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NAMM WINTER SESSION, ANAHEIM, CA, January
15, 2004 — System of a Down (SOAD) has helped
to define the cutting edge of alt-metal since the band’s
formation in 1993. With insightful lyrics and hard-hitting
melodies, the quartet has earned two GRAMMY® nominations
and the undivided attention of a global audience. The group’s
most recent release, the chart-topping Steal This Album
— produced by the legendary Rick Rubin — demonstrates
their musical drive and unwavering social relevance.
In addition to delivering searing lead vocals
for the group, front man Serj Tankian also writes the evocative
lyrics heard on SOAD’s albums. He explains how the
Korg TRITON STUDIO has satisfied his need for a powerful,
innovative instrument to help him convey his messages: “I’ve
seen a lot of bands using a TRITON, mostly due to the diversity
it allows. From sequencing to sampling, it does it all.
When we [SOAD] were contemplating adding a synth to our
live show so I could play strings and piano, I checked out
a lot of synths. The TRITON STUDIO is what I chose. I’ve
used it for writing as well — it’s really great
when writing string parts for songs,” Tankian adds.
Tankian has long been a devoted Korg user,
employing a wide range of gear for his diverse projects.
He remarks, “I’ve got a Korg WAVESTATION, a
really old one that I’ve used for a lot of cool stuff.
Also an MS2000, a PXR4 digital recorder that I’ve
used on tour with my notebook computer to record some basic
tracks, an ELECTRIBE ES•1, a KAOSS PAD, and some DTR
tuners.” Tankian continues, “I really love the
KAOSS PAD. I used it on System of a Down’s Toxicity
to make some really weird background sounds. I even use
it live. Basically, I’ve stored five different patches
exactly the way I want to use them onstage, and I have an
additional mic with an on/off switch hooked up to it. Anytime
I want to do wacky sounding stuff — add a delay or
some really wet reverb type of sounds — I just grab
the KAOSS PAD, hit a patch, and I go!”
Tankian’s undertakings extend far beyond
performing, producing, and writing. Staying true to the
social consciousness promoted in SOAD’s songs, he’s
also involved with Axis of Justice, a human rights organization
he co-founded with Tom Morello of Audioslave (www.axisofjustice.com).
Tankian’s poetry collection, Cool Gardens, was published
in October 2002. For in-depth information on this prolific
talent, visit www.systemofadown.com or Tankian’s production
label at www.serjicalstrike.com.
...ends 406 words
—For more information, please contact Leslie Buttonow,
Korg, 316 South Service Rd,
Melville, NY 11747. Tel: (516) 333-9100; Fax: (516) 333-9108;
Web: www.korg.com
