Los Armenios
Los Armenios – Argentina
The story of Los Armenios band dates back to 2003, when two of its current members, bassist Gabriel Giogourtzian, and vocalist Mariela Moumdjian were joined by drummer Ariel Ferechian forming Hai Band. They performed a repertoire mostly of covers. As Ferechian stepped aside to settle in San Carlos de Bariloche he was replaced by Pablo Kaloustian, bringing his experience playing Armenian rhythms with party-type groups with guitarist Juan Abadjian. Flutist Marcelo Kevorkian, contributed to the band the shvi and duduk, then creating the Los Armenios sound. (adding Jaqui, Marcelo leaves)
The current 2010 line-up of third generation Armenians is: Gabriel Giogourtzian (TOMARZA), Mariela Moumdjian(MARASH), Jacqui Boghossian(URFA), Juan Abadjian (AINTAB), Pablo Kaloustian (VAN)
In their own words, here are what members Gabriel Giogourtzian & Juan Abadjian had to say in interview.
AAN: What direction does the music of Los Armenios take Armenian music today?
Los Armenios: Our direction is real open, trying to keep the spirit of rock and roll and the spirit of our idea of Armenia alive. We are trying to spread the Armenian philosophy and history through our songs.
AAN: How do local non-Armenians in Argentina respond to your music?
LA: They feel very attracted to our music. We offer a new door and a new color for the Argentinean rock lover. The Argentinean is very [big] fan of rock. They enjoy rock music, so for them is a new way to know about our ancient nation. Think that Armenians are living here since year 1900 circa…After 100 years…rock!
AAN: What are the challenges of writing original Armenian music like yours?
LA: Writing original in Armenian is not easy at all. Taking into account that rock music has been invented by Americans [in English]. The Armenian language has some good and some bad points as a tool to write rock music.
Writing in Armenian is a big challenge also for a community where only 10% of the youth speak fluently the language. Imagine that rock is not common to be [heard] by people of 50 or 60 years [of age], also, [they] are the ones that maybe can keep Armenian as a second fluent language to speak.
AAN: Why do you write Armenian music?
LA: We write Armenian music because it’s our connection with our past, the bridge to keep us Armenians in the present and our legacy for the future.
AAN: What would you say about Armenian artists in Argentina or Latin America in general?
LA: It’s hard to explain. I think in every Armenian community there are two types of “Armenian” thinking. First one, the typical Armenian Diasporic way of being that is focused on the clubs, the church, the traditional meetings to eat and dance, etc…And second one, the Armenian that could travel to the Armenian Republica or the one who investigated the Armenian rich culture through internet or other sources and knows that to be Armenian is more important than to eat a nice shish kebab with friends. The artists here are divided in those groups. The ones who still work for the community and the ones that only care for Armenia and to spread the Armenian spirit everywhere. Both are necessary.
AAN: How can Armenian artists support/help each other? And, is that important?
LA: It’s really important that Armenians help each other in every way, not only in the artistic world. Envy, bad competition, gossiping and others are common vices that Armenians have only towards other Armenians. I think if the right persons with good noble hearts are chosen to be organized in the topic, the results would be superb someday.
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And so it was in December 2005, their first shows in the Concert Theatre Moliere located in the district of San Telmo (Buenos Aires) to an audience of two hundred people. In 2006 continuing their presentations, at The Cavern Club, also in Buenos Aires, and again in the Concert Theatre Moliere. In the month of October, they had the honor to be invited by the committee of ladies of the Embassy of Armenia, to commemorate the 15th Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Armenia, where they were received very positively for their rocker style combined with the impeccable voice of Mariela Moumdjian.
Los Armenios debut CD “Republic Diaspora” was released later that year featuring mostly original compositions. In 2007 the group presented their CD at the Piccadilly Theatre, Av. Corrientes, with special guest Jacqui Boghossian, singing chorus. She later joined the band, completing the line-up as it stands today. The group was honored again with an invitation by the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia to present in the Book Fair.
“Republic Diaspora” was nominated for “Best Alternative Album 2007” in the Armenian Music Awards, held annually in Los Angeles, U.S.A. Their second release “Eternal Hope” (2008) was also nominated in the Armenian Music Awards 2009.
Los Armenios continue to perform their original Armenian rock music in Buenos Aires and are currently preparing for a much anticipated third CD release in 2011.