From Wikipedia:
Serj Tankian (born August 21, 1967) is a Lebanese-American singer, songwriter, poet, activist, and multi-instrumentalist. He is best known as the lead vocalist, keyboardist, and occasionally live rhythm guitarist of the Grammy Award-winning rock band System of a Down. In 2002, Tankian and Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello co-founded a non-profit political activist organization, Axis of Justice. During his musical career, he has released five albums with System of a Down, one with Arto Tunçboyacıyan (Serart), as well as debut solo album Elect the Dead. He was named the 26th-greatest heavy metal vocalist of all time by Hit Parader magazine.
Early Life
Tankian was born on August 21, 1967, in Beirut, Lebanon. He and his family emigrated to Los Angeles in 1975. Although Tankian disliked school, he nonetheless maintained a 4.0 grade average. When Tankian got older he started his own software company before beginning his music career; he began performing music in 1992.
Next posts I will be putting up Daron Malakian, Shavo Odadjian, John Dolmayan, and Casey Chaos. Thanks for listening.
~Isaiah
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Tankians Elect the Dead Symphony
From SOAD Fans :
Serj Tankian’s iconic voice has always polarised my feelings about System Of A Down. Wavering between deep-throated Metal gargling and comedic faux-operatic, Tankian’s tones are unmissable, even when layered on top of industrial-grade guitar riffs.More recently Tankian has experimented with a debut solo album - Elect the Dead - that has polarised fans and critics. Some see it as a lyrical, artistic take on SOAD’s standard flavour, while others see it as devoid of the SOAD energy and nothing but a protest platform for Tankian. Personally I see it somewhere in between. I enjoyed the progression of Baby, but Saving Us just annoyed me.When I heard that Serj Tankian was teaming up with the Auckland Philharmonic Orchestra to perform songs from Elect The Dead, I was intrigued. Would it be a Metallica-esque effort, with a rock band fronting the orchestra, or a more “pure” orchestral arrangement? Tankian went for the latter, with the single concession being acoustic guitar and backing vocals from Dan Monti, a member of “The FCC”, his backing band for live solo performances. photo credits: stuff.co.nz" align=right src="http://www.soadfans.com/gallery/serjtankian/ST_tour/serjlive2009/APO/thumb/2269653.jpg" width=156 height=95>The result was mind-bending. The vibe was amazing, from the moment Serj walked on stage, a dapper apparition in white suit against the black orchestra. Dare I say that Tankian’s dramatic, almost operatic vocals were a better fit with the orchestra than they ever were fronting a metal band? Opening with Empty Walls, the full orchestra lent buckets of gravitas to what was previously a basic backing-track for Serj’s protest vocals. Tankian’s stage presence helped him prance, stomp, and generally over-act his way through Lie, Lie, Lie - the crowd laughed as he marched in place like so many stage show performers have done.Some tracks were a more difficult fit for the orchestra, with Money’s speed-metal-noise breaks resulting in a wall of messy noise when translated to an orchestral arrangement. It just didn’t work. A better arrangement was used in Baby, with the cello and double-bass belting out the metal riffs with such force that even I was forced to throw up my horns.The juxtaposition of yoof metallers with the orchestra community resulted in the inevitable brilliance. Among the best moments was the roar of the crowd when the tuba player displayed a very tentative pair of horns (a closed fist with forefinger and pinkie raised) as he took his seat. The enthusiasm of one young long-haired fellow in the well-mannered moshpit was boundless: he emulated the conductor throughout the entire concert, with the exception being firmly clasped horns with both fists.In what seemed to be enforced education, Tankian left the stage and allowed the orchestra to play their own genre of music several times throughout the show. The crowd tolerated this well, although most seemed to take these breaks as an opportunity to use the bathroom or chat amongst themselves. I felt like a scowling old man as I wondered why these kids couldn’t sit quietly through a 3 minute concerto.The only major cognitive dissonance was produced when the concert stopped after 5 or 6 songs, the house lights came up, and the experienced members in the crowd wandered off for intermission drinks. The moshpit didn’t know whether to bay for blood at such a short concert, or start chanting and stomping for an encore. Eventually a voice came over the PA announcing an intermission.Tankian’s enthusiasm was obvious. He praised the setting, the orchestra, and the home-away-from-home crowd several times. Overall the concert was hugely entertaining. I’m not sure how well it will translate to album or DVD, but for a one-off live event, I’m glad I was there.
~Isaiah
Serj Tankian’s iconic voice has always polarised my feelings about System Of A Down. Wavering between deep-throated Metal gargling and comedic faux-operatic, Tankian’s tones are unmissable, even when layered on top of industrial-grade guitar riffs.More recently Tankian has experimented with a debut solo album - Elect the Dead - that has polarised fans and critics. Some see it as a lyrical, artistic take on SOAD’s standard flavour, while others see it as devoid of the SOAD energy and nothing but a protest platform for Tankian. Personally I see it somewhere in between. I enjoyed the progression of Baby, but Saving Us just annoyed me.When I heard that Serj Tankian was teaming up with the Auckland Philharmonic Orchestra to perform songs from Elect The Dead, I was intrigued. Would it be a Metallica-esque effort, with a rock band fronting the orchestra, or a more “pure” orchestral arrangement? Tankian went for the latter, with the single concession being acoustic guitar and backing vocals from Dan Monti, a member of “The FCC”, his backing band for live solo performances. photo credits: stuff.co.nz" align=right src="http://www.soadfans.com/gallery/serjtankian/ST_tour/serjlive2009/APO/thumb/2269653.jpg" width=156 height=95>The result was mind-bending. The vibe was amazing, from the moment Serj walked on stage, a dapper apparition in white suit against the black orchestra. Dare I say that Tankian’s dramatic, almost operatic vocals were a better fit with the orchestra than they ever were fronting a metal band? Opening with Empty Walls, the full orchestra lent buckets of gravitas to what was previously a basic backing-track for Serj’s protest vocals. Tankian’s stage presence helped him prance, stomp, and generally over-act his way through Lie, Lie, Lie - the crowd laughed as he marched in place like so many stage show performers have done.Some tracks were a more difficult fit for the orchestra, with Money’s speed-metal-noise breaks resulting in a wall of messy noise when translated to an orchestral arrangement. It just didn’t work. A better arrangement was used in Baby, with the cello and double-bass belting out the metal riffs with such force that even I was forced to throw up my horns.The juxtaposition of yoof metallers with the orchestra community resulted in the inevitable brilliance. Among the best moments was the roar of the crowd when the tuba player displayed a very tentative pair of horns (a closed fist with forefinger and pinkie raised) as he took his seat. The enthusiasm of one young long-haired fellow in the well-mannered moshpit was boundless: he emulated the conductor throughout the entire concert, with the exception being firmly clasped horns with both fists.In what seemed to be enforced education, Tankian left the stage and allowed the orchestra to play their own genre of music several times throughout the show. The crowd tolerated this well, although most seemed to take these breaks as an opportunity to use the bathroom or chat amongst themselves. I felt like a scowling old man as I wondered why these kids couldn’t sit quietly through a 3 minute concerto.The only major cognitive dissonance was produced when the concert stopped after 5 or 6 songs, the house lights came up, and the experienced members in the crowd wandered off for intermission drinks. The moshpit didn’t know whether to bay for blood at such a short concert, or start chanting and stomping for an encore. Eventually a voice came over the PA announcing an intermission.Tankian’s enthusiasm was obvious. He praised the setting, the orchestra, and the home-away-from-home crowd several times. Overall the concert was hugely entertaining. I’m not sure how well it will translate to album or DVD, but for a one-off live event, I’m glad I was there.
~Isaiah
Serj Tankians Latest Album
Serj Tankian will be re-releasing the joint project between him and Armenian awarded musician, Arto Tuncboyaciyan, entitled "Serart" later this month, April 21st.
Originally produced by Serj and Arto, SERART – DELUXE EDITION now includes two previously unreleased remixes by Bill Laswell and Jimmy Urine (Mindless Self Indulgence). An eclectic array of textured tracks, SERART – DELUXE EDITION mixes Middle Eastern melodies with Pan-African rhythms while shifting from classical motifs to bursts of percussion.
~Isaiah Spelldust
Originally produced by Serj and Arto, SERART – DELUXE EDITION now includes two previously unreleased remixes by Bill Laswell and Jimmy Urine (Mindless Self Indulgence). An eclectic array of textured tracks, SERART – DELUXE EDITION mixes Middle Eastern melodies with Pan-African rhythms while shifting from classical motifs to bursts of percussion.
~Isaiah Spelldust
Monday, June 1, 2009
Interview With John Dolmayan : From SOAD Fans
From SoadFans :
Couple of months ago, Andrew Lindsay (LookOn) gathered questions from SOADFans members [read the topic on the forum] to make an interview with John Dolmayan drummer of Grammy award winner band, System of a Down.
Here's what John had to say in answering the interview questions:
Like System of a Down/Scars on Broadway drummer John Dolmayan, I don’t have too much to say, so I’ll dispense with the obligatory opening paragraph and let you get on with reading our long-awaited email interview with the man.
Stereokill: As a musician, who are your key influences?JD: My dad has always been a huge influence on me; he introduced me to jazz at an early age and has always supported my choices in life. Other then that, there’s about twenty bands who were my key influences including: The Who, Rush, Led Zeppellin, The Rolling Stones, Billy Idol, Maynard Furgeson, Fishbone, Pink Floyd, The Police, Daft Punk, Slayer, Iron Maiden, Muse, The Beatles and countless others.
Stereokill: It’s been twelve years since you first joined System of a Down. What do you consider high-points in your career so far?JD: There are many, but I’d say that my favorite moment was playing a nearly-cancelled show in Spain, at four in the morning. The stage fell apart due to wind, and it was the ten year anniversary of System of a Down.
Stereokill: With the release of Toxicity in 2001, System became a hugely successful band. How did it feel, for you personally, to experience such growing interest in the band from the public/press?JD: It wasn’t all that noticable for us; it was very much a whirlwind. Looking out from within, we just didn’t feel the impact of what was happening until much later.
Stereokill: Is there a System album that you are particularly proud of?JD: I’m proud of everything we’ve done, but Steal This Album! is my personal favourite.
Stereokill: You crafted a rather gnarly looking skull for your limited edition version of that album. Any reason why?JD: Thought it looked cool, and I cant draw much else.
Stereokill: Out of the many songs you’ve recorded, which are your favourites?JD: “Holy Mountains”, “Nüguns” and “Soldier Side”.
Stereokill: The band recorded Mezmerize/Hypnotize in Rick Rubin’s famed Mansion. Other bands that have recorded there [Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Mars Volta] have claimed that the building is haunted. Did you encounter any spirits when recording there?JD: Sounds like a bunch of bullshit.
Stereokill: Following Daron’s tour cancellation in October, many fans have been in the dark as to whether Scars on Broadway are still together. Can you shed any light on this matter - will Scars ever record/tour again?JD: I’m not sure, but I do miss it.
Stereokill: Have you heard from [Scars frontman and System bandmate] Daron [Malakian]? Can you discuss why he decided to cancel the tour?JD: That's a personal matter, but he’s well.
Stereokill: Scars on Broadway was often portrayed by the media as a band that consisted of only Daron and yourself. Did you consider Franky [Perez], Danny [Shamoun] and Dominic [Cifarelli] “official” members of the band, or “touring” members?JD: I consider them as members, as well as family.
Stereokill: I recall reading that [System bassist] Shavo [Odajian] was originally linked to Scars. Is this true? If so, why did his involvement with the band never come to fruition?JD: That’s a question that would be better directed at Shavo.
Stereokill: What have you been up to since Scars went on hiatus? Have you been involved in any music-based projects?JD: I’ve been playing, but nothing I’m ready to share.
Stereokill: What are your plans for the rest of the year?JD: Working on Torpedo Comics, and playing for personal satisfaction.
Stereokill: How is Torpedo Comics?JD: It’s tough to make a new venture profitable, but I believe in my vision for it and I’m giving it my full attention.
Stereokill: Will you release your “superhero-based” comic one day?JD: I’m working on it now.
Stereokill: What’s your take on the music industry these days?JD: It’s in serious trouble.
Stereokill: Do you think you’ll remain within the industry until you’re old and grey?JD: I’m not in the music industry; I play music.
Stereokill: Are there any up-and-coming bands that you recommend?JD: I’m sure there are tons of bands that are great, but I’m not exactly the pulse of the next great thing. I prefer bands that have at least three albums so I can follow their growth and grow with them.
Stereokill: What are your favourite albums of all time?JD: I can’t answer that.
Stereokill: A hard task, but can you list your top five musical artists of all time?JD: I’d prefer not to try.
Stereokill: If you be could any drum/cymbal piece, which one would you be?JD: I am a drum/cymbal piece already.
Stereokill: Have you ever given drum lessons?JD: A handful.
Stereokill: A lot of fans are curious as to whether you’ve read Switch!, the continuation to the Schnibbel series [fan-fiction about John and Daron's genitalia]?JD: I read some of it - very creative. People have a lot of time on their hands.
Stereokill: I’ve read that you have a sandwich named after you, have you ever tried it?JD: Not yet, is it tasty?
Stereokill: Finally, a question I’m sure you’re tired of hearing, but is there any news regarding the future of System of a Down?JD: System of a Down is dead: I killed all the members for my sandwich.
Couple of months ago, Andrew Lindsay (LookOn) gathered questions from SOADFans members [read the topic on the forum] to make an interview with John Dolmayan drummer of Grammy award winner band, System of a Down.
Here's what John had to say in answering the interview questions:
Like System of a Down/Scars on Broadway drummer John Dolmayan, I don’t have too much to say, so I’ll dispense with the obligatory opening paragraph and let you get on with reading our long-awaited email interview with the man.
Stereokill: As a musician, who are your key influences?JD: My dad has always been a huge influence on me; he introduced me to jazz at an early age and has always supported my choices in life. Other then that, there’s about twenty bands who were my key influences including: The Who, Rush, Led Zeppellin, The Rolling Stones, Billy Idol, Maynard Furgeson, Fishbone, Pink Floyd, The Police, Daft Punk, Slayer, Iron Maiden, Muse, The Beatles and countless others.
Stereokill: It’s been twelve years since you first joined System of a Down. What do you consider high-points in your career so far?JD: There are many, but I’d say that my favorite moment was playing a nearly-cancelled show in Spain, at four in the morning. The stage fell apart due to wind, and it was the ten year anniversary of System of a Down.
Stereokill: With the release of Toxicity in 2001, System became a hugely successful band. How did it feel, for you personally, to experience such growing interest in the band from the public/press?JD: It wasn’t all that noticable for us; it was very much a whirlwind. Looking out from within, we just didn’t feel the impact of what was happening until much later.
Stereokill: Is there a System album that you are particularly proud of?JD: I’m proud of everything we’ve done, but Steal This Album! is my personal favourite.
Stereokill: You crafted a rather gnarly looking skull for your limited edition version of that album. Any reason why?JD: Thought it looked cool, and I cant draw much else.
Stereokill: Out of the many songs you’ve recorded, which are your favourites?JD: “Holy Mountains”, “Nüguns” and “Soldier Side”.
Stereokill: The band recorded Mezmerize/Hypnotize in Rick Rubin’s famed Mansion. Other bands that have recorded there [Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Mars Volta] have claimed that the building is haunted. Did you encounter any spirits when recording there?JD: Sounds like a bunch of bullshit.
Stereokill: Following Daron’s tour cancellation in October, many fans have been in the dark as to whether Scars on Broadway are still together. Can you shed any light on this matter - will Scars ever record/tour again?JD: I’m not sure, but I do miss it.
Stereokill: Have you heard from [Scars frontman and System bandmate] Daron [Malakian]? Can you discuss why he decided to cancel the tour?JD: That's a personal matter, but he’s well.
Stereokill: Scars on Broadway was often portrayed by the media as a band that consisted of only Daron and yourself. Did you consider Franky [Perez], Danny [Shamoun] and Dominic [Cifarelli] “official” members of the band, or “touring” members?JD: I consider them as members, as well as family.
Stereokill: I recall reading that [System bassist] Shavo [Odajian] was originally linked to Scars. Is this true? If so, why did his involvement with the band never come to fruition?JD: That’s a question that would be better directed at Shavo.
Stereokill: What have you been up to since Scars went on hiatus? Have you been involved in any music-based projects?JD: I’ve been playing, but nothing I’m ready to share.
Stereokill: What are your plans for the rest of the year?JD: Working on Torpedo Comics, and playing for personal satisfaction.
Stereokill: How is Torpedo Comics?JD: It’s tough to make a new venture profitable, but I believe in my vision for it and I’m giving it my full attention.
Stereokill: Will you release your “superhero-based” comic one day?JD: I’m working on it now.
Stereokill: What’s your take on the music industry these days?JD: It’s in serious trouble.
Stereokill: Do you think you’ll remain within the industry until you’re old and grey?JD: I’m not in the music industry; I play music.
Stereokill: Are there any up-and-coming bands that you recommend?JD: I’m sure there are tons of bands that are great, but I’m not exactly the pulse of the next great thing. I prefer bands that have at least three albums so I can follow their growth and grow with them.
Stereokill: What are your favourite albums of all time?JD: I can’t answer that.
Stereokill: A hard task, but can you list your top five musical artists of all time?JD: I’d prefer not to try.
Stereokill: If you be could any drum/cymbal piece, which one would you be?JD: I am a drum/cymbal piece already.
Stereokill: Have you ever given drum lessons?JD: A handful.
Stereokill: A lot of fans are curious as to whether you’ve read Switch!, the continuation to the Schnibbel series [fan-fiction about John and Daron's genitalia]?JD: I read some of it - very creative. People have a lot of time on their hands.
Stereokill: I’ve read that you have a sandwich named after you, have you ever tried it?JD: Not yet, is it tasty?
Stereokill: Finally, a question I’m sure you’re tired of hearing, but is there any news regarding the future of System of a Down?JD: System of a Down is dead: I killed all the members for my sandwich.
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