Care to take a guess about who were talking about? If you guessed System of a Down you are absolutely right.
The LA based band SOAD has been setting standards in the Rock scene for several years now, they have inspired many of today’s top bands and new bands who are just starting out from their garage.
Armed with the ability to fuse rock, pop and world music all in one to create tunes that can restart a failing heart, System of a Down has become a legendary force to be reckoned with.

As System of a Down was rocketing up to the top a new generation of musicians were getting ready to follow in their path. Making what seems to be impossible into reality for others; System of a Down has opened the door to many new aspiring musicians who are trying to make a name for them selves in the music scene. As many bands know making a name in the industry these days is not easy but it’s not impossible either. It’s like wanting to take a road trip; you can’t end the trip just because you get a flat tire you need to repair the tire and continue forward no matter what obstacle comes your way.

"I look at my songs as my children."

Bands such as Red Snow, Opus Dai, One Side Zero, the Alchemist Element, Fermata and many others who have been influenced by SOAD are hard at work, creating new music and a following. While hard at work to meet industry standards, majority of bands realize how difficult it is to get the recognition and attention of major record labels thus giving up to early in the game and calling it quits. The fortunate bands that do get a chance and get picked up, often loose their humbleness and don’t understand that the hard work is just beginning.

As quoted to me by Daron Malakian, “a lot of these bands think that once they get a record deal then that’s it, they have it made. What usually happens is they will record one album which will get shelved in stores and you’ll never hear from that band again. In order to succeed you have to keep writing new songs constantly.”
Daron said “I look at my songs as my children, I will keep writing and one will be famous another will be average and some will be lost just like kids. If you stop writing then you’re done and have no where else to go.” These are words of wisdom to all inspiring musicians who want to make a name and keep succeeding in the industry. It’s not easy to create on a constant basis but it is the key to success.

You as artists or musicians are in the business of creating new music that will stand out from the crowd and will be different from any other, as long as you keep focused on that and don’t give up you will make it. Remember what makes your band different then any of the thousands of bands out there competing for fame? If you can figure that out then you will be on your way to stardom. Music should inspire and move people emotionally if it’s done right. Sometimes the simplest song will captivate an audience and that’s what it takes to be heard.
 

By Vartan Yousoufian

Vartan is the founder of Rockblvd, an organization founded in 2003 to support new bands and strives to make a difference for them in their struggle to make it to the top.





 

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