Rock Sound chats with the drummer, John Dolmayan about the new band...

How long has Scars On Broadway been in the pipeline?
Daron was working on Scars On Broadway before System Of A Down went on hiatus. I didn’t know much about it at that point, but I told him that if he ever needed help I’d be happy to lend a hand. I really didn’t think he would actually ask me but he did invite me into the band, around last Christmas. I loved the music he played me right away, so there was no way I was going to say no. I’ve always had faith in his songwriting and production.

Do you think SOAD have left a legacy in their social and political activism?
I think it’s more acceptable to make a noise about that sort of thing now that a lot of people are upset about it. When we started to do it, it wasn’t the same case, I don’t think. There are still a lot of those themes in Scars On Broadway too, but there are just as many personal issues that are dealt with. Daron’s lyrics don’t deal with just one thing.

Do you think Scars On Broadway have the potential to convert people who weren’t System Of A Down fans?
Sure, that’s possible, but if you only write music for the benefit of your fans then you’re alienating everyone else anyway. There’s no way to gage who might like it. Art is ultimately a selfish endeavor, but as long as you maintain your integrity and pursue what you love, then you’ll be fine.

Are there any guests on the album?
No it’s just me, Daron and three other guys who are part of the band. They’re all really good players and it feels like a real band. We’re not really into stuff like guest players. It takes away from the mystery of the band.

Is that going to be the live set-up too?
Yeah. We’re gonna be doing a lot of support tours in the next year and I tell you man, I love being the support band because what happens when the you’re headlining? The night’s over after you’ve played! When you’re the support band there’s all kinds of fun to be had while the other band are playing!

Has Scars On Broadway got a future beyond the first album?
Absolutely. We feel that there is a lot of music to come from this band. There will probably be a lot more Scars On Broadway albums before System Of A Down do anything again.

interview made by rocksound.tv

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