What Happened To The American Dream?
Courtesy Mark C
Man, you’re a real rocker! :-)
—Marc Ribot
2026 – American Dream Trash represents the highly anticipated sequel to Nu World Trash (DooBeeDoo Records, 2011). Produced and mixed over two years, this album captures more than four decades of artistic exploration, performance, and commitment across Europe, Asia, and the United States. It exemplifies SoSaLa's unwavering dedication to transcending musical boundaries while initiating a new chapter in his career as a musician, composer, bandleader, and activist based in New York. Notably, jazz pioneer Ornette Coleman recognized SoSaLa years ago, calling him “the freest saxophonist in rock music" and highlighting his innovative contributions to the genre.
The genesis of American Dream Trash dates to 2023, when SoSaLa reconnected with the esteemed multi-instrumentalist Mark C-who's the co-founder of the legendary NO WAVE band LIVE SKULL—after their collaborative efforts in 1993 (DooBeeDoo Records, 2023). Impressed by Mark C's powerful yet nuanced approach to No Wave-inspired sound, SoSaLa extended an invitation for an improvisation session at Deepsea Studio in Hoboken, New Jersey, in August 2024. During this session, SoSaLa demonstrated his artistic versatility by contributing vocals, tenor saxophone, and various percussion instruments, while Mark C provided vocals, electric guitar, electric bass, bass loops, and synthesizers. The productive synergy between the two musicians ultimately led SoSaLa to invite Mark C to join SoSaLa formally.
The album features a distinguished roster of contributors, including Volker Goetze (trumpet, flugelhorn, and electronics), Andy Weintraub, Ronnie Burrage, and Issa Sow (drums and percussion), along with spoken word artists David Belmont and Ed Haas.
2026 – American Dream Trash delivers SoSaLa's signature fusion of NO WAVE rock, free jazz, noise, electronics, and World music, featuring spontaneous, improvised lyrics alongside defined spoken-word elements. This album engages listeners with its innovative artistic vision and profound musical exploration.
This album is submitted to the Grammys in the following categories: Alternative Jazz Album, Record Of The Year, Song Of The Year, Album Of The Year, Best New Artist, and Instrumental Composition.
Born on April Fool's Day, SoSaLa has often joked about the irony of his birthday. Yet the album's message is serious. He argues that the promise of opportunity, equality, and freedom has gradually given way to greed, corruption, and the pursuit of power. For him, “The 'American Dream' has become increasingly distant—not only for himself but for many working Americans who have lost faith in institutions and in the country's direction.
Rather than offering easy answers, the album asks listeners to question the myths they have inherited and decide for themselves whether the dream still exists. Despite this disillusionment, music remains SoSaLa's greatest source of hope. He believes that art can build community, inspire critical thinking, and encourage collective action. Describing himself as a Musician with Attitude (MwA), he sees music not simply as entertainment but as a vehicle for social and political engagement. He believes meaningful change comes through political organizing—bringing people together to build collective power and influence the decisions that shape their lives.
This belief led him to establish Musicians For Musicians (MFM) in 2015. Created in response to the growing economic and social struggles of working musicians, MFM provides a space where musicians can organize, discuss shared concerns, and act collectively. Its mission is to restore musicians' voices and reaffirm their role as essential contributors to society.
The genesis of American Dream Trash dates to 2023, when SoSaLa reconnected with the esteemed multi-instrumentalist Mark C-who's the co-founder of the legendary NO WAVE band LIVE SKULL—after their collaborative efforts in 1993 (DooBeeDoo Records, 2023). Impressed by Mark C's powerful yet nuanced approach to No Wave-inspired sound, SoSaLa extended an invitation for an improvisation session at Deepsea Studio in Hoboken, New Jersey, in August 2024. During this session, SoSaLa demonstrated his artistic versatility by contributing vocals, tenor saxophone, and various percussion instruments, while Mark C provided vocals, electric guitar, electric bass, bass loops, and synthesizers. The productive synergy between the two musicians ultimately led SoSaLa to invite Mark C to join SoSaLa formally.
The album features a distinguished roster of contributors, including Volker Goetze (trumpet, flugelhorn, and electronics), Andy Weintraub, Ronnie Burrage, and Issa Sow (drums and percussion), along with spoken word artists David Belmont and Ed Haas.
2026 – American Dream Trash delivers SoSaLa's signature fusion of NO WAVE rock, free jazz, noise, electronics, and World music, featuring spontaneous, improvised lyrics alongside defined spoken-word elements. This album engages listeners with its innovative artistic vision and profound musical exploration.
This album is submitted to the Grammys in the following categories: Alternative Jazz Album, Record Of The Year, Song Of The Year, Album Of The Year, Best New Artist, and Instrumental Composition.
About 2026 – American Dream Trash
While his previous work, Nu World Trash, examined Iranian politics, social issues, and his enduring connection to his homeland, his new album, American Dream Trash, turns inward to examine his life as an immigrant and American citizen. After eighteen years in New York, he made this protest album to reflect his growing disillusionment with the ideals that once defined the “American Dream."Born on April Fool's Day, SoSaLa has often joked about the irony of his birthday. Yet the album's message is serious. He argues that the promise of opportunity, equality, and freedom has gradually given way to greed, corruption, and the pursuit of power. For him, “The 'American Dream' has become increasingly distant—not only for himself but for many working Americans who have lost faith in institutions and in the country's direction.
Rather than offering easy answers, the album asks listeners to question the myths they have inherited and decide for themselves whether the dream still exists. Despite this disillusionment, music remains SoSaLa's greatest source of hope. He believes that art can build community, inspire critical thinking, and encourage collective action. Describing himself as a Musician with Attitude (MwA), he sees music not simply as entertainment but as a vehicle for social and political engagement. He believes meaningful change comes through political organizing—bringing people together to build collective power and influence the decisions that shape their lives.
This belief led him to establish Musicians For Musicians (MFM) in 2015. Created in response to the growing economic and social struggles of working musicians, MFM provides a space where musicians can organize, discuss shared concerns, and act collectively. Its mission is to restore musicians' voices and reaffirm their role as essential contributors to society.
Listen
Track Listing
Goodbye Iphone, American Dream Trashed, Who'S Lonely, The Promise And The Proof, Doing The Do, I Wanna Leave New York, Making Music Is A Profession, Tribute To No Wave, In And Around The Loop, Gaza Open Air Prison.
Personnel
Sohrab Saadat
saxophone, tenor
Mark C
guitar
Volker Goetze
trumpetAndy Weintraub
drums
Ronnie Burrage
drumsDavid Belmont
guitar, steelEd Haas
vocalsIssa Sow
percussionAlbum information
Title: 2026 - American Dream Trash | Year Released: 2026 | Record Label: DooBeeDoo Records
