How System of a Down Works | Artists Series S2E6

▶▶ Craft your image and reveal it through your music! Learn to create music that makes bodies move, touches hearts and captures minds. Music that only you could write. That's what we teach at Holistic Songwriting Academy.
Find out more here: holistic-songwriting.com/hsaw...
▶ Claim Your 2 Free Months of Skillshare: skl.sh/Holistic3
▶ Join the community, claim gifts: bit.ly/HSWelcomePackage
✔ Subscribe: bit.ly/Subscribe2HS
▶ Take one of my Songwriting Courses: bit.ly/HSenroll
❤ Leave a tip: bit.ly/virtual_tip_jar
▶ Buy a shirt: bit.ly/HS_Merch
▶ Read the blog: bit.ly/Read_HS_Blog
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All 4 band members of System are of Armenian heritage, which is apparent not just in the music, but their stage design using traditional Armenian rugs or even the artwork for their double album, which was created by guitarist Daron Malakian’s father.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Holistic Songwriting is the most relevant resource for modern Songwriters/Producers on the net.
Friedemann Findeisen is an award-winning songwriter and the author of the bestselling book "The Addiction Formula". As a musical profiler, he coaches some of the biggest producers in Germany.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Video Equipment used:
✔ Camera: bit.ly/profilecam
✔ Lens: bit.ly/blurrylens
✔ Lighting: bit.ly/2softboxes
✔ Back light: bit.ly/HSbacklight
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
➽ Follow me on Facebook: holisticsongwriting
➽ Join me on Twitter: / holisticsongs

[@finalscore2983]

Did you just heart every comment? Please heart this one too for irony.

[@Holistic-songwriting]

Your wish is my command :) And yes, I want people to know I read their comments, but also remind myself which I've already read.

[@binzianer]

I thought I was special :'(

[@finalscore2983]

KZbinrs who dedicate themselves so much are rare. Even the smallest thing counts. Das ist auch was viele Männer jeden Tag hören... oder so wird mir gesagt.

[@Holistic-songwriting]

@@finalscore2983 ha!:D

[@Holistic-songwriting]

@@binzianer You are. You're a special snowflake boy.

[@gonzalovandamme5846]

My words: -Psycho -Groupie -Cocaine -Crazy

[@dhill05]

LOL

[@MESHQuality]

haha, a good one

[@tippy400]

Pepperoni Green peppers Onions Olives Chives!

[@demiurge8665]

Well played, tip of the hat to u sir

[@dhill05]

@@tippy400 Pepperoni Green Peppers MUSHROOMS Olives Chives

[@lew6876]

1.Armenia 2.Weirdness 3.Politics 4. *T A B L E*

[@fotismonocheir1446]

Uhhh no? The table is James hetfield obviously..

[@OEpistimon]

@@fotismonocheir1446 Why'dyouleavethekidsuponthe T A B L E

[@Timliu92]

4. James Hetfield*

[@revelatedsouls]

@@OEpistimon you wanted to!

[@ZackDunlapGaming]

@@OEpistimon It's keys not kids, and table is definitely a lulu thing.

[@Teh3aZ]

1. Release 2. A 3. New 4. Album

[@rogerj412]

I thought this was supposed to be about S.O.A.D. not Tool.

[@Itsunclegabby]

So I can steal that one too.

[@jackburnette4883]

@@rogerj412 Tool just released a new albumb, i know 10 months late, but awesome

[@stephandarakjian248]

Serj didnt write the first album, he wrote the lyrics for the first album. Daron wrote the music for the first album and all the albums. Daron contributed lyrics on mezmerise and hypnotize.

[@Blueberrypancake306]

I was surprised by how far down the comments I had to scroll before finding this. Ha

[@Jimmy1982Playlists]

@@Blueberrypancake306 Me, too... I thought the video was great - save that one piece of misinformation.

[@alpur214]

And I think we can all agree that Daron and Serj make some amazing harmonies together.

[@martintorres875]

There is Jarbo and Micheal Gira from swans

[@dontellahfonne]

1. Wake-up 2. Grababrushandputalittle 3. Make-up

[@HopUpOutDaBed]

ashfkasjdfhkjdhskjasjfna shake-up!

[@duhbassist]

U wanted TOO!

[@alexdukhan]

10:22

[@tbhousen]

4.HideTheScarsToFadeAwayTheShakeup

[@devincory9695]

Ok, 4 words to describe System Of A Down, coming right up: 1. table 2. table 3. table 4. table

[@passionoflovers]

Devin Cory ahahah meeeemeees xdD

[@coledunnachie555]

Oh yes

[@Dariussica1]

Why'd you leave the kids upon the table

[@Timliu92]

More like James Hetfield! 😁😁✌✌

[@monkeyrobotsinc.9875]

lmfao

[@mathismarshall8242]

Listening to System of a Down is like a rollercoaster to me

[@mbrsart]

I feel like these guys are only one of the only truly unique metal bands out there.

[@Verdugothewatcher]

Brings me back. System of a Down I feel were my gateway drug to extreme metal. I come back to them for their inventive combination of intensity with groove. I remember the first time I heard B.Y.O.B it didn't sound like any heavy song I'd ever heard before (which, really, at that point it was whatever my dad had been playing like Metallica, Megadeth, White Zombie etc). It just felt so oddly like a dance song dressed up as a metal song: a political message dressed up like a court jester.

[@rt0035]

Daron is the one who sings “sugar” in Sugar.

[@fungusly]

Thank you I was looking for this comment

[@shcxatter2]

I had a period about 4-5 years ago, when I was obsessed with SOAD, during that time I listened to them almost exclusively, I think you sparked that passion again, after watching the video, I suddenly feel the urge to listen to SOAD!

[@Jimmy1982Playlists]

There's never been a band that, basically, totally wiped out all other music from my cd rotation for months and months on end, when _Toxicity_ came out... I mean, my whole family ended up learning the album note for note, I listened to it so much. My mom would get SOAD songs stuck in her head for days at a time lol

[@charlescrumpler510]

Political, Middle Eastern, Humorous, Smarter than they initially seem

[@reNINTENDO]

Hey! "Smarter than they initially seem" was the word I got yesterday on my Word a Day Calendar.

[@norijagar]

Armenia is not the middle east . Likewise, the band members are not middle eastern

[@hardizengana]

Their band memebers are still middle eastern with armenia itself having almost all it's influences in culture and music from the middle east

[@peniseusgiganticus9558]

Fullmetal Norik . Armenia IS indeed middle eastern

[@RIKKIDAHQUEEN]

@@norijagar wasnt serj born in beirut though

[@miguelpereira9859]

Can't believe you didn't use Suggestions in that "funny vocals" section

[@AB-cu7mw]

Miguel Pereira or Serj’s ‘mouth trumpets’ in Pictures

[@Psychprogrock]

Exactly! I was expecting that "Shore, sir! Shore, sir!", but it never played.

[@olivierpeartnoy]

Or Violent Pornography

[@notablink182fanaccount2]

or the snort in Ddevil

[@rt0035]

Big oof

[@alexfordyce27]

I hope any of the System guys sees this. It explains perfectly what makes them a fucking great band. I could only hope it would inspire them to get together, put aside whatever differences they have had in the past, and create one more album

[@purifiedcrwn7722]

Alex Fordyce it is nearly impossible now :( Maybe you should check Serj's facebook page. SOAD forever.

[@alexfordyce27]

Purifiedcrwn I know the post you’re talking about. It was good that he explained why things are the way they are but it’s disappointing at the same time :(

[@purifiedcrwn7722]

Alex Fordyce agree

[@goatsurgeon]

System of a Down sounds insane, chaotic, but the energy is focused and the lyrics strike profound points every now and then You get songs like Pizza Pie or whatever and then you get others

[@goatsurgeon]

Oh four words Missed that part

[@bubbles-1020]

what a splendid pie!

[@yigitcengil2465]

I don`t wanna offend you but that song is called Chic`n Stu

[@yigitcengil2465]

I totally agree with the statement BTW

[@miguelpereira9859]

Hey Chic n' Stu is art

[@eminem7152]

1-Oriental 2-Humoristic 3-still delivering an important message

[@muhammadayyad9321]

The way I see system of a down is, they try to paint a whole picture with a song by having everything in there. It's both simultaneously all over the place but comes together. It's like yin and yang, you have peace and chaos and they're both perfectly balanced into this music. It's like getting several unique perspectives that form 1 idea.

[@rosskane2971]

Flipping through TV channels is a really good description of their music

[@sehlordhorr8540]

Ross Kane 😆

[@calamidadsinfin]

I really loved how you finished this video: "SOAD members are more like fingers on a hand that closes and make a fist"

[@soldierside365]

How does system of a down work? Apparently, right now, they don’t...

[@toprak3479]

ouch

[@killiancarter9091]

This is the first thing I thought when I saw the title too. Hopefully those fuckers will get their shit together one day :D We need you SOAD!!!

[@datdatdemon5370]

soldierside365 those are my feelings you’re hurting

[@soldierside365]

KingAsh we’re all hurting... truth does that to a person

[@maartensaueressig8215]

F

[@maxpackard1952]

Radiohead, Muse, and now System of a Down? I'm in love with you :O

[@MrEzracool96]

Max Packard they’re three of my favourite bands too 😁 you like Metallica?

[@maxpackard1952]

ezray I love Metallica :D

[@jackmack9422]

My top 3 bands

[@DCow2954]

Mastodon or The Mars Volta! Both have such incredible song catalogues that have their own unique sound while still being proggy, complex, and catchy af. ❤️

[@MikeSigsworth]

+1 for The Mars Volta

[@Sognafar]

Mastodon fucckkk. Crack the Skye

[@thecoderofyoutube]

I believe I might have mentioned Mastodon on a previous post or 5. Do Mastodon!!!

[@awol.oper8r]

TMV! Mastodon too tho fr

[@andyholmes1507]

they're trying to build a prison. DUN DUN DUN DUN DUN DUN DUN DUN DUN DUN DUN DUN DUN DUN DUNDUNDUNDUN

[@Verdugothewatcher]

If you see this, though: A Dillinger Escape Plan episode would be unreal. I feel there's so much to mine from their chaotic, bizarre, yet distinctly recognizable personality. Theory-wise I've never seen anybody take them on and I'd be interested to see what's under the hood from a more theoretically-inclined brain.

[@Drumbum1021]

EdFrankBlack they’re imo the single most important metal band of the last 20 years. 6 critically acclaimed albums, a loyal fan base, and the utmost respect of their peers. I definitely agree this band should have their own episode

[@animalblack8482]

I'm more of a classic rock, british post punk and grunge listener but this band always caught my attention and was very intriguing. Nice job on your analysis. Thxu

[@haykisayan2206]

As an Armenian, growing up, their music influenced my taste in... pretty much everything. Also to this day I can't listen to Holy Mountains without tearing up and feeling excruciating pain. Fantastic video man, thank you for covering this truly one of a kind band!

[@crazyaboutnature]

Alice in Chains w/ an emphasis on the Layne Staley era.

[@andreipavel4389]

THIS!

[@sundigest1121]

Omg yes

[@monkeyrobotsinc.9875]

DUH

[@lovelyy6491]

Great video! System is the only metal band that i was ever interested in. Have you done an episode on Björk? 'Cause i'd absolutely love that

[@SebSoGa]

Please upvote this dude! AMEN!

[@rskl8083]

If you like Bjork could you recommend anything that sounds like army of me?

[@lovelyy6491]

@@rskl8083 Play Dead, Enjoy... maybe Crying, Human Behaviour, Mutual Core. not many resembles Army of Me, but they're just as amazing

[@lovelyy6491]

@@SebSoGa I'm a girl :)

[@SebSoGa]

siren oh, I’m sorry! 😅

[@mathismarshall8242]

I'm just 5 minutes in, but I can't believe how much I have already learned!

[@machtkatze3252]

System has been my favoiurite band for somewhat 13 years now, and yet your video has shown me their music from a new perspective, making me appreciate it even more and especially giving me a feeling of hearing their songs for the first time again. Thank you :)

[@nedra93]

Thank you so much for making these videos. I had heard of System of a Down before, but I didn't know any of their background... And now I have a whole new appreciation for their music. I would love to see videos in the future about 311, Rush, and OKGO. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge.

[@alaslipknot]

Wow! this is gonna be such a nostalgic episode! thank you!! also I would really appreciate it if you tackle Slipknot, i know lots of people don't like them and think they are nothing but a gimmicky masked band, but their angry and dark lyrics and the "violence" and energy in their music almost doesn't exists anywhere else, thanks!

[@SlimeyGuitarStrings]

Anyone who thinks that Slipknot is just a mask gimmick hasn't listened to their music. You have 9 guys on stage playing their ass off and it's some sort or organized insanity. On top of that, most of the people on stage are very good at what they play. Joey was a amazing on drums, both Mick and James are insanely talented guitarists, Corey is a vocalist on another level than most other vocalists. Paul was in my opinion not an amazing bassist, but a good writer. Some of the guys I just don't know enough to make a statement on.

[@alaslipknot]

Shawn Crahan (Clown) was always be the main guy behind all the visuals, in both live shows, videoclips, new albums Masks, etc... you can say he's "the ideas guy" in the band, i'been listening to them since i was 14 years old (25y.o now), and when it comes to "meaningful songs" that really had an impact on me they will always be the #1, would really love to see them analyzed here.

[@cbfedge5593]

I'd kill for this

[@zmkdco8956]

Wow. I was looking for a video that would analyze SOAD's eastern influences, because that intrigues me. You not only provided that analysis, but so much more, exceeding my expectations. Nobody else provides this kind of depth in analyzing music artists. Thank you so much.

[@skudface]

Man you are one of the coolest channels on KZbin. Very informative and entertaining simultaneously! Keep it up!

[@loganbarclay5075]

Wow. I don't know how you manage to make each video in this series unique compared to the previous one. I think the call to go for more of a broader perspective instead of getting bogged down in the theory was the best choice you could've made to properly express what SOAD is all about. Seriously, these videos are the highlight of my month and I hope you keep going with them. I always make sure to recommend a couple bands as well so here we go: Periphery, 30 Seconds to Mars, King Crimson, Animals As Leaders, Polyphia, Avenged Sevenfold, Dream Theatre, Killswitch Engage, Pink Floyd, The Police, Primus, Queen, Queens of the Stone Age, Rage against the Machine, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Rush and Steely Dan. Seriously, anyone of those would be amazing.

[@vargapatrik2967]

Great video about my favorite band, but I have to point out that at 6:52, it's Daron saying "Sugar". Love your stuff, and would love to see a Sum 41 episode, if you already mentioned them :D

[@PedroNogueiranunes]

This channel is just wonderful. I'm seriously impressed by how well everything is made.

[@firasalshalabi6333]

only one minute through the video and I immediately hit like.it is so authentic to break down the characteristics of their songs like this

[@METTI1986LA]

The way rick rubin is breaking down the Rythm of the band opened my eyes eh ears

[@charlescrumpler510]

But, I’m all seriousness, I think an episode on either The Mars Volta or King Crimson would be very rewarding.

[@adrianb2232]

I second that

[@gusmatchain7299]

I third this

[@ebenlwful]

Fourth 👍🏻

[@weedlesbian]

big sixth

[@markmetott8331]

Seventh circle

[@akoronias]

dude, you're doing a fantastic job with these videos!! keep them coming!! SOAD (as well as Radiohead) were a big part of my teenage years!! The breakdown of the roots of each band both musically and socially is amazing and enlighting!

[@chesterrory]

I just can't get over on the fact how much I enjoyed this video! Thanks a lot!

[@seangill2413]

Yet another episode filled with dope analysis and thought provoking ideas, I thoroughly enjoyed it! I would love to see one on The Cure or Depeche Mode in the future!

[@szambi5299]

Korn. They're very unique in their sound.

[@brandonmains8958]

Loving these videos! Huge SOAD fan and this gives me great perspective on my own creative process!

[@johnnyk5489]

As a diehard SOAD fan I will say this guy really gave a good in depth analysis and was on point.

[@Monius13]

I don't know much about Armenian history or the culture, but Arto was one of the coolest things I heard from SOAD. Very well constructed. And the sound painted a picture. Love these guys. Thanks for the video! Edit: Wish you would have mentioned Lost In Hollywood. Both Serj and Daron's vocals together on that track in particular are chilling to me. And I've heard 3 live versions that sounded completely different while still maintaining those chills. Sidenote: Wish they'd figure stuff out. Those 2 together are one of my favorite teams in metal. Their vocals are perfect together.

[@roni6135]

I'd love to see a video on the Foo Fighters or the Red Hot Chilli Peppers !

[@sharihsn9692]

wow okay it doesnt happen everyday that you end up watching a radom video in youtube and are suprised about how good it is! so insightful, humorous and accurate! definately following! keep up the amazing work!

[@jonnyreid7823]

By far my favorite episode so far. I laughed a lot, and I learned a lot. Thank you. I look forward to seeing you continue to progress.

[@seanclements3783]

Great video, as always! I find them a great source of inspiration and insight! Nine Inch Nails and Soundgarden are my suggestions for your artists series

[@hughman7827]

Do korn next

[@CloudKnife]

Yes, I'd love to see a breakdown of Korn

[@cbfedge5593]

This would be AMAZINGGGG

[@lukazlukaz9400]

No.. Please don't do Korn hahah

[@sundigest1121]

Good idea

[@monkeyrobotsinc.9875]

meh

[@bertustander260]

Really enjoying seeing you continue to do, and support this series. I am excited and hopeful for more; especially hope you'd consider doing an episode on *BLIND GUARDIAN*.

[@WhiteAsylumMind]

First vid I've seen from you, subscribed. I love System of a Down, this was so well done!

[@ParisChristianne]

Words: -Raw -Unstable -Powerful -Bittersweet

[@Dmitry___S.]

Armenia Politics Humour I-E-A-I-A-I-O 🤟😝

[@MayhemMatty]

I can't find no reason to disagree with these. None at all.

[@mustangv-rt7bl]

🤘🤘🤘

[@dantebad]

Man I love the way you are editing your essays. Awesome!

[@fabiosousa815]

Thank you for this channel, you are helping me improve my songwriting. Cheers from Rio de Janeiro!

[@PASTACATProductions]

I grew up listening to System, and I guess since my brain was so chaotic then I didn't even realize how wacky a lot of their stuff is. Great video! Have you done The Mars Volta yet?

[@Meccarox]

My favorite band.

[@MESHQuality]

Powerful and Melodic :) Thanks for the great video! System

[@sharifkhan6053]

Dude! your channel is sick! love the videos. Very useful content for aspiring musicians.

[@datix]

what about steven wilson?

[@aadilbhogal9352]

Soundgarden

[@JayQuigleyPlayQuickly]

Such an amazing, intelligent analysis. You're among the best things on KZbin.

[@creepingdeth_]

That was great. And way deeper than expected. Thank you.

[@danpieraccini]

I'd like to hear an analysis of how the band Fun. writes music. Very post-genre and a lot of dynamics and movement/instrumentation.

[@FilipeSousa97]

I always loved Serj more than the rest and knowing the first self titled album was basically all him only makes more sense to me since it's my favorite album. Great video! You could also review Linkin Park there's a lot of interesting things to talk about them

[@SingerSongwritingSchool]

I love how you get inside the head of the artists in some of these artist series videos. I break down the lyrics and melodic/harmonic structure of songs in my videos but don't venture into the culture/history/passion of the artists. Very cool.

[@UnifiedAdrenaline]

this was good man, really appreciate system of a down as a force. I listened to " the secret power music holds over you", another youtube video a while ago, which confirmed ideas of how I use listening to music. I instated in myself an idea of prioritizing humility, coupled with non idolatry, which kept me from "getting to know creators." This made for a pleasant experience of you portraying some individualism of band members. Great video

[@OnyxSkiesXIX]

Bands to do next: The Smashing Pumpkins Opeth Thrice Thursday AFI

[@Schi1sm]

OnyxSkiesXIX yes Opeth would be great!

[@MikeSigsworth]

+1 For Opeth

[@thiagoalema]

Thumbs up for Thrice

[@monkeyrobotsinc.9875]

all those bands suck ass except for opeth in their prime. FAIL. dont waste our time.

[@henrypaulino9063]

1. Versatility 2. Perfection 3. Relatability 4. Rebellious.

[@joyleensanchez2042]

This video is amazing!! Thank you!! I’m a HUGE soad fan!

[@toddholt1290]

Would really like to hear your thoughts on Coheed and Cambria.

[@Leinarth_]

A Linkin Park episode would be awesome!

[@SlimeyGuitarStrings]

Oh man this would be amazing. I was watching Rick Beato's channel recently and he was talking about the suspended 6th chord in Easier to Run. It's what gives it that isolated, yet standing still feeling and is a very unusual chord. The only other song I know of with a similar feeling chord is Bulletproof ... I Wish I Was by Radiohead, and technically that's a dominant 6th. I get the feeling there's more going on in their music than I'm aware of, yet 13 year old me listened to their first couple albums on repeat.

[@finalscore2983]

For a second, I thought you meaby bulletproof by la roux. I do not remember a suspended sixth in la roux's music lol.

[@SlimeyGuitarStrings]

I think it was this one /watch?v=j-uvwT9zC_A

[@hedworm]

They are a brilliant group of artists that perfects the (rarely used) power of chaos. Loved this breakdown, thx man

[@VictorDrakesjc]

SOAD was one of the first metal bands I truly became a fan of back in the day. @Holistic Songwriting Thanks for the memories! A more recent but similarly chaotic band that also loves blending genres is the Aussie band Twelve Foot Ninjas. Dunno if they’ve done enough to merit a video (they’ve done 2 LPs and 2 EPs for now) but they definitely have a unique sound!

[@gerardoa9179]

Please do video How Rush Works.

[@cookiequeen5430]

emotions. all of them.

[@cookiequeen5430]

omg, after watching this video i have to listen to all of soads albums right now. thank you :)

[@chango_wero]

I've been a fan of system since 2000 and this video was pure joy to me, full of things I've noticed before and also great jokes. So thank you. You've gained one more subscriber :p Cheers mate

[@davidmunoz8215]

The idea about creating an image through your life and art is genius

[@cliffsharp1771]

Do Mastodon!!!!

[@FredNagel]

Hooray Asstodon!

[@thecoderofyoutube]

MASTODON!!!!

[@MarioBiron666]

Please make one of Fear Factory

[@binzianer]

Damn already over!? I thought we were just getting started! Awesome as always!

[@YouNoob93]

Saw this video and the Tool one. Great content, you earned a subscription

[@CopperWhiskers]

Is TesseacT something you would do?

[@martinchamorro5716]

Great work. A Frank Zappa episode please.

[@Bodyknowledge77]

Martin Chamorro I believe Zappa would have appreciated SOAD

[@thecoderofyoutube]

@@Bodyknowledge77 Definite influences in SOAD from Uncle Frank.

[@TheCivildecay]

Honestly this is BEST music channel on youtube

[@mrfluffnstuff1095]

The video i didnt know i was waiting for. Perfect timing too as my lifelong obsession with this band was recently reignited

[@matts9487]

Could you do Rush?

[@j.prt.979]

I’m a year late to the party but here are my four words: 1. Innovative 2. Angry 3. Political 4. Lyrical

[@mitigiant5328]

You are doing really great job man! Subscribed

[@theother1193]

Interesting Insight. Good to see deeper thoughts into band's. I subscribed

[@rckstr1123]

Please do Green Day! Billie Joe Armstrong's amazing lyrics and catchy riffs, Mike Dirnt's exquisite bass lines, and Tré Cool's crazy fills are all amazing! I'd love to see a deep analysis!!

[@down1tone]

Still hoping for a Chevelle vid :-)

[@setoarise3449]

C'mon, i asked for this last month! And another masterpiece comes out . Thank you bro, You are awesome!

[@objectionable9891]

i never realized till i watched this video but when ever i sing along to songs i mess around like serj does, i always sing songs in weird and unusual ways and i think listening to so much soad when i was younger is the reason

[@rijulbhagi8731]

Great video plz do linkin park or my chemical romance