Silk Road Secret Agents: An Armenian Diaspora Psych-Rock Odyssey
10.24.23
Mediterranean marauders, Saharan spies, Bengal buccaneers, assemble! Join the Silk Road Secret Agents as we meander through the legendary trade routes connecting Asia and Africa with Europe via The Middle East, sewing a rich tapestry of musical heritage as we go. We will rely on sound waves, realized from thousands of years of cultural exchange, to disrupt conventional perspectives and diffuse critical intel behind often elusive recordings. Flaring film scores, squelching psych odysseys, infernal disco fevers and more will be at your disposal so meet us at the epicenter of the Old World. Requirements include enthusiasm for iconoclasm and reliable sonic transportation.
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Most psychedelic music relies on imported folk instruments, electronic effects, and evocative lyrics to build up a dissociative experience between the listener and reality. Throughout the Armenian Diaspora, this quality manifests from the generational trauma of being uprooted from the indigenous homeland, and finding means to reconnect with ancestral roots from new environments. The memories of traditional Armenian melodies in tune with hazy and experimental vibes of the 60’s-80’s, create a true kaleidoscopic experience that transmutes a painful history into a vibrant music catalogue, uniting communities from all over the world. In exploring these songs, we are also globe-trotting throughout the Americas, Europe and Near East via the Armenian Diaspora.
Artwork by Yervand Kochar, “Horses-People” (1930)
Tracklist:
Background music by Arshag Khentirian Hayko Tataryan – Hingala Ara Kekedjian – Mini Midi Maxi Adiss Harmandian – Assa Yar Tchan The Five Fingers – Karoun Karoun Angelo Marletta – Dzaghigner Conjunto Electrónico Armenio – Ierk Hairenikis Erevan 50 – Hampuirme Devi Ievo Y Su Conjunto – Em Enzam Paulo Tarpinian – Sev Sev Acher Yorgantz – Sassouni Bess Veheïn Zartong – Kele Kele Melkon / Sevan – Heratzir, Moratzir Harouth Bezdjian – Hov Arek Onnik Dinkjian – Papak Amerika Kalu Robert Takoushian – Hey Valla Chick Ganimian – Daddy Lolo Nor Janabar – Kani Vor Jan Im Takvor Evrekian – Emmo (Yes Kezanits Heratsa) Punch – Yesterday’s Medley Avo Sarkissian – Dariner Antsav Joseph Gemael – Kez Hamar Harout Pamboukjian – O Kami Hovanes Grigorian – Darorinag Mart Paul Baghdadlian – Viravor Trchnie Nman Avo Haroutiunian – Yerazner John Bilezikjian, Raja Zahr – Zulu Man
