Serj Tankian Ethnicity, Wikipedia, Wiki, Solo Album, Height, Wife, Young, Religion, Tour
Serj Tankian Ethnicity, Wikipedia, Wiki, Solo Album, Height, Wife, Young, Religion, Tour – Serj Tankian is a famous musician known for being the lead vocalist of the Grammy Award-winning rock band, ‘System of a Down.’ Beyond his role as a rockstar, Tankian wears many hats, including being a record producer for ‘Serjical Strike Records,’ a musician, a poet, and a political activist. Throughout his career, he has achieved significant success both with his band and as a solo artist. Let’s delve into his life and career to learn more about this remarkable individual.
Serj Tankian Early Life and Education
Serj Tankian was born on August 21, 1967, to Armenian parents in Beirut, Lebanon. When he was five years old, his family relocated to Los Angeles, California. He attended the Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School and later enrolled at California State University, Northridge. It was during his college years that he discovered his passion for music. Tankian started experimenting with musical instruments and began writing songs, setting the stage for his future in the music industry.
Serj Tankian Career Beginnings
Tankian’s musical journey began when he joined forces with Daron Malakian, Shavo Odadjian, and Domingo Laranio to form a band called ‘Soil.’ After some changes in the lineup, they rebranded themselves as ‘System of a Down’ in 1994.
The band initially played at local parties and rock clubs, steadily building a loyal following. Their breakthrough came in 1998 with the release of their self-titled debut album, ‘System of a Down,’ which achieved great success and laid the foundation for their future achievements.
In 2001, ‘System of a Down’ released ‘Toxicity,’ an album that is still regarded as one of their most successful to date. The following year, they released ‘Steal This Album!’ Their productivity peaked in 2005 when they released two albums in the same year, ‘Mesmerize’ and ‘Hypnotize,’ with the latter outperforming the former. These albums marked the end of their collaboration before a four-year hiatus.
During this hiatus, Serj Tankian ventured into a solo career, releasing ‘Elect the Dead’ in 2007, accompanied by an official tour. He continued to express his activism through music by releasing the song ‘Fears’ in support of Amnesty International’s ‘Write-A-Thon’ in 2008. In 2009, he performed a symphonic version of ‘Elect the Dead’ with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra in New Zealand, which was later released as ‘Elect the Dead Symphony’ in 2010.
Serj Tankian Solo Career and Beyond
Tankian’s solo career continued to flourish with the release of his second album, ‘Imperfect Harmonies,’ in 2010. In the same year, ‘System of a Down’ announced their reunion for tours in the U.S. and Europe, delighting fans worldwide.
In 2011, Serj Tankian temporarily shifted his focus away from music to co-write a play based on the Ancient Greek Tragedy ‘Prometheus Bound’ with Steven Sater. The play was featured at the American Repertory Theater.
In 2012, Tankian released his third solo studio album, ‘Harakiri,’ followed by his fourth album, ‘Orca,’ in the following year. These albums showcased his versatility by incorporating elements of rock, progressive rock, and jazz into his music.
In 2013, he released his fifth studio solo album, ‘Jazz-Iz Christ,’ under Serjical Strike Records, further expanding his musical horizons.
Serj Tankian Major Achievements
‘System of a Down’ achieved significant success with their self-titled debut album in 2000. The album was certified gold by the RIAA and later platinum after the release of their second album. It is also featured on the list of ‘1001 Albums You Must Hear before You Die.’
Their second album, ‘Toxicity,’ released in 2001, sold a remarkable 12 million copies worldwide and achieved multi-platinum status. It reached the number one position on major U.S. and Canadian charts, solidifying their position in the music industry.
‘Hypnotize,’ the band’s last studio album released in 2005, debuted at number one on the Billboard 200. This achievement was primarily due to the simultaneous release of ‘Mesmerize,’ making ‘System of a Down’ one of the few bands to achieve such a feat in a single year. ‘Hypnotize’ was certified ‘Platinum’ in the U.S. by the RIAA.
Serj Tankian Awards and Recognition
In 2005, ‘System of a Down’ received the Europe Music Award for ‘Best Alternative Act.’ The following year, they won a Grammy Award for ‘Best Hard Rock Performance’ for their single ‘B.Y.O.B.’
In 2006, the single ‘Toxicity’ was ranked at number 14 on VH1’s list of ‘Top 40 Metal Songs.’
Serj Tankian Personal Life and Activism
Serj Tankian is not only a musician but also a dedicated activist. In 2002, he co-founded the non-profit organization ‘Axis of Justice’ alongside Tom Morello. This organization aimed to promote the involvement of youth in politics and social justice causes.
In his personal life, Tankian married Angela Madatyan, his long-term girlfriend, on June 9, 2012, in California. Beyond his musical and activist endeavors, he is a passionate animal rights advocate and has supported causes like PETA’s campaign against the mistreatment of chickens in KFC abattoirs.
Tankian, along with his fellow ‘System of a Down’ band members, participated in the documentary film ‘Screamers,’ which addresses the United States’ stance on genocide. He has also organized and taken part in numerous protests related to human rights, social justice, and genocides.
Serj Tankian Social Media Accounts
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Trivia about Serj Tankian
Interestingly, before his music career took off, Serj Tankian was the CEO of a software company, showcasing his diverse range of talents.
In conclusion, Serj Tankian is a multifaceted individual who has made a significant impact in the music industry and as a political and social activist. His contributions to music and his dedication to important causes demonstrate the power of art and activism to effect positive change in the world.
Are Daron and Serj still friends?
Yes, they are still friends. Even though there might be some differences in their creative decisions, they continue to do shows together and get along well. Their friendship remains strong.
Why did Serj Tankian’s voice change?
Serj Tankian’s voice changed possibly because he developed inflammation in his vocal cords. This condition gradually affected the strength of his voice and made him rely on a smoother singing style. He also started using his nose more when singing because using his chest voice made him tired and out of breath during performances.
What is Serj Tankian’s religion?
Serj Tankian has a unique perspective on religion. He once mentioned in an interview that his beliefs are similar to “that tree over there.” His spirituality is a blend of Native American, Christian, Buddhist, and Transcendental ideas. He sees the Earth as a mother figure and embraces a diverse set of spiritual influences.
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