Daron Malakian, a founding member of System of a Down and known for his distinct guitar style, shares fascinating insights from his musical journey. He recounts how his early exposure to rock, especially Kiss, shaped his passion. The conversation delves into the unique blend of metal and Middle Eastern influences in his band's sound. Malakian also reflects on the emotional depth behind iconic songs like 'Chop Suey' and discusses the evolution of his songwriting process, revealing the personal experiences that fuel his creativity.
Daron Malakian's early exposure to music through bands like Kiss and his family's artistic background shaped his passion for rock music.
The blend of varied musical influences in System of a Down's sound demonstrates the band's unique identity beyond categorization in genres.
Malakian's emotional songwriting abilities emerged at a young age, highlighting his natural talent for connecting with audiences through music.
The evolution of Malakian's artistic journey reflects his desire for personal growth and exploration in music over time.
Deep dives
Early Encounters with Music
The speaker reflects on their early memories of music, particularly their fear and fascination with the band Kiss at the age of three or four. This initial connection sparked a lifelong interest in rock music, with influential experiences such as staying up late to watch Kiss perform on television. At a young age, they began collecting records, initially starting with Paul Stanley's solo album from Kiss and later being introduced to bands like Def Leppard through radio play. This early immersion in both the visual and auditory aspects of music laid the foundation for a deep, personal connection with the genre, despite their family's visual art background.
Cultural Influences and Family Background
The speaker credits their family's artistic environment and heritage for their musical inclinations, revealing that their parents were both artists who instilled an appreciation for creativity. While their parents focused on visual art, music was also present, with their mother singing traditional Arabic songs during pregnancy, hinting at a genetic or environmental link to their musical tendencies. The speaker describes the influence of Arabic music and notable figures like the legendary Egyptian singer Um Kulthum, linking their early influences to their later work. This connection to their roots emphasizes how the cultural backdrop contributed to their identity as an artist.
The Journey into Writing and Performing
At the age of 12, the speaker finally received a guitar after expressing a desire for a drum set, demonstrating how circumstances shaped their musical path. They describe their early songwriting experiences, noting a natural ability to write emotionally resonant songs, even at the young age of 14. As they began sharing their personal compositions with friends, they discovered their capacity to evoke strong emotional responses, such as tears, further enhancing their desire to connect with audiences through music. These formative experiences solidified their identity as a musician, underlying the importance of songwriting in their creative process.
Exploring Musical Identity and Genre Blending
The speaker discusses the challenges of categorizing their band within specific genres, reflecting on how System of a Down's style evolved by blending various musical influences. They touch upon the notion that while many considered their music part of the 'nu-metal' movement, their sound incorporated diverse elements, making them stand out. This blending of rock, metal, and Middle Eastern influences created a unique sound that defied simple categorization, which the speaker embraced. The exploration of different genres not only shaped their music but also expressed their broader taste, allowing them to constantly evolve as artists.
Live Performances and Audience Reception
The speaker shares their experience of performing live, particularly how audience reactions influenced their confidence and performances. They recount challenging gigs, such as opening for Slayer, where they had to win over a skeptical crowd, and how they adapted their stage presence to engage the audience. The tension of performing in unfamiliar settings forced them to grow as an entertainer, while successful engagements filled them with pride. Over time, they reflected on how their audience's recognition changed with success, feeling both the thrill and pressure of larger performances.
Evolution and Challenges of the Band
Throughout their career, the speaker reflects on the evolving dynamic within System of a Down and how the pressures of success affected the band. They emphasize the collaborative songwriting process, where each member contributed, but also acknowledge instances of tension as the project progressed. This internal struggle resonated during the recording of various albums, pushing the band to creatively explore new directions while retaining their identity. The speaker expresses a sense of urgency to keep evolving artistically, noting that the process of growth led them in diverse and unexpected musical territories.
Reflection on Artistic Freedom and Future Aspirations
The speaker highlights the freedom to create music at their own pace in recent years, contrasting it with the pressures experienced during the height of System of a Down's success. While they continue to write for both System and their other band, Scars on Broadway, there's an acknowledgment that personal and artistic priorities have shifted over time. They share a sense of appreciation for the legacy they've created while feeling the need for artistic exploration in future projects. The conversation reinforces the idea that creation is a lifelong journey, where each stage yields new opportunities for expression and growth.
Daron Malakian is a composer, guitarist, vocalist, and record producer, best known as a founding member of System of a Down.
Introduced to heavy metal at four years old when he first heard Kiss, Malakian began playing guitar at 11, developed his own style by 15, and is now cited by Loudwire as one of the “Top 50 Hard Rock + Metal Guitarists of All Time.”
Malakian also founded Scars on Broadway. Over the years, he has collaborated with bands like Metallica and Linkin Park, and he remains recognized as a distinct guitarist in modern rock and metal.
Starting in the spring, Malakian and fellow System of a Down band members have announced 8 stadium shows in South America with over 350,000 tickets all sold out, in addition to sold-out shows at MetLife Stadium, Soldiers Field, and Rogers Stadium in the US.Tour dates can be found here.
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