Serj Tankian: 'My Feelings Are Always Expressed Through My Music'

Serj Tankian may not be the only Lebanese-born Armenian singer in the world, but he’s arguably the most famous. As the front man and guiding visionary of System Of A Down, he steered the all-Armenian band through five thrilling records starting with the self-titled release back in 1998 and ending with their most recent, Hypnotize. The outspoken multi-instrumentalist took an extended hiatus away from SOAD, the group he co-founded with guitarist Daron Malakian, to pursue his own solo career. Back in 2007, he virtually single-handedly assembled Elect The Dead, a record that found him pounding on keyboards, plucking on bass guitars, strumming acoustic and electric guitars, and much more. Though there were elements reflected in the music he made with his Armenian brethren, this solo recording was infinitely more personal and self-reflective.

In this email interview that Tankian turned around in one day (and would you expect anything less from a man who plays all the instruments on his own album?), he looked back at the Elect The Dead record. But what seemed closer to his heart was wanting to talk about his participation in making known the atrocities committed in the Armenian genocide. He has been personally touched by the event (his grandfather, Stepan Haytayan, only barely survived the mass killings) and has even gone as far as lobbying President Obama himself.

Here, the musical politico – activist musician? – outlines his feelings about his music, his politics, and the condition of the world.

UG: As a Jew, I well understand the realities of genocide. Have you personally ever felt anti-Armenian/Lebanese feelings directed at you? If so, how did you respond?

Serj Tankian: There have been occasions of subtle looks at the mention of the word Lebanese (not so much for being Armenian), especially in the West, but not to the extent that it rewards a reaction in any way.

Was there a trigger episode in your life when you felt you had to stand up and voice your feelings about the Armenian genocide? Or was it a gradual change?

The Armenian Genocide has served as the door to my awakening of all injustice. I guess the hypocrisy of its denial by Turkey and certain elements of Western States came to my attention in my late teens.

"The Armenian Genocide has served as the door to my awakening of all injustice."

Early on, did you think that becoming a musician would allow you a bigger voice in making your feelings known? Or was becoming a musician simply a desire to write/play original music?

A bit of both.

Do you ever think that your political views might offend your audience? Or do you think that your fans (and fans of SOAD) would expect you to make known your political opinions?

Some people are offended by Dali’s art. What we take offense to has greatly to do with ourselves.

Can you talk about working with Tom Morello and Boots Riley?

Tom is an amazing artist, and an even more amazing activist whose work ethic and interaction with different causes inspires me daily and makes me feel the need to do more. He’s my partner in Axis of Justice (www.axisofjustice.org) and one of my best friends.

Boots Riley is a good friend as well, an amazing political MC, and a great friend of the Axis of Justice. We’ve done a bunch of benefit concerts together. He’s always ready to help. Much respect.

What do you hope will happen on April 24th?

A commitment to organize around the lessons learned from Genocide of the past, and help create a body of Genocide intervention in the general Assembly of the United Nations outside the scope of the Security Council. Where once a Genocide is agreed to occur, all nations will be forced to suspend all economic, political and energy ties to the perpetrator until the act stops, while simultaneously sending in humanitarian resources to the victims. Until we prioritize Genocide over everything else, it will not disappear. I also hope that in the near future, the government of Turkey will reconcile its own past and the Genocide committed by its predecessors.

Was Elect the Dead an attempt to make known some of your political feelings? Are there any songs that specifically address the Armenian situation?

Not really. Elect the Dead is my first solo record. Music is what I do. My feelings are always expressed through my music, be they personal, spiritual, political, humorous, or whatever.

There are no particular songs dedicated specifically to the Armenian Genocide though more than one may possibly apply.

How did you develop your chops as a guitarist/keyboardist/bassist/drum programmer? Did you develop those multi-instrumental skills to accommodate/support your vocals?

I’ve been playing music for many years on different instruments. I compose on many instruments ‘cause each tone guides my songwriting in a different way. I like diverse dynamics in music.

You played a little bit of guitar with SOAD? Was there no room in SOAD for you to play more comprehensive guitar parts?

I played guitar on the songs that I wrote for SOAD; usually acoustic, on the record. Live I’d play on a song or two on guitar when I felt like it. I didn’t feel the need to have to play an instrument on every song. Same with Elect the Dead - I wrote and played pretty much most of the instruments on the record, but live, I prefer to only play a few on piano, a few on guitar, and a few on other instruments. I wrote for a whole orchestra in New Zealand, but just sang and played nothing with them. I like performing to an audience and being free to move around and do as I wish.

"There have been occasions of subtle looks at the mention of the word Lebanese."

Rick Rubin produced the SOAD albums – did you learn anything from hanging out with Rick? Have you used any of his production techniques? What did you like/dislike about Rubin’s productions?

Oh yes. I learned a lot from Rick in terms of producing, especially in terms of getting good performances from artists, including from myself.

You co-produced Toxicity with Rick Rubin – what was that like? Does Rick have pretty strong opinions? Was he open to hearing your ideas?

Rick’s always open to hearing ideas. If he disagrees, he will make it clear, though the decision is always for the artist to make in the end. He’s never imposing or strong-handed. Just the opposite, he sets the tone to make things comfortable and supportive for the artist.

Could you address some of the tracks on Elect the Dead? “Saving Us” has a very organic and earthy melody reminiscent of the Bedouins sitting around the fire – where did the melody come from? Was it inspired by traditional music?

I wrote the song in my living room on my favorite Taylor CE-310 acoustic guitar. I added many layers of electric guitars on the actual recording, including a custom First Act guitar, a Les Paul Custom, and a Gibson SG, I think.

Is “The Sky is Over” an ecology song? Was this written on the piano?

I don’t like divulging thematic bounds on songs so people can internalize their own meanings, like a painting. I did write it on my piano in my studio, yes. I have a pretty sizable recording studio with lots of really great vintage gear as well as modern gear, including a bunch of great synths, yes. However for “The Sky is Over,” besides the piano, bass, drums, and guitars, we used some cellos and violins to build some of the sections. We did that on most of the songs on Elect the Dead actually.

Was writing for Elect the Dead a different process than writing for SOAD? Was it more difficult because you were doing everything – or easier? Certainly it must have been more personal?

It definitely was more personal and easier to write and record it in my own studio. It was quite a different process than writing within the framework of a band, rehearsing the songs, then recording the drums then layering all the other elements on top. This one started with one guide instrument, usually an acoustic guitar or piano, then drum programming so I can define my rhythm, then some electric guitars to provide counter melodies to main melody lines, then bass, more guitars, synths, strings, vocals, then finally we replaced the programmed drums with live drums, in most cases. “The Sky is Over” is actually all programmed drums; we ended up liking it over the live patterns, though all performances were great.

Many of these songs seem to have been built around acoustic guitar parts/changes – are you an acoustic guitarist at heart? Or does plugging in an electric give you pleasure?

I used to write everything on electric guitars years ago. However in the past 3-4 years, I wrote most stuff on acoustic (guitar or piano), though I still do a fair share of electronic programming for writing as well.

"What we take offense to has greatly to do with ourselves."

Does Elect the Dead stand up for you like the first SOAD album? Did you accomplish creatively what you set out to achieve?

Yes, it does and yes I think I did. Elect the Dead established me as a solo artist. It is a record that will stand the test of time in my opinion. And I did whatever I wanted to do with it creatively. Now onto other things.

Will you do more solo albums?

Absolutely. I’m releasing a show I did with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra over the summer on CD and DVD. I rearranged a lot of the songs from Elect the Dead for that show (and additional tracks). It was one of the most amazing things I’ve ever been a part of musically in my life. More soon on that. I’ve also been composing a musical with playwright Steven Sater for a 2010 launch, and a new solo record that I think will be arranged as a jazz/orchestral effort (I say I think ‘cause you never know what the songs may beg for in the end).

Do you think your Armenian Genocide platform has brought more attention to the problem? Has President Obama been responsive?

I think educating people about a genocide they had not heard of is definitely a positive effort. I think Obama has the right intentions, though I’m not sure he’ll be able to maneuver around Turkey.

Is the world capable of healing itself before it destroys itself?

The world yes; civilization no.

Will there come a day when Armenians will walk arm-in-arm with the Turks? When Jews will embrace Arabs?

Yes, when there are no more flags, borders, or governments.

Interview by Steven Rosen
Ultimate-Guitar.Com © 2009

Comments

[Tordyboi]

cool interview

[KoRnyKenny]

I want SOAD back

[guitaringnathan]

im glad you stand for something for serj but your solo album was kinda lame.

[Rokkec]

Serj Tankian is such a nice fellow and an awesome musician..A lot of people look up to him and for a good reason..And guys, just be patient..SOAD will reunite..but until then..let Serj do his thing

[ComradSputnik]

I didn't know he did all the instruments

[slash=king]

Serj is awesome, living in auckland we don't have any famous people so seeing him at the local pizza place makes us realise he's just a normal person and what achievements a normal person can reach
thanks for inspiring not just aucklanders but everyone who hears your messages in their own way

[l3xbi]

From his top picture all I can see now is Bill the Butcher from gangs of new york...

[\m/[-_-]\m/]

without the gotee thing, he'd look like borat. =P

[FiveStarMotel]

Serj's solo album was outstanding. However, Scars On Broadway not so much, crappy pop metal was all that was. No more SOB please! But another solo album from Serj would be great. A System of a DOwn album: Even greater.

[FiveStarMotel]

Also, I just thought i'd put this out ther, Serj looks insanely cool with sunglasses!

[celticstorm84]

I'm glad UG did the interview, I never knew that much about him.

[dial-a-death]

a man who plays all the instruments on his own album

- this is complete bullsh*t. He may have written the parts for all of the instruments but he certainly didn't play them. If you read the album booklet, the list of guest musicians reads worse than f*cking Chinese Democracy.

[Macabre_Turtle]

I'm intrigued with him rearranging for an orchestra. Simply because, as creative and great as he is, his work, both solo and SOAD, is always really simple, and I didn't see him actually knowing enough about music to justify rearranging for an orchestra.
Not digging that last response... surely a man as smart and political as him realizes how bad of an idea anarchy is...
But, anyways... love him. Really want a new album.

[imthehitcher]

what a nice fello

i like his music, but it still isn't system of a down

[Macabre_Turtle]

Oh. And he definitely didn't play all instruments
Just looked at the credits. He doesn't even play all the guitars, let alone everything.

[Stampede]

lol hes pretty blunt and to the point.
he's a cool guy.

[xkingd117x]

The man is a god. I mean, his solo wasn't SoaD, but it wasn't meant to be... excited for the new one!

[6cradle6of6filt]

Macabre_Turtle wrote:

I'm intrigued with him rearranging for an orchestra. Simply because, as creative and great as he is, his work, both solo and SOAD, is always really simple, and I didn't see him actually knowing enough about music to justify rearranging for an orchestra.
Not digging that last response... surely a man as smart and political as him realizes how bad of an idea anarchy is...
But, anyways... love him. Really want a new album.

well if anarchy was done properly without people having greed or being selfish, then what's so bad about it? his last comment is practically impossible, but it's what we dream of to happen, a world without prejudice, war, or anything bad. But if we stay as we are, we will never get that.

[Macabre_Turtle]

6cradle6of6filt wrote:
well if anarchy was done properly without people having greed or being selfish, then what's so bad about it? his last comment is practically impossible, but it's what we dream of to happen, a world without prejudice, war, or anything bad. But if we stay as we are, we will never get that.

Well, the whole reason that anarchy is a bad idea is because it simply can't be done properly. As great as that little anarchy utopia sounds, our human instincts won't let it happen, which I think you agree with.

[5_Strings]

Serj is just more boring than SOAD ..the music these make has never appealed to me .. they're just annoying .. seriously !!

[leonk70]

good interview

[cajun_prince]

mann,, he looked like borat on the first pic.

[carlsbad]

Hell yeah, I love Serj's lyrics. I actually bought Cool Gardens before Elect The Dead came out (A few years ago actually) and I loved it.

5_Strings wrote:

Serj is just more boring than SOAD ..the music these make has never appealed to me .. they're just annoying .. seriously !!

Suck mah dick!

[scarfacesuit]

He seems like a pretty good guy. I'd love to meet him one day, though I doubt that'll happen.

I enjoy any of his music to be honest, from SOAD to his solo work. It's great

[Vedicardi]

Love the serj

[mashizz]

when ever i think of him, i think of kristopher dahl. that's a good thing by the way

[Black Ox]

This guy is a genius.Elect the Dead was an awesom album.

[AlterEdge]

Cool, nice interview. Great songwriter also but I do prefer Daron's band "Scars On Broadway" to Serj's solo effort. Definitely looking forward to the day System Of A Down get back together though.

[ThatWouldBeJon]

seems lke the last thing on his mind is SOAD

[krymson]

Anyone else think hes looking more and more like Frank Zappa?

[tomsawyer67]

I totally wish I was armanean!!!

[jack hate crew]

\m/[-_-]\m/ wrote:

without the gotee thing, he'd look like borat. =P

ROFL

[Sabscope]

dial-a-death wrote:

a man who plays all the instruments on his own album
- this is complete bullsh*t. He may have written the parts for all of the instruments but he certainly didn't play them. If you read the album booklet, the list of guest musicians reads worse than f*cking Chinese Democracy.

Chinese Democracy was supposed to come from a band though... just a point.
Also, on the last statement, there seems to be an assumptoion he is talking about anarchy. His usage of 'government' is tied up with flags and borders. I think he means where there are no more divisions, no more NATIONS, rather than no overseeing police or other authoritarian body. Of course, I could be wrong.

[Unforgiven707]

dial-a-death wrote:

a man who plays all the instruments on his own album
- this is complete bullsh*t. He may have written the parts for all of the instruments but he certainly didn't play them. If you read the album booklet, the list of guest musicians reads worse than f*cking Chinese Democracy.

Well even if he didn't ACTUALLY record the songs with him playing the instruments, you have got to admit that it is pretty impressive to be able to even WRITE all the instruments' parts for an album.

[Gibson_SG_uzr55]

great interview, Serj is amazing

[LarksTongue67]

I like how Serj was like ..."Now onto other things". Its like he was thinking "God, he's asking me every other question about System..." He probably gets that a lot though.

[MrEnormous52]

Macabre_Turtle wrote:

6cradle6of6filt wrote:
well if anarchy was done properly without people having greed or being selfish, then what's so bad about it? his last comment is practically impossible, but it's what we dream of to happen, a world without prejudice, war, or anything bad. But if we stay as we are, we will never get that.

Well, the whole reason that anarchy is a bad idea is because it simply can't be done properly. As great as that little anarchy utopia sounds, our human instincts won't let it happen, which I think you agree with.

He wasn't suggesting anarchy; he was basically saying that it won't happen for a very long time.

[wicked_hobbit]

I was there at the Auckland philharmonic concert. It really displayed his true capabilities...Can't wait for the DVD.

[liam1107]

quite simply this man is a ****ing visionary, and he is using music the best way he can, to make a difference (also to express himself), if the whole world were like Serj, it would be a much better place.
a lot of people bitch about musicians giving their point of view, etc... but if the musician has a clear head on the shoulders and what there fighting for is right, then all power to them.
essentially the world is f**ked thanks to thinking the old way. the only way to fix it is by taking new directions that are thought up by great visionaries like serj. yeah this is much easier than it sounds but because serj has also got more power thanks to his music he can spread his message to far more people through his music and use his position to do things such as raise awareness of atrocities that that happened in the past.
dont get me wrong, i love system of a down and would love for them to get back together, but for now,
i truly hope that serj continues to use his power, and position, as a musician to try and make the world a better place.

[shadow__666]

Great interview. I actually ran into Serj one day in the supermarket and I just told him that I was a huge fan of System. He actually stopped to talk to me, although he probably gets it every time he steps outside.

I got the feeling that he's being pretty fatalistic with his last comment - in essence, he seems to be saying it won't ever happen.

[Serjem]

i like both.. his solo career + soad. and ofc i support this guy, he's awsum.

[waveningkan]

woohoo.borat plays music!!!kiddin.serj's awesome.hypnotize was repetitive tho.hope soad will reunite and better toxicity coz dat was 1 heck of an album.

[CaptainBlueEyes]

what a dude =) Elect the dead was fantastic, can't wait for something new.

[SOADriff]

Legend serj. can't wait to hear your new jazz album.

[wicked_hobbit]

He's definitely someone that kids can look up to yet still a very down-to-earth guy

[Jacksta]

System of a down.
Serj Tankian.
Nuff Said.

[henkka_potku]

Nothing about buckethead? bad interview.

[CroMag523]

i is missing soad

[GerGuam]

I don't really get what he wants with the Armenian Genocide thing. I looked it up because I thought it would be something going on right now the way he talks about it. What the hell does he expect people to do about something that happened during WWI?

[s0l1dsnak3123]

System of a Down and Serj tankian are both awesome. On a deeper note, Serj's work has changed the way I perceive life. He has changed the way I think when I see the news. He has pretty much made me a more whole person. I owe him my political awareness and musical taste. He is, in short, my hero.

[edgeyyz]

He's a pretty cool guy, you don't realize a lot of this stuff from just watching or listening to SOAD or his solo stuff. His outlook on the world seems a bit strange but his opinion is definitely straight-forward.

[benwahballs]

the genocide was the mass killing of armenians by the turks in 1915. the thing is that it has been denied by the turks and is denied by the U.S. its injustice because it's a lie. Denial of 1.5 million deaths because of reasons concerning greed and national pride. but the U.S. denies because it has benefits from turkey which is wrong. a lack of awareness... i dont know what you call it. if we want to chnage the old ways then you can't keep lying.

[dobby240]

he looks like them stupid V for vendetta masks

[anymower]

Serj

[waveningkan]

its borat.

[pingu45]

i shook serj's hand at the auckland lantern festival hehe

[problemchild149]

You should go back to System of a Down, man

[Vypor]

Very cool interview. Lots of respect goes to serj! Have always loved SOAD, and elect the dead was pretty cool.

I think Serj is just one of those perfect music icons, and you know he knows what music is all about. I like it when artists can write lyrics that more than just one situation can apply to. hes a very talented musican.

[BoxCarMothra]

krymson wrote:

Anyone else think hes looking more and more like Frank Zappa?

Ha, I thought that, too.
This was a good interview, it's always nice to see what Serj has to say.

[jetwash69]

Don't get me wrong, I like most of the SOAD music, and I know that Daron was the Manson fan, but isn't it a little weird that someone with Serj's politics would be associated with song devoted to a convicted murderer and acclaimed racist (ATWA, i.e., Air, Trees, Water, Animals)? Maybe that's another reason Serj doesn't like discussing song meanings. I guess that's not much weirder than his partner Tom Morello supporting Mexican and Middle Eastern insurgents, though. Don't get me wrong, he plays a mean guitar, but I'm not sure either of them are great role models, politically, for our children. \m/

[decolletagerest]

Is the world capable of healing itself before it destroys itself?

The world yes; civilization no.

Its sad to hear someone say this but its true.
Its a shame their aint more more people like Serj around

[Anwar.Sifat]

guitaringnathan wrote:

im glad you stand for something for serj but your solo album was kinda lame.

True that.

[Anwar.Sifat]

jetwash69 wrote:

Don't get me wrong, I like most of the SOAD music, and I know that Daron was the Manson fan, but isn't it a little weird that someone with Serj's politics would be associated with song devoted to a convicted murderer and acclaimed racist (ATWA, i.e., Air, Trees, Water, Animals)? Maybe that's another reason Serj doesn't like discussing song meanings. I guess that's not much weirder than his partner Tom Morello supporting Mexican and Middle Eastern insurgents, though. Don't get me wrong, he plays a mean guitar, but I'm not sure either of them are great role models, politically, for our children. \m/

http://www.songmeanings.net/songs/view/32806/4/AS C/#comment

[Metallicaloveu]

I met the man recently - he's an idol of mine. He's incredible. I dont agree with the whole no more gvmts though...

[Plaeghdraeger]

Give me back System of a Down :'(

[Dregen]

6cradle6of6filt wrote:

Macabre_Turtle wrote:

I'm intrigued with him rearranging for an orchestra. Simply because, as creative and great as he is, his work, both solo and SOAD, is always really simple, and I didn't see him actually knowing enough about music to justify rearranging for an orchestra.
Not digging that last response... surely a man as smart and political as him realizes how bad of an idea anarchy is...
But, anyways... love him. Really want a new album.

well if anarchy was done properly without people having greed or being selfish, then what's so bad about it? his last comment is practically impossible, but it's what we dream of to happen, a world without prejudice, war, or anything bad. But if we stay as we are, we will never get that.

Any type of government would work if no one was greedy or selfish, you do realize that don't you?

[apimpinsnoman]

Dregen wrote:

6cradle6of6filt wrote:

Macabre_Turtle wrote:

I'm intrigued with him rearranging for an orchestra. Simply because, as creative and great as he is, his work, both solo and SOAD, is always really simple, and I didn't see him actually knowing enough about music to justify rearranging for an orchestra.
Not digging that last response... surely a man as smart and political as him realizes how bad of an idea anarchy is...
But, anyways... love him. Really want a new album.

well if anarchy was done properly without people having greed or being selfish, then what's so bad about it? his last comment is practically impossible, but it's what we dream of to happen, a world without prejudice, war, or anything bad. But if we stay as we are, we will never get that.

Any type of government would work if no one was greedy or selfish, you do realize that don't you?

But people will always be greedy and selfish, and with such we require restraint, lol listen to yourself. +1 to the other guy btw

[slomoslam]

Macabre_Turtle wrote:

I'm intrigued with him rearranging for an orchestra. Simply because, as creative and great as he is, his work, both solo and SOAD, is always really simple, and I didn't see him actually knowing enough about music to justify rearranging for an orchestra.
Not digging that last response... surely a man as smart and political as him realizes how bad of an idea anarchy is...
But, anyways... love him. Really want a new album.

The point he was making there was not about anarchy. The only place there will be no flags, borders, or goverment, is in Heaven, WHEN WE'RE DEAD! I believe his comment was a very dark one, the Jews and the Muslims have been in confilct since around 650AD, and the thought of getting along in this world is next to impossible. A vanquish of governemt would not assuage 1500 yrs of violence when one religion believes the other's prophet was a fraud and the other side believes the other is a bunch of liars for denying their prophet. You can remove all the flags, borders, and govt's you want, that would be the same as removing a person's shoes and then expect them to not want to walk anymore.

[GuitarNooblet]

wow....you guys can not wait to criticize people can you?
Serj is a phenominal musician, SOAD or not.
Whether SOAD gets back together or not, it doesnt really matter, as long as music is being created should be enough satisfaction.

[DoomGuy11]

Rokkec wrote:

Serj Tankian is such a nice fellow and an awesome musician..A lot of people look up to him and for a good reason..And guys, just be patient..SOAD will reunite..but until then..let Serj do his thing

Hells yea

[dessiris]

yes, it did happen a massacre in 1915(but not by the turkish government because at that time, turkey had not been established yet. but the ottomans and the european colonialism caused people to get injured, both socially and historically), but not a genocide. do not speak with the concepts that you don't exactly know what they mean. there was a huge massacre, but there were losts also in both sides (armenians and turks)..so, do not blame turkey from a narrow perspective if you have something to tell

[j-walk]

Bang on guitarnooblet! and serjs solo album was certainly not lame like someone wrote up at the top. Very good album.

[BONE MARROW]

WE WANT SOAD.

[whytefyre_hawk]

I still want System of a Down back dammit!

[pyritmann]

i didnt like his solo project, i want System!

[soapalot]

I would have loved to hear more about how he likes life in New Zealand. I've yet to see him around Auckland but I suppose he does live way out in Piha.

[gasleak]

The solo project was only good for a small amount of time, as SOADs stuff is still good. He is an inspiration to the word punk and that punk should be political songs not just songs about getting wasted. Serj is a legend.

[BassFishin]

His solo album was amazing....just because it isn't System doesn't mean it can't be great. I'd like to ask all of you who said otherwise to try and keep an open mind...although you are entitled to your opinions.

[ratracekid111]

KoRnyKenny wrote:

I want SOAD back

We miss them so... tear*

[lilypondkid2]

hes such an amazing musician and talented guy...even though he does look like borat. very nice. haha

[Timmy.S]

For me, who use to be a HUGE system fan, I think there stuff was lame after toxicity. Steal this albume had some good moments, but not many. And his solo stuff, sounded exactly the same as system. I wanted to hear something else. Like Team Sleep to Chino. Idk. Maybe its just me.

[Xubnormal]

I enjoyed SOAD, but I found myself liking Serj's solo album better than some of System's stuff. Scars on Broadway was... eh, lame. Elect the Dead was done so nicely, I was surprised to find that he wrote most of the instrumentals by himself. Kudos to the fellow.
His political views are certainly very interesting. I'd like to sit down for tea with him sometime to discuss his views on governments and political ideals. Then again, who wouldn't?