives inside this one song."
Rostam departed Vampire Weekend in 2016 to focus on his solo career, subsequently establishing himself as a sought-after producer for artists including Haim, Clairo, Charli XCX, Carly Rae Jepsen, and Maggie Rogers. This cover marks a creative return to his musical origins while showcasing his continued artistic evolution.