Serj Tankian | Broken Record

Musical Roots

Serj Tankian's early musical journey was deeply influenced by his supportive family, especially his father, who was a musician himself. Despite starting late, at the age of 19, Serj's parents encouraged his musical pursuits, providing him with the space and freedom to explore his passion. This support was crucial in his development as an artist, allowing him to connect with a diverse audience, including young Armenian and Iranian musicians who were inspired by his work 1.

My parents, I was living with my parents in my twenties and they heard every note that I've ever played on my guitar or keys, and every voice every day had to deal with it.

--- Serj Tankian

His early band days were marked by a sense of responsibility and maturity, even as he navigated the challenges of the music industry. By the time System of a Down began touring, Serj was 30, bringing valuable life experience to his career 2.

   

Creative Process

Serj Tankian's creative process is a blend of excitement, visualization, and hard work. He approaches each project with enthusiasm, whether it's music, art, or even coffee, and believes in the power of visualization to bring his ideas to life. This method allows him to explore various artistic avenues, although not every endeavor is successful, he remains committed to his passions 3.

I wake up in the morning and I get excited about something, and it could be an art design, it could be a song, it could be an idea of a film that someone wants me to score.

--- Serj Tankian

His intuitive approach to music production, focusing on the emotional impact of a song rather than technical details, has been a hallmark of his work. This intuitive style, coupled with a supportive environment for artists, enhances the creative output 4.

   

Writing Journey

Writing has been an extension of Serj Tankian's artistic journey, allowing him to reflect on his life and activism. His memoir, "Down With The System," weaves together personal experiences, family history, and broader geopolitical themes, using a conversational writing technique to create a fluid narrative. This approach helped him organize complex stories about his family's history and the Armenian genocide 5.

The armenian genocide has always been kind of like the energy river through which this band has always operated.

--- Serj Tankian

Serj's writing also captures his activist spirit, addressing themes like justice, freedom of speech, and anti-authoritarianism. These elements are central to his identity as both an artist and an activist, shaping his work and public persona 6.