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Frontman of Armenian-Scottish band: `An Gordonach!' is name charged
with energy and passion
http://style.news.am/eng/news/3647/frontman-of-armenian-scottish-band-%E2%80%9Can-gordonach!%E2%80%9D-is-name-charged-with-energy-and-passion.html
MARCH 16, 20:23
`An Gordonach!' is Armenian-Scottish band featuring guitarist Stuart
Moir, bass guitarist Tirayr Mkhitaryan (former member of PUSH band)
and drummer Karen Quake who used to play in `Vordan Karmir.'
In an interview with NEWS.am STYLE Stuart told about the name of his
band, impressions about Armenia and the idea of creating a rock group.
Stuart, could you please tell the history of your band `An
Gordonach!'. When and where did you meet with other band members?
I moved to Armenia in February 2010 to work in Vanadzor in the human
rights sector. To start with I was working pretty much seven days a
week on projects, so it was very difficult to meet people, especially
as on winter evenings there was very little to do in Vanadzor! During
one human rights event I was talking about playing music with one of
the organizers, who happened to be a friend of the great Armenian
singer/songwriter Gor Mkhitaryan. She put me in touch with his
younger brother Tirayr, former guitarist of the Armenian punk band
`PUSH', and the friendship blossomed from there. We would get together
several times a week to discuss music, literature and politics, and,
with the help of the fantastic Vanadzor-based metal band `Vordan
Karmir', we began to start making some music together. Shortly
afterwards we were joined by drummer Karen Poghosyan, known as `Quake'
amongst his friends for his love of computer games, and `An
Gordonach!' was born.
Within a month of rehearsing together we had played our first concert
and started plans to record our first EP (`Animo non Astutia'), which
we then released in early 2011. I moved to Yerevan for work in
February 2011 (and left Armenia in August 2011) but Tirayr, Quake and
I were inseparable ` I went back every fortnight for the weekend so we
could make more music together and we ended up recording an album
(Bydand) which we released in April 2012. An important aspect of `An
Gordonach!' is that we are not bothered about fame or fortune ` we
play for enjoyment. Then again, with our newer material we are aiming
to provoke discussion on societal problems in Armenia. We also hope
that we might perhaps bring some new influence into Armenian rock
music and inspire younger Armenian rockers to break away from current
norms and explore new territory.
How did you choose the name of your band? What does it mean?
The name of the band comes from the original Scottish Celtic language
(known as Gaelic). I do not speak Gaelic (as my family is originally
from the east, not the west, of Scotland), but as a keen linguist I
deeply respect the ancient language ad want it to thrive. The band's
name is linked to my family's clan, Clan Gordon. Clans were comprised
of historical groups of families in Scotland. `An Gordonach!' is a war
cry meaning something like `Gordons together' [Ð`оÑдонÑ?Ñ? in Russian] `
it would be shouted when charging into battle. It is a name charged
with energy, passion, blood and brotherhood. I realize that it is a
name with which many people might find it difficult to engage, but it
is important for to us as a band to retain some individuality ` too
many bands take names of some random English word which means nothing.
Once you hear `An Gordonach!' it is, on the one hand, more difficult
to pronounce; however, on the other hand, it is more difficult to
forget!
While we have a very Scottish name, we actually are very proud of our
being a `Vanadzor' band. Within Armenia Vanadzor has been the hotbed
of the best Armenian rock music, spawning `Lav Eli', `JEM' and `Vordan
Karmir', to name but a few (although Gyumri did produce `The Bambir').
I found that Vanadzortsi had a far wider knowledge of rock music,
particularly 1990s Britpop, than Yerevantsi, a reason I believe is
behind the better music coming out of the town!
You used to live in Armenia. How did it happen that you came to our country?
I have always held an interest in the countries of the former Soviet
Union. This interest led me to study Russian at university in London.
Following my degree I wanted to get involved in international
development, yet due to the recession I took a job in financial
journalism. I started searching for opportunities with human rights
NGOs in many different countries of the former Soviet Union, and an
opportunity came up in Armenia, which I took. I did have a number of
Diasporan Armenian friends in London, but coming to Armenia was mainly
a result of chance! While I had some difficult times there, it was a
rewarding experience and it has led to some lasting friendships,
lasting care for where Armenia is heading, and concern about the
country's human rights situation.
What impressions do you have of our country as a foreigner?
I have been asked this question many times by Armenians. My first (and
polite) answer would be that Armenia is a beautiful country. I
remember the first time I traveled from Vanadzor to Yerevan in the
winter and the scenery was breathtaking. However, I then go on to say
what many Armenians do not expect¦before you read on, please
understand that I did enjoy my time in Armenia very much; however, as
I care where the country is headed, certain realities have to be
described and acknowledged if change is to occur.
I was outside the `safe haven', i.e. my time was not only spent within
central Yerevan in summer enjoying the view of Masis, sipping cognac
and enjoying the hot weather. I spent much time and energy in the
provinces trying to improve the human rights situation; in Lori, for
example, I was exposed to communities on the outskirts of Vanadzor
plagued by forced prostitution and the trafficking of women.
Corruption pervades the country from top to bottom. Reading many
articles in the Armenian media give the reader more information about
what is happening in Turkey and Azerbaijan than Armenia itself, there
is little introspection or self-criticism.
Homophobia is rife and patriarchy prevails. Investment principally
takes place in central Yerevan and the provinces are ignored (for
example Vanadzor still has derelict buildings which have not been
rebuilt since the 1988 earthquake), meaning that many young people are
forced to leave for Yerevan or even abroad, leading to a declining
demographic.
That said, many countries worldwide are riddled with problems. I did
see much in Armenia which makes me believe that the country will
improve. There is a growing number of Diasporans who want to
repatriate and try and improve the country. There is a growing youth
culture which is breaking free of patriarchal norms. There are more
and more young people who are shaking off political apathy and
starting to fight for free and fair elections, as well as recognition
of human rights. The music scene is developing (although the `Rock
Association' linked to the Prime Minister must be abolished, it is
obscene) and more and more young, independent bands are emerging.
Recent political developments (i.e. the recent falsified elections)
mean the country has taken a political step backwards, indeed there is
a long way to go on so many levels, but the people I have met and with
whom I have interacted по пÑоекÑ?ам leads me to believe that Armenia
could have a brighter future.
Did you find anything similar between Scottish and Armenian mentality?
This is another question which I have been asked many times. I would
say that the biggest similarity between Scots and Armenians would be
the sense of national pride. Identity is very important to both
peoples, although I would say that there needs to be a differentiation
between patriotism and nationalism in both countries ` they are very
different concepts. For example, I am very proud of my Scottish
heritage, I feel very comfortable wearing a kilt, but I am fiercely
against the idea of Scottish independence from Great Britain.
You are going to visit Armenia again this summer. Do you plan to give
a concert here?
I am very much looking forward to my trip back to Armenia this summer
` it'll be the first time I've been back in almost 2 years and I have
missed my band mates and other friends! We will definitely be playing
a concert in Yerevan during my stay ` we'll publicize it on our
Facebook page as soon as a date has been decided upon. It'd be great
to play in Vanadzor as well, but it will depend on what time we have `
we are also going to be recording a new EP. In previous recordings
we've concentrated purely on the music, but in the wake of recent
events the EP is going to take a more political angle. Also, on a
slightly different musical tangent, we are going to be releasing an
electronic single in May to try and raise awareness about domestic
violence in Armenia.
NEWS.am STYLE
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
with energy and passion
http://style.news.am/eng/news/3647/frontman-of-armenian-scottish-band-%E2%80%9Can-gordonach!%E2%80%9D-is-name-charged-with-energy-and-passion.html
MARCH 16, 20:23
`An Gordonach!' is Armenian-Scottish band featuring guitarist Stuart
Moir, bass guitarist Tirayr Mkhitaryan (former member of PUSH band)
and drummer Karen Quake who used to play in `Vordan Karmir.'
In an interview with NEWS.am STYLE Stuart told about the name of his
band, impressions about Armenia and the idea of creating a rock group.
Stuart, could you please tell the history of your band `An
Gordonach!'. When and where did you meet with other band members?
I moved to Armenia in February 2010 to work in Vanadzor in the human
rights sector. To start with I was working pretty much seven days a
week on projects, so it was very difficult to meet people, especially
as on winter evenings there was very little to do in Vanadzor! During
one human rights event I was talking about playing music with one of
the organizers, who happened to be a friend of the great Armenian
singer/songwriter Gor Mkhitaryan. She put me in touch with his
younger brother Tirayr, former guitarist of the Armenian punk band
`PUSH', and the friendship blossomed from there. We would get together
several times a week to discuss music, literature and politics, and,
with the help of the fantastic Vanadzor-based metal band `Vordan
Karmir', we began to start making some music together. Shortly
afterwards we were joined by drummer Karen Poghosyan, known as `Quake'
amongst his friends for his love of computer games, and `An
Gordonach!' was born.
Within a month of rehearsing together we had played our first concert
and started plans to record our first EP (`Animo non Astutia'), which
we then released in early 2011. I moved to Yerevan for work in
February 2011 (and left Armenia in August 2011) but Tirayr, Quake and
I were inseparable ` I went back every fortnight for the weekend so we
could make more music together and we ended up recording an album
(Bydand) which we released in April 2012. An important aspect of `An
Gordonach!' is that we are not bothered about fame or fortune ` we
play for enjoyment. Then again, with our newer material we are aiming
to provoke discussion on societal problems in Armenia. We also hope
that we might perhaps bring some new influence into Armenian rock
music and inspire younger Armenian rockers to break away from current
norms and explore new territory.
How did you choose the name of your band? What does it mean?
The name of the band comes from the original Scottish Celtic language
(known as Gaelic). I do not speak Gaelic (as my family is originally
from the east, not the west, of Scotland), but as a keen linguist I
deeply respect the ancient language ad want it to thrive. The band's
name is linked to my family's clan, Clan Gordon. Clans were comprised
of historical groups of families in Scotland. `An Gordonach!' is a war
cry meaning something like `Gordons together' [Ð`оÑдонÑ?Ñ? in Russian] `
it would be shouted when charging into battle. It is a name charged
with energy, passion, blood and brotherhood. I realize that it is a
name with which many people might find it difficult to engage, but it
is important for to us as a band to retain some individuality ` too
many bands take names of some random English word which means nothing.
Once you hear `An Gordonach!' it is, on the one hand, more difficult
to pronounce; however, on the other hand, it is more difficult to
forget!
While we have a very Scottish name, we actually are very proud of our
being a `Vanadzor' band. Within Armenia Vanadzor has been the hotbed
of the best Armenian rock music, spawning `Lav Eli', `JEM' and `Vordan
Karmir', to name but a few (although Gyumri did produce `The Bambir').
I found that Vanadzortsi had a far wider knowledge of rock music,
particularly 1990s Britpop, than Yerevantsi, a reason I believe is
behind the better music coming out of the town!
You used to live in Armenia. How did it happen that you came to our country?
I have always held an interest in the countries of the former Soviet
Union. This interest led me to study Russian at university in London.
Following my degree I wanted to get involved in international
development, yet due to the recession I took a job in financial
journalism. I started searching for opportunities with human rights
NGOs in many different countries of the former Soviet Union, and an
opportunity came up in Armenia, which I took. I did have a number of
Diasporan Armenian friends in London, but coming to Armenia was mainly
a result of chance! While I had some difficult times there, it was a
rewarding experience and it has led to some lasting friendships,
lasting care for where Armenia is heading, and concern about the
country's human rights situation.
What impressions do you have of our country as a foreigner?
I have been asked this question many times by Armenians. My first (and
polite) answer would be that Armenia is a beautiful country. I
remember the first time I traveled from Vanadzor to Yerevan in the
winter and the scenery was breathtaking. However, I then go on to say
what many Armenians do not expect¦before you read on, please
understand that I did enjoy my time in Armenia very much; however, as
I care where the country is headed, certain realities have to be
described and acknowledged if change is to occur.
I was outside the `safe haven', i.e. my time was not only spent within
central Yerevan in summer enjoying the view of Masis, sipping cognac
and enjoying the hot weather. I spent much time and energy in the
provinces trying to improve the human rights situation; in Lori, for
example, I was exposed to communities on the outskirts of Vanadzor
plagued by forced prostitution and the trafficking of women.
Corruption pervades the country from top to bottom. Reading many
articles in the Armenian media give the reader more information about
what is happening in Turkey and Azerbaijan than Armenia itself, there
is little introspection or self-criticism.
Homophobia is rife and patriarchy prevails. Investment principally
takes place in central Yerevan and the provinces are ignored (for
example Vanadzor still has derelict buildings which have not been
rebuilt since the 1988 earthquake), meaning that many young people are
forced to leave for Yerevan or even abroad, leading to a declining
demographic.
That said, many countries worldwide are riddled with problems. I did
see much in Armenia which makes me believe that the country will
improve. There is a growing number of Diasporans who want to
repatriate and try and improve the country. There is a growing youth
culture which is breaking free of patriarchal norms. There are more
and more young people who are shaking off political apathy and
starting to fight for free and fair elections, as well as recognition
of human rights. The music scene is developing (although the `Rock
Association' linked to the Prime Minister must be abolished, it is
obscene) and more and more young, independent bands are emerging.
Recent political developments (i.e. the recent falsified elections)
mean the country has taken a political step backwards, indeed there is
a long way to go on so many levels, but the people I have met and with
whom I have interacted по пÑоекÑ?ам leads me to believe that Armenia
could have a brighter future.
Did you find anything similar between Scottish and Armenian mentality?
This is another question which I have been asked many times. I would
say that the biggest similarity between Scots and Armenians would be
the sense of national pride. Identity is very important to both
peoples, although I would say that there needs to be a differentiation
between patriotism and nationalism in both countries ` they are very
different concepts. For example, I am very proud of my Scottish
heritage, I feel very comfortable wearing a kilt, but I am fiercely
against the idea of Scottish independence from Great Britain.
You are going to visit Armenia again this summer. Do you plan to give
a concert here?
I am very much looking forward to my trip back to Armenia this summer
` it'll be the first time I've been back in almost 2 years and I have
missed my band mates and other friends! We will definitely be playing
a concert in Yerevan during my stay ` we'll publicize it on our
Facebook page as soon as a date has been decided upon. It'd be great
to play in Vanadzor as well, but it will depend on what time we have `
we are also going to be recording a new EP. In previous recordings
we've concentrated purely on the music, but in the wake of recent
events the EP is going to take a more political angle. Also, on a
slightly different musical tangent, we are going to be releasing an
electronic single in May to try and raise awareness about domestic
violence in Armenia.
NEWS.am STYLE
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress