Armenian school of rock

Photo by by Tania Traboulsi

Armenian rocker Eileen Khatchadourian has managed to blend traditional Armenian rhythms with rock, and more rock. Here’s how she did it.

Why Rock? Do you feel it talks to people better?

I love rock! Many kinds of rock, and I wanted to adapt Armenian music to a style suitable and accessible to teenage Armenians, or simply to Armenians of a certain age, and of course a style my musicians and I would enjoy composing, rehearsing and performing. There is a gothic touch in my music, but it can be generally categorized as Alternative  Rock . I am not the one who arranges the songs, my arrangers are Miran Gurunian and Mazen Siblini, I give the go-ahead after debates and discussions, I get to say the final word, isn’t that cool? Traditional Armenian songs have never been given a good rock before! This might be one of the major reasons why people enjoy it.

Don’t you feel this limits your crowd?

Definitely not! The crowd and listeners are Armenian youngsters, Armenian adults, and non-Armenians who like world music, rock, and mostly good music. Music is universal; do you really need to understand the lyrics to appreciate a song? Do you need to be a musician to feel the music?

So what’s the point then?

I’m trying to re-introduce traditional Armenian songs that might otherwise disappear in time. I want the young Armenian generations to feel their roots, to abide by them if need be. Also, I’m trying to introduce Armenian music to the non-Armenians.

We need a drink; what’s your favorite?

Fernet Branca!

What she said, and a Jack please. So how about those flashy outfits?

I design my own outfits sometimes, and I’ve been a stylist for many years now, so I put them together. But since I came back to Beirut Krikor Jabotian, my friend and fashion designer, designs my concert outfits. His style is just what I like. It’s as if his clothes were made for me.

Do you like feathers?

Feathers? Mmm… Now that’s the most interesting question I’ve heard. It depends where and how I am using them.

I’ll need more ice here, methinks. What’s next for your singing career?

Well, we’re planning some concerts abroad, in Europe, nothing confirmed yet, negotiations still en cours. So let’s cross our fingers. Also, an album in English.

Can I have your autograph?

Well, if you’ve been a good boy maybe I’ll surprise you… you’re flushed [laughs]; don’t worry, you got it.