By Jin Moon
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Serj Tankian |
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System of a Down's frontman Serj Tankian is known for writing some of modern rock's most intense and hard-hitting songs like "Chop Suey" and "Boom." The words spewing forth from the band's songs were intelligent, questioning, and universal. Teenagers around the world quickly identified with the Los Angeles band's angry lyrics and furious music.
With Serart, Tankian begins a new sonic exploration with fellow Armenian artist Arto Tuncboyaciyan. Flavored with Middle Eastern and Pan-African rhythms, Serart, the first release on Tankian's label, Serjical Strike Records, proves to be a bold venture for the lead singer of System of a Down. On the album, Tankian deconstructs the power of his vocals and lyrics with spastic deliveries and purposefully unstructured songs.
System of a Down fans may be slightly disoriented when they first hear Serart, but that is part of the project's intention. Serart hopes to challenge what people expect to hear with unpredictable, risky musical choices by both Tankian and Tuncboyaciyan. The edgy project pushes the boundaries of music onto a free-form canvas, splattered with lyrics and music as calculated in their randomness as specks of paint on a Jackson Pollack masterpiece.
Tankian took some time out of his busy schedule to answer a few questions about musical inspirations, songwriting, and performing.
What is your songwriting ritual?
I start writing on either the guitar, piano, bass, samples/beats, keyboards, or vocals. Depending on the starting instrument, the song ends up in a certain place. As for lyrics, I generally cut and paste them from my poetry, though I also make a habit of writing fresh words for new music.
Who or what currently inspires you to create music?
Moments, people, sounds, visuals, etc., [inspire me] more than other music. There is not one single artist or album that I favor above all. I also don't have a favorite food, movie, or anything like that. Diversity doesn't include favorites.
What song do you never get sick of performing and why?
I never get sick of performing the song of the moment, which seems to be ever changing.
What was the first concert you ever went to?
Iron Maiden at Irvine Meadows in 1984. I didn't understand or dig them then, but I sure do now.
What has been the most memorable part of your career thus far?
Since the past only exists through my own looking glass, it's all memorable, or not depending on whether I'm present or not.
For more information, check out Serart's official site.
