Turning to the beats of a different drum, John Dolmayan is undoubtedly one of the biggest names in music today. In the hearts and minds of System Of A Down fans, there is so much more to John than what average critics give him credit for.

John speaks to SOADFans.com, during the band’s hiatus. He talks about Torpedo Comics, other plans during his break from System Of A Down, and gives us a little more insight to his passion for drumming.

At what age did you realize the drums were your instrument? Was it something that you discovered or something that discovered you?
I realized I wanted to play drums since I was 2 years old. with that being said I suppose drums discovered me.

	"Every song I play has a drum solo in it"

When do you call a drum beat boring?
when its predictable.


Do you like to play any other music tools (or instruments) beside the drums?
I prefer to play drums but also enjoy piano ,which I play poorly.


Playing a System of a Down song on the drums is very demanding (ex:Cigaro). What do you do to keep yourself physically capable of playing around 25 songs at a non-stop machine gun pace without tiring out?
I eat allot of deserts and play warcraft for three hours a day.


It appears that you and Sully Erna (Godsmack) are friends, based on various photos seen of the two of you. Have you guys ever discussed doing a project together?
I've never so much as had a phone conversation with Sully, but I consider him to be a nice person.


Now that you're on a break from System Of A Down, is there anyone that you would look forward to working with musically? Are you lining up other opportunities besides Torpedo Comics?
There is no one in particular that I have in mind at this time. I'm pretty much concentrating my efforts on TorpedoComics.com


You've been a big fan of comics since an early age. Did the comics ever influence your music or how you play the drums? if so, in which way or how?
Not really , but they do add to my imagination and enhance my ability to navigate through non traditional thinking.
 

	"I eat allot of deserts and play warcraft for 3 hours a day"

Why have you never done a drum solo ?
Every song I play has a drum solo in it.

 

How do you feel the Buffalo Bills will do this season?
shitty
 

We know you are busy with Torpedo Comics can you tell us more about this project and why you decided to go make 'online' comics company and not just regular company?
Its not an online comic its an online comic store. And I believe its the best way to reach a large market without opening 100 stores.


Speaking of online, what kind of websites do you usually visit and interact with?
Not many, I hate computers.


Do you have any other passions besides comics and drumming, that you might be taking into a broader scale later in life?
I may at some point write a movie script.


Do you plan to take a complete break from the drums during your time off from the band or do you plan to get your sticks out once in a while to try out some new things?
playing drums is a large part of my everyday life, I will always play drums regardless of SOADs status.

Thanks so much John -;)

Credits: Vartan Yousoufian.
Photos by Greg Watermann

Share on Facebook