MusicRadar interview: Daron Malakian

The Scars On Broadway guitarist talks about his new band and System Of A Down

Joe Bosso, Thu 14 Aug 2008, 4:12 pm UTC

Scars in his System

Daron Malakian is well aware that his new band, Scars On Broadway, might at first rub System Of A Down's millions of fans the wrong way.

"I know System has tons of loyal fans," the guitarist says, "and I'm very grateful to have them. I wouldn't be in the position I'm in if it weren't for them. But still, I have to follow my heart, my muse, as cheesy as that sounds. And right now my heart is fully involved in Scars On Broadway."

Malakian formed Scars On Broadway in 2006 with System drummer John Dolmayan, and their just-released, self-titled debut is one of the year's freshest surprises. Gone are the herky-jerk time changes and overt politics; the new album is a hook-filled, straight-forward, song-oriented effort. Malakian sings on all the cuts, on which he channels his love for bands such as The Beatles,The Kinks, and artists like Neil Young and Brian Eno.

"People are always surprised to hear the music I'm really into," Malakian says, laughing. "But I think an artist has to expose himself to everything that's around him, and who better to learn from than the masters?"

Regarding System Of A Down's protracted period of inactivity, Malakian refers to it as a "separation." He is reticent to say that the group has broken up - the door is open, he says, but it might not be one he steps through anytime soon.

"System could get back together," he says, "but I think it might be a while. To be honest, I expect to put out another Scars On Broadway album before a System record."

Before hitting the road with Scars (the touring band is rounded out by guitarist Franky Perez, keyboardist Danny Shamoun and bassist Dominic Cifarelli), Malakian sat down with MusicRadar to discuss the new album, the status of System Of A Down, and what makes his musical mind tick. And he happily answered a bunch of your questions too.

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User comments (7)

daronmalakian4life

Sun 12 Oct 2008, 6:15 pm UTC

i love listining to his voice.. those questions were interesting and thanks susieQ for asking that question

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JoeBosso

Mon 18 Aug 2008, 12:53 pm UTC

Hi everybody,
I'm glad you enjoyed the interiew with Daron, a wonderful musician and a great interview.
Regarding your questions, it's a pleasure to receive so many terrific responses, and keep them coming for all of our upcoming interviews.
Please understand, however, that I'm usually dealing with a strict period of time in which to conduct an interview and there's no way I can get to everybody's questions. But I do try to pick a varied assortment of the best(and sometimes the more off-the-wall). It's always a drag to have to cut any question. I wish I could ask each and every one of them.
We have a lot more exciting interviews lined up, so keep the questions coming. Eventually, everybody will get a shot.
Thanks again, Joe Bosso

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Siefl

Sun 17 Aug 2008, 1:32 am UTC

YES! thanks for answering my question!! but thats not how you pronounce my name btw :). didnt know he like NASCAR too....

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soadforme

Sat 16 Aug 2008, 8:38 pm UTC

Thank you for asking one of my questions! Thank you!!!!!!!!!!
Did we get to hear the full interview or did you cut some parts out? Part of me feels like the "Do you like your own voice" by itself sounded like an insult and I hope Daron didn't take it as one... I didn't mean for it to be insulting! I still liked his answer though :)

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wildhun319

Sat 16 Aug 2008, 1:46 pm UTC

speaking too fast to me... help...

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AkiOfTheDead

Sat 16 Aug 2008, 3:40 am UTC

Thank you so much for answering my question about an amateur guitarist/songwriter with low self-confidence.
You really inspired me to stay with what I love and keep practicing. If I make it, I promise you'll be one of the first people I thank.

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susieQ

Fri 15 Aug 2008, 6:46 pm UTC

Aside from the beard question (which was excellent, might I add) it seems like the interviewer stayed away from some of the more creative questions. I'm glad one of my questions was asked, as there were LOTS of them and only a few were chosen, but I'm not gonna lie, I'm disappointed that the one question of mine that they chose was the one I'd already learned the answer to between the time I posted and the interview.

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