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