System of a Down Interview by Argie Plakas

This has been quite the year for System of a Down so far. With the release of Mezmerize, (the first of a two disc release), in May, they have managed to stay on the top of the Billboard charts. With this follow up release to Toxicity, and Steal this Album, they've proven that they are still one of the most innovative and original bands to come around in decades, and are surely giving other bands out there a run for there money.

Serj Tankian, System's charismatic frontman, though frantically busy with SOAD, still manages to play an active role with Axis of Justice, the organization he started with Audioslave's Tom Morello. AXIS has been a huge political force in the Los Angeles community, and has been instrumental in raising social/political awareness of many different causes around the world. 

In addition, of late, Tankian, narrated a powerful documentary, called Armenia, a Country Under Blockade, that was recently featured at the Myrtle Beach International Film Festival. He and the rest of the band have been extremely outspoken and proactive about getting recognition of the Armenian Genocide.

System of a Down - Aerials

Interviews System Of A Down

VOX: So how are things in Cincinnati?

John Dolmayan: It's cold, man. There are lots of neat shops and stuff around here, though, and I'm looking forward to checking stuff out. This is a college city, so there are some cool places I want to go and check out.
VOX: It's raining here in Los Angeles, so you aren't missing much.
JD: LA is home! Rain in Los Angeles beats snow in Cincinnati, I'll tell you that.
VOX: Yeah that's the truth. Let's dive right in…how did you guys cometogether as a band?
JD: Well, different members hooked up at different times. Serj (Tankian, vocals) and Daron (Malakian, guitars) hooked up first…they played together in a band called Soil, which disbanded. They had met Shavo (Odadjian, bass) through friends before that, and once Soil was done, they hooked up. I came in later. We all met through mutual friends. It's really a coincidence that we're all Armenian. It wasn't intentional - that's just how it worked out.
VOX: Where does the System of a Down name come from?
JD: Daron had written this poem called "Victims of a Down" and the first word was changed to "System" - "Victims" was too narrow, and very personal. "System" is broader, more open socially - it's a more open statement. It leaves it open to thought and interpretation.
VOX: It's become almost rare for a band to come out of LA. What do you think of the LA music scene?
JD: I think it's pretty good. LA really sets the trend for the rest of the country, and really for the world. There's a lot of really cool music coming out of LA.
VOX: You guys have a very loyal fan base. You seem to really connect with your fans.
JD: We're all about the live show - that's what has gotten us where we are today. The fans have made us - we're not really a radio or video band, and you know, I wouldn't have it any other way. It's all about us getting the music out and having people really love the album. One song isn't enough. If you have one song, you're there for a while,

System of a Down - Chop Suey

System of a Down

Biography

System of a Down is an American alternative metal band, formed in 1994 from Los Angeles, California. All four members are of Armenian descent, and are widely known for their outspoken views expressed in many of their songs confronting the Armenian Genocide of 1915 by the Ottoman Empire and the ongoing War on Terror by the US government. The band consists of Serj Tankian (vocals), Daron Malakian (vocals, guitar), Shavo Odadjian (bass, vocals) and John Dolmayan (drums).
System of a Down has achieved commercial success with five albums, and many singles such as their breakout hit “Chop Suey!” “Toxicity,” “Aerials,” “B.Y.O.B.,” “Question!” “Hypnotize,” and “Lonely Day.” Their works have earned them one Grammy Award amongst three nominations.

System of a Down went on hiatus in 2006, with Serj Tankian pursuing a solo career and Daron Malakian and John Dolmayan forming Scars On Broadway. Shavo joined together with RZA from the Wu-Tang clan to form Hip-Hop group achozen.

System of a Down is a part of the Axis of Justice, a non-profit organization formed by band member Serj Tankian (along with Tom Morello of Rage Against The Machine), dedicated to bringing together musicians, music fans, and grassroots political organizations to fight for social justice.