Rostam announces new album, 'American Stories'

Founding Vampire Weekend member Rostam has announced a new album called American Stories.

The record is due out May 15. Lead single "Like a Spark" is out now.

"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," Rostam says in a statement. "Pushing the most Iranian elements right up against the most American ones brought me a certain kind of joy."

He continues, "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 has also announced a run of U.S. tour dates, spanning from May 27 in San Diego to June 26 in Austin, Texas. Presales begin Wednesday at 10 a.m. local time, and tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday at 10 a.m. local time.

For the full list of dates and all ticket info, visit OfficialRostam.com.

Rostam played on Vampire Weekend's first three albums before leaving the band in 2016. Along with his solo career, Rostam has produced albums for artists including HAIM and Clairo, the latter of whom guests on American Stories.