System of a Down's Serj Tankian on 20 Years of “Toxicity” | Broken Record (Hosted by Rick Rubin)

Heritage Impact

Serj Tankian reflects on how his Armenian heritage has profoundly shaped his life and music. Growing up in a household where Armenian was predominantly spoken, he was influenced by his father's love for music, despite his father not pursuing it professionally 1. This cultural backdrop influenced Serj's unique lyrical style, often characterized by unusual word order, which Rick Rubin attributes to Armenian being his first language 1.

It's a kind of different way of seeing things. It's a different perspective, I guess.

--- Serj Tankian

The Armenian community in Los Angeles provided a supportive environment, yet the journey from Lebanon during the civil war was fraught with challenges, including navigating immigration processes and family separations 2.

   

Diaspora Influence

Growing up in the Armenian diaspora in Los Angeles, Serj Tankian and his bandmates shared a unique cultural bond that influenced their music. Despite the diverse musical backgrounds, their common community experiences brought them together, creating a distinct sound that blends Armenian folk elements with heavy metal 3. This fusion is evident in their performances, which Rick Rubin describes as having a tribal feel, incorporating Armenian folk dance and Mediterranean harmonies 4.

That includes rhythms. That includes weird solos and whatnot.

--- Serj Tankian

Their shared heritage and experiences in Los Angeles not only shaped their music but also their philosophical approach to art and activism.