Serj Tankian gets personal about System of a Down

[@maggotball]

The world needs more Serj Tankian's... The man had it all, could have had even more, but he never forgot his roots and never stopped being humble!

[@LinkMaster5555]

More Serjs are desperately needed 😪

[@dontask3613]

He's the goat for sure

[@silverslaya]

Why? Cause he says some things you agree with or find interesting

[@Cooldai2000]

that's why they got banned by the lyrics

[@Nighthawk2211]

Serj is a gentle, intelligent badass. And a great interview as always.

[@worldismyashtray]

SOAD ‘fans’ being surprised Serj is so intelligent and well spoken haven’t been listening closely enough.

[@honey_owl134]

So true. In 'Boom' and 'Deer Dance' and many others, Serj talks about war and how it should be stopped and the awful bombings that happen all over the world. Honestly, we should all be more like him.😌

[@Grumblik]

I wanna know what fans didn't know this. I just wanna talk.

[@jorgemaldonado8662]

Why would anyone think less

[@bmthfan1231]

@@honey_owl134 nobody has ever said that lol

[@DaveMartin-h5o]

No surprise here

[@skywrd_]

his voice is so soothing

[@Octogatarian]

Similarly capable of being the most distressed sounding singer

[@earlaweese]

*Yes, to me. BACK OFF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!* 😡😡😡😡😡😡

[@ClutchCityFan]

Serj will always be one of my all time favorite lead singers.

[@xMaGuSx888]

20:20 That is 100% what made me fall in love with SOAD. I was 11 in 2001 when I first heard chop suey, and the outro to that song where they are harmonizing with the piano/harp in the background was unlike anything I ever heard. I still get chills when I listen to that part all these years later. A really amazing mix of talented musicians, that just really complimented each other.

[@denrammm]

take a shot for everytime Serj says “you know” I LOVE HIM SM. the way he gets all nervous when they play back the music.

[@Sophet]

imagine him and Jim "ya know" Root from Slipknot having a conversation, lmao

[@denrammm]

@@Sophet 😂😂😭😭

[@JessicaRaptorus]

@@Sophet LMAO I am crying

[@jesterr7133]

I can understand what Serj was saying about his relationship with Daron. As time went on, particularly on the last two albums, Daron was clearly becoming a much more visible presence within the band, and it was clear that his role was growing. He was essentially a co-lead singer on the last two albums, as he and Serj essentially shared duties on quite a few songs on those albums. Daron even sang lead on some songs. It almost seemed like Serj's role was diminishing to some degree. I noticed it at the time. The music was fantastic and Daron deserved a bigger role, but I can see how that would create tension if it wasn't reciprocated. I know from experience that it is hard as hell to keep everyone in a band on the same page and together. I can't even imagine what it would be like to attempt to do it for decades under the spotlight like System did. Even if they aren't making new music, they are one of the few bands from their era that have survived intact with everyone still being alive and on good terms with one another. That is something to be proud of. I hope they can do another album one day, but I am happy for them either way.

[@MxMileenaQubeTheyThem]

That absolutely happened! Serj was even listed second on those albums. As a SOAD fan, it's disappointing, but I get it. Too often, certain members get bigger pieces of the pie, & equality is hard to come by with bands. Also, as someone with an ego that's prossibly too big for my own good, I also get wanting the hard work being recognized. That's likely why Scars On Broadway has been changed to, "Daron Malakian and Scars On Broadway". I actually dig that it's a more honest band name🐱

[@Grodstark]

I would do alot just to sit down with Serj, have a cup of coffee or tea and just talk, about anything. I grew up with SOAD and hearing him talk is kind of nostalgic in a way.

[@duarteestelita7257]

Tom’s really a fish swimming in his pond.. namely with empathic and knowledgeable ppl like Serj . What a pleasure to listen to. 37mins go by like it’s 10mins… Let’s hope for that in person next meeting of these two ;) Thank you for this Kudos from Portugal

[@TheAjpathecreature]

One of those scary smart musicians.

[@oui2611]

its no surprise really, unless youre 12 years old and first getting into it. otherwise a lot of fans have followed interviews for years to know and understood the messages behind his lyrics

[@ronthorn3]

@@oui2611relax elitist

[@ferdererlkonig2987]

artists are smart af, you cant create stuff if you arent smart.

[@urjnlegend]

​@ferdererlkonig2987 not true, but also very true

[@Dan_is_a_liar]

Who else suddenly wants to listen to SOAD now?

[@Trevor6714]

In middle school I got turned on to them and it was non stop till about 17-18. But even then still there. Then a complete stop around 21-22 for some reason. Then 27-28 all of a sudden I started again and can’t stop. So many memories in each song, not just mine I’m sure. Great songs and some make you think and question everything, not to sound cliché.

[@mdh6977]

Great interview!!! And a host who knows how to shut up after asking his question and listen to the answer while also keeping the conversation going

[@dazwold]

What a great interview. I've never heard Serj in interview before, and what a breath of fresh air. Articulate, intelligent, and well spoken. Great questions as well; I think the level of the questions surprised him in a good way and opened up more because of it

[@unfa00]

Serj, I'm so happy that me and my wife could see you live in Kraków, Poland in 2017. I am so sorry that my people have been so unwelcoming to System Of A Down in 1998. The beautiful harmony between your's and Daron's voices is what made me start singing, and through singing I met and charmed the love of my life.

[@jesterr7133]

My first reaction to System was exactly as he described it, lol. It's an acquired taste, but once it you acquire it, it gets in your head and you can't get it out. It was difficult to get a handle on the complexity of their music at first, but once I got it, I loved it.

[@kieranhowells7336]

Fantastic interview. Two respectful, thoughtful people having a truly meaningful conversation. Thankful for them both, especially Serj, who has made music that I hold incredibly dear.

[@cyroth]

Ozzfest 2002 was sadly the only time I saw system. I still talk about it and consider it of the most fun shows I've ever been to.

[@ackerjawaka1966]

Lol i saw them a year later at Leeds festival then again 2 years after that but I wish I had seen them more but you think they are always going to be there and then they are not 😜

[@PhillipCummingsUSA]

Well, they were a band for a relatively short period of time so that's not surprising. I saw them at Ozzfest and nobody knew who they were and then I saw them again after Toxicity.

[@VanessaButtino]

THANK YOU for this interview! My goodness, I’ve been a massive System of a Down fan since high school in the ‘90s ❤

[@ivandevilliers5741]

This needs more views! Brilliantly interviewed and Serj is as eloquent and humble as can be 👏🏻

[@eric6345]

I'm impressed with the quality and depth of the interviewer's questions for Serj. Very insightful interview.

[@DylTyrril]

Thank you, Tom for bringing out such amazing insights in your conversation with this fascinating and inspirational artist. This was such a compelling and engrossing discussion, and an undoubtedly honest and reverential exchange with Serj.

[@dpelpal]

I'm buying his book. Always been a passive SOAD fan, never knew his history. Can't wait to read it!

[@scottjackson4948]

Hey Serj if you see this, I met you at belly up in San Diego, and I wanted to tell you how much I appreciate what you do and you have always gave me an outlet to vent through music

[@Aspenfell]

What a fantastic interview! Serj being humble and honest really left me with a sense of inspiration. I definitely have an elevated opinion of the man. I look forward to reading his book. Thank you Tom!

[@medicine2202]

Serjs smile is so beautiful

[@tracevicente]

Such an amazing interview/chat. Thank you!

[@JosephDoumit]

I am from Lebanon living in the UK. Serj is the Awesome!

[@Diminish3d]

Once again an excellent interview from Tom. It shines through how much you care and value these discussions and it reflects back from the guests in their expressions and words. You're an excellent listener and it was a beautiful touch to bring the interview a full circle and start and finish it with the grandfather :) These are some of my favorite artist interviews you're doing :)

[@danielcosta6238]

Really well conducted interview. Serj shows to a thoughtful & legit dude.

[@coffeybr8k]

Such an awesome interview! Been a huge fan since I heard sugar as a kid. Their music has helped me through a lot and had an impact on the way I understood society then, and still puts things into perspective today. The writing still feels the same way today as it did 20 plus years ago. In a way i wish the music felt dated, with all of the genocide and atrocities still happening today. This is why freedom of expression is just as important today as it has ever been.

[@Teri-q4v]

I saw serg by himself with the foo fighters in My hometown DETROIT MICHIGAN 💗 he is still CAPTIVATING and a very talented musician we love him very much thanks for the video LOVE ALL YOUR FANS IN DETROIT MICHIGAN 😁💋💯

[@yamammiwammi]

Tom is an amazing interviewer, this was so cool to listen to. Serj is so cool.

[@djnelson4659]

This has been one of my fav group since 2001. But to learn all of this 🤯. Buying the book and just understood them so much more!

[@mCblue79]

A great interviewer meets an interesting and intelligent subject. Thank you for this 👍

[@lixerium2529]

I've listened to the audiobook and it's fantastic!! As a kid during the nu metal era, I didn't think much about the message behind System's music. After listening/ reading multiple biographies of iconic musicans, actors etc. I thought that it would be the director's cut of an unreleased episode of Behind the Music: SOAD. The way Serj combines his story and his Grandfather's story is a great way to highlight the type of person that Serj is beyond his music career.

[@dryker7085]

Absolutely love System! Never been a band like them. When I first heard their stuff it blew me away, and then Toxicity came out. Nothing has excited me more than listening to that album. I had the pleasure of attending their Armenian Genocide awareness concert back when I hardly went to any concerts at all. These days I go to as many concerts as I can, and still regard that one as one of the best shows I've ever been to. One of the all time greats.

[@hugor778]

Awesome conversation 🙌 Thanks for bring Serj to us 🙏

[@MajbrittHansen-h3h]

Dear Serj, you are so polite and sweet, i love SOAD, i have.been follow you since the begining, i wich all the best, system will always be one of my favorite band❤

[@JadedMax]

0:02 Yup. That was exactly what i said. And then they became my favourite band.

[@erikm9490]

He really is right that they were Magic together. His music and Daron’s are good separately, but together they’re truly Magical! We can only hope they can agree to create more someday.

[@HunterNDeHart]

Great interview, I like the way you ask the questions especially in the beginning. Glad i found the channel.

[@ManapartOfficial]

Such deep and smart questions! Tom, you are cool!

[@jimmerseiber]

I cant beleive how good this interview was. I gotta buy this book.

[@Jerushajustintime]

Was just talking about Serj. And his intelligence and wisdom.

[@michaelloder5150]

Serj is so smart....I love the way he tells the story about his background and the world

[@dazey8706]

man this interview was such a joy!! eagerly anticipating powerserj on the horizon

[@shnoogums1]

Wow what a touching interview. So much respect to serj

[@TheSkeptic_1]

Serj continues to impress with his calmness, his humility, and I miss the hay day of SOAD so much. I wish Daron and others could shelve their perceived needs long enough to give us at least one more SOAD record.

[@joshviggiani9844]

I wouldn't worry about it. The longer it takes the better it will be. I kinda feel this is part of the intention for this fallow period. There are definitely parts of their later half of work that I highly respect. But their earlier work is what formed and cemented what that band is in my mind and pretty likely how it will remain. So I'm fine letting the pot boil as long as they need. I am also obviously a Tool fan, after all. ☺️

[@joshviggiani9844]

I wouldn't worry about it. The longer it takes the better it will be. I kinda feel this is part of the intention for this fallow period. There are definitely parts of their later half of work that I highly respect. But their earlier work is what formed and cemented what that band is in my mind and pretty likely how it will remain. So I'm fine letting the pot boil as long as they need. I am also obviously a Tool fan, after all. ☺️

[@sebastianjoers7557]

one of the best interviews ive seen in a while. great guest, but good interview as well!

[@cleonjohnmusic]

Absolutely great interview

[@tenochtitilian]

What I feel makes Serj rare is that he is a political activist but also a very spiritual person

[@stevenwindmeijer6556]

Serj seems so cool man wish i could sit down and talk to him

[@WarrenCecilBeard]

Serj is an incredible human being!

[@KowProdMedia]

Really great interview. Thanks for this.

[@MrVideoHijacker]

What a great interview. Wow

[@PixieCropCircleDuster]

Thanks for having the courage to speak up about genocide Serj. Amazing interview Tom.❤

[@anni5555]

Great Interview and great Questions!

[@barianpixandvids]

Always smart. Always interesting to listen to. Surprisingly calm and soothing voice for someone who can scream his freakin' head off!!

[@MoisesMuniz96]

If I ever had the chance I would like to know the history behind each song! This band changed my life!

[@gregdahlen4375]

buy the book

Great interview with such an awesome person. Great interviewer also!

[@djmoonchild01]

First time I heard soda was on mtv with the video for sugar, wtf is that was exactly my reaction😂 fan ever since!!

[@kamiros9739]

System of a Down is an extremely rare phenomenon. I doubt something similar could happen in this day and age for lots and lots of reasons. When I heard their songs for the first time, I was 12, chop suey, toxicity. Then when I was about 16, I heard Hypnotize/Mesmerize and I was in awe. It wasn’t about oh that’s Armenian American special stuff, it was "damn that’s incredible music". Everything has changed since then, there are no big truly independent bands, are there? Then again, maybe they’re just a once in a lifetime "coincidence". I listened to Serj's & Tom Morello's radio show when I was that age, even though I was an apolitical German teenager. Both RATM and SOAD told me "wow, the world is interesting", which I had no clue about. Seriously, Serj changed my life for the better by a lot

[@bamfrd]

Interesting guy! I’ve always gravitated to their Toxicity album.

[@F1Slunk]

Great interview. Thanks.

[@aguilargabriel7]

Awesome interview! Congrats.

[@wedonttalkaboutbruno5670]

My favourite band of all time is soad

[@patrickwarren2465]

What a fantastic interview .the mutual respect and We all love Serj don't we

[@RunningWithSauce]

Serj! Compromise with SOAD! Make the album they want AND make the album you want, release them both! LFG.

[@IvanPirishanchin]

I don't know why, but I really disliked how this band sounded when I was young. Today however I am a big fan.

[@Kai-Made]

Watched Serj and Rainn's interview. Was pretty good, this goes somewhat deeper. Still good. Though for SOAD fans...speeding this up to 1.25 or 1.5 works well. Maybe that is just my neuro stuff making comprehension easier at speed.

[@TheBillybiker1]

What a fantastic interview.

[@leomonzo]

I love you Mr Serj. These were great questions

[@TimesThree333]

Anybody else reading The Books of Jacob? I only mention it because Armenia's history comes up in that novel.

[@iprophecy6768]

I remember the first time hearing S.O.D . I couldn’t even believe how good it was. Especially its like they created a entirely new genre. Most people classified it as rock but it was like a type of rock that you couldn’t even explain.

[@sinesthetix]

Viktor Frankl's "Man's Search For Meaning" comes to mind around 4:30. The power of joie de vivre is very real.

[@cameronbrown387]

I remember hear System in 1998!! Sugar!!!

[@420greatestqueen]

Thank you for talking about Artsakh Nagorno-Karabakh! The Canadian media, including CBC, has been pretty quiet about it

[@TranceSFX]

Canadian media is corrupt cancer, so definitely yeah

[@erasmusherzen]

Tom Power and Q continue to rule - SOAD are a world shaking band

[@gregdahlen4375]

seems like a pleasant person. now i wanna see an interview with the guy he mentions some friction with in the band

[@Trevor6714]

I understand the purge or embodiment of a music into yourself. I’m the same way. I listen to one genre for months sometimes years, then it changes.

[@02S40Volvo]

Serj is amazing!!

[@Zoombeanie132]

Serj is a legend and System is and will always be one of the best bands ever. But at this point I really hope the other members get together and do a side project with a different front man. I'm tired of them not putting out music because of creative differences. The music world is poorer for it.

[@tenochtitilian]

The best form of activism is from bands like SOAD, RATM and old Sepultura as it gets to inform and inspire so many people to make change

[@jazazzaza]

22:08 I didn't actually watch the video until recently, it's fantastic, powerful

[@greenmatrix30seven]

Still holds up to this day

[@jambi1527]

Kickin off the interview like old buds 😊

[@lancebristow683]

First time I heard SOAD was on an MTV countdown of music in alphabetical order. I saw the hair and goatee and thought B-Real was up to some new side project. [Edit - it was the Sugar video] Been a fan ever since. Got Cool Gardens on my shelf next to some Otep, Saul Williams, and Jim Morrison. I missed their performance @smokeout as I was in the drum and bass area listening to dj rap.😅 Full circle Shavo being a regular on Dr. Greenthumb podcast and playing with Cypress Hill @ the colliseum.

[@RoninGaijin]

All love!

[@Vivih48]

Serj ❤ kisses from Brazil 😘

[@Trev-h1j]

I remember back in the 2000s in high school I was a metalhead. System of a down was the band I chose to shock my non metalhead friends seeing their reactions was priceless!

[@sandramouro8977]

I LOVE SERJ ❤❤❤❤

[@brandonsalisbury7182]

Here’s how I see it! Both Serj’s solo stuff & Scars on Broadway have incredible albums! Although I really liked Elect The Dead I wasn’t big on his 2nd record but his 3rd album Harakiri really shows how talented Serj is despite being more classical then Scars! Scars on the other hand shows how much Daron contributed to SOAD so I can’t pick who’s stuff I like better as they are equally great I’m different ways but I’m sure we all agree that when Serj & Daron are together (along with the other two obviously) in SOAD it automatically becomes even greater compared to them on their own imo!

[@alexwright5935]

yeah i had no idea until i bought toxicity in highschool and then liked the music so i googled the band and found out all that stuff.

[@951Dwdrummer]

I got your first cd in la from my a&r after our show,anyway on the way home on the freeway i though it out the window

[@larrysikkema4634]

Love that Iron Maiden was his first concert!

[@Dieterbe]

I wonder why they can't turn the creative differences into a driving force rather than a destructive one : e.g. develop their material in 2 ways, the "daron approach" and the "serj approach", e.g. as a double album. Both could get their way, unity would remain, and the fans could appreciate what both bring to the table.

[@dennisfinan7977]

First album is fantastic.

[@jacobsnyder6888]

Serj youre awesome bro

[@Pittsburghbad]

Love the john dolmyan reference on the book

[@RahSH1]

Thank you for giving me representation growing up as a leftist/armenian. Made things feel not so lonely.

[@shnorglebop1798]

SOAD politicized me from a young age, one of the first thought provoking pieces of art that really made me start to question things and think. The ironic part is my dad introduced them to me, one of the first songs being the one about the prison system / drug money funding wars, and he’s a big right-wing conspiracy type guy and I think he either misunderstands their lyrical content or just doesn’t pay attention. This same guy told me Ronald Reagan is a hero and he seriously meant it. It’s so confusing trying to understand him. Anyway, SOAD opened my eyes as an angsty youngin and I’d attribute them to being part of making me who I am today. They taught me a lot. I continue to tell people about their music & their message on a regular basis and I’ll never stop. The awareness they have raised is important work