Rostam Announces New Album 'American Stories'

The former Vampire Weekend member's new record is set for release on May 15.

Mar. 11, 2026 at 12:00am

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Founding Vampire Weekend member Rostam has announced a new solo album called "American Stories" that is set to be released on May 15. The album artwork and lead single "Like a Spark" have also been revealed. Rostam says the album reflects his identity as both Iranian and American, with the Iranian and American musical elements "rubbing together" in an addictive way.

Why it matters

Rostam was an integral part of Vampire Weekend's early success, co-writing and producing their first three albums. His new solo work represents an evolution of his musical style as he explores his dual cultural heritage through his songwriting.

The details

The 'American Stories' album features guest vocals from Clairo and showcases Rostam's blend of Iranian and American musical influences. He describes the experience of combining microtonal saz melodies with Western guitar chords as initially "thrown off" but ultimately "addictive." Rostam has also announced a US tour in support of the new album, with dates running from May 27 to June 26.

  • The 'American Stories' album is due out on May 15, 2026.
  • Rostam's US tour in support of the album will run from May 27 to June 26, 2026.

The players

Rostam

A founding member of the band Vampire Weekend who is now pursuing a solo career. His new album 'American Stories' reflects his Iranian and American cultural identity.

Clairo

An American singer-songwriter who is featured as a guest vocalist on Rostam's new album 'American Stories'.

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What they’re saying

“At some point in making this record I realized the album I wanted to make was one that reflected my identity as both Iranian and American. Pushing the most Iranian elements right up against the most American ones brought me a certain kind of joy.”

— Rostam (95xlive.com)

“The first time I put microtonal saz melodies over Western guitar chords, I was thrown off by the way the two rubbed together. But the more I listened the more I became drawn to that rub. I became addicted to it.”

— Rostam (95xlive.com)

What’s next

Rostam will embark on a US tour in support of the 'American Stories' album, with dates running from May 27 to June 26, 2026. Presales for the tour begin on Wednesday, March 13 at 10am local time, with tickets going on sale to the general public on Friday, March 15 at 10am local time.

The takeaway

Rostam's new solo album 'American Stories' represents an artistic evolution as he explores the intersection of his Iranian and American cultural identities through his music. The album's blend of microtonal Iranian melodies and Western guitar chords creates a unique and compelling sonic experience for listeners.