Part
VIII. Outro
Well, after a
bunch of lengthy html pages and sloppy graphics, have we really
managed to cover the history of Armenian rock music? Probably, not
quite. We have traced most of the chronological events throughout
almost 40 recent years, got acquainted with most popular bands,
artists and events. But what is it like to understand the musical
art? First and foremost, music is a message. A message through which
artists and musicians are capable of communicating with their
listeners by revealing a piece of their inner world. The most sacred
thoughts that usually cannot be conveyed through words, are carried
through music. Rock music is one of the most liberate and free form
of such communication, therefore by fully portraying the rich world
of Armenian music, we had to drift away and relive not only
historical events, but also cultural trends and the atmosphere of
the whole era. A lot has changed through the course of last 40
years. We went from our "Spasibo Partii Za Nashe Schastlivoe
Detstvo" ("Thanks to the Communist Party for out Happy Childhood")
all the way to "Paykar Paykar Minchev Verj" and then only God knows
where.. We've been exposed to "Cherburashka" and "Chunga Changa"
cartoons to find out ourselves in cold apartments below zero degrees
with only one hope: to have electricity to watch "Santa Barbara".
We've seen our values shatter many times with the fall of
yesterdays' idols. Most of all, we are the nation who have gone
through the devastating earthquake, through massacres in Sumgait and
Baku, through economic depressions and blockade, through mass
immigration, through a long war and loss of hope. At the end we
emerged with more optimism carrying the legacy of all the hard years
in our art, in our music...
Surely, bands from Armenia rarely get much of attention outside
the country (if any), and rarely embark on concert tours beyond its
borders. Reason? Well, throughout years bands and artists have
proven on more than one occasion that their music is no less
professional, crafty and complicated than any other band abroad.
Armenian musicians are among the most talented, but also among the
less visible ones. No doubt that if given a chance, most of today's
rock and pop bands would easily claim worldwide success. Especially
now when the worldwide recognition of Armenian music has been
proven. Take a look at how Jivan Gasparyan's records are being sold
on amazon.com... Look how popular Armenian descendants are across
the globe. Charlez Aznavour, the artist of the century recognized by
the "Times" magazine... Michelle Legrand, French composer and
musician... Alan Hovannes with his interesting fusion style of
classics, Armenian folklore and new age... "System of a Down",
Armenian band who was considered by many as the best rock band in
2001. Styles and music so different - two opposite poles. Yet one
thing in common: love for motherland and Armenian heritage.
So coming back to my question. Why is it that musicians in
Armenia get so little visibility? I believe, the reason is quite
obvious. Rock music is still considered more as a hobby than a
profession. Rock musicians barely ever make any money simply because
the number of rock listeners is not that big. Therefore, making
profit from records or concerts has never been among primary goals.
It's rather dedication and love for the music and support of the
little (but still solid) fanbase in Armenia that motivates them. And
while the new generation reveals a lot of talented musicians in rock
and pop scene, the rock stage is still relatively smaller. So today
we have to hope that on one glorious day the spell over rock music
will finally be lifted, and hye-bands of tomorrow will enjoy success
not only in Armenia, but also in the galaxies far far away. Judging
upon the latest events and achievements, that golden age may not be
too far. Until then let's enjoy what we have today: talented
musicians, artists and songwriters who make our lives merrier with
the beauty of their music.
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