By Lori Tatoulian
ANDREW KZIRIAN
From the depths of Anatolia, all the way to Philly and now Los Angeles, Andrew Kzirian brings the ancient traditions of the oud to synergize with the hard edge of rock in Viza. His innovative and unexpected interpretation of the oud adds another layer of interest to the band’s musical creations. With an extensive touring schedule, Andrew has become the youngest master of the instrument in the United States. I caught up with him to find out more about his influences and inspirations…
How long have you been playing music?
I started studying classical guitar when I was 9. Pretty intensive for about 10 years – and I switched to oud in college when I was 19. My instructor in college used to come over to my dorm Freshman year and sit in my dorm room and show me how to play. Talk about an interesting experience – “unlearn” guitar was the mantra…
How many instruments do you play? What was your first and which is your favorite?
Guitar, bass, oud and I fool around with the violin, saz and bouzouki.
Guitar was the first. Favorite is the oud but I still love to play guitar. Over time I have learned that the oud is a tough thing to describe and control – but all the study of the instrument makes it worthwhile – those few moments when you harness its power and potential are really something indescribable. Kind of like taming a wild stallion…
What is your musical background and what are your influences?
I was always interested in music – all different kinds. Growing up in the community I learned about traditional music and also had my contemporary interests based around alternative rock and metal. Influences are very diverse – Udi Hrant, John Berberian, Ara Dinkjian and various other oud masters are important names that impacted my study and technique development of the instrument. My creative influences are more a product of the bands and artists I listened to growing up – which ranged from Metallica to the Seattle Alternative scene and LA bands from the 90s.
What is your role in Viza?
I’d say my role is to add something different to the group. Aside from performing with such talented instrumentalists, I get to inject some unique sound and dynamics into a very energized musical delivery. This plays out in various Viza songs. I like to think of it as fusion rock that has a lot of bite and aggressive themes.
Tell us about your favorite bands.
Favorite bands are Tool and Rage Against the Machine – because of their musical style but also the power of their lyrics and the message of their art – which centered around transparency, political justice and awareness of social problems. Social justice is an important issue to me – whether it be raising awareness of genocide prevention and education or the various other issues Viza promotes. I feel that music can really help with educating society thanks to the different source carrying the message – as a complement to a politician, teacher, a professor or whatever have you…
Favorite foods?
Being a hardcore Philly boy I love my cheesesteaks and hoagies. Good sushi, thai and vietnamese food hits the spot here and there.
Tell us something that would surprise Viza fans.
I’m licensed to practice law in 4 states, enjoy currency research analysis and trading, work for a hedge fund, love politics, and have published and lectured on dual citizenship law, defamation law and sociological and ethnomusicological aspects of Armenian American oud players. Is that surprising enough? Haha.
Is there one artist or group that would be your dream collaboration?
There are many artists that I would love to work with in a dream collaboration. I am very fortunate to have already had a taste of something like this when I performed with world renowned oud master Ara Dinkjian in a special two oud only concert last year when I was in graduate school. Have plans to do this same concert in Los Angeles at some point in the coming year… so stay tuned!
Looking forward to it! Check out Andrew’s personal blog (www.theoudplayer.com) for more interesting insights about our very own oud player.
By Lori Tatoulian
Just so you all know and it’s on the record – Elena’s has the BEST kebab in town. Incredible food with a hybrid Greek/Armenian influence – actually reminds me of the food I would eat growing up. And Mario’s has some of the best sandwiches west of the Mississippi. I guess both joints’ owners had tickets to the NBA All-Star Game pre-parties…
