SOADFans.com was honored to interview John Dolmayan once again. Questions submitted from fans all over the globe,  John answers fans questions about Torpedo Comics, Scars on Broadway and more!

- SOADFans: Who was your drummer idol when you were a kid?
John Dolmayan: Keith moon was and is my favorite drummer, though I was influenced by dozens of drummers including rock and jazz and new wave origins.

	"Keith moon was and is my favorite drummer"

- When making up beats what gives you the ideas for a lot of stuff you do?
I’m not sure where the beats come from, lot of it is instinct, but mostly I try to play what best suits the song without being typical. At times suggestions are made by my band members (typically Daron) to bring a certain style or vibe into a song and I do my best to take these suggestions into consideration while creating the beats.

- Can you play any other instruments besides the drums?
Drums are about it, though I have an assortment of equipment that I occasionally mess around with including keys, bass, and guitar.

- In every concert/appearance you always have a straight serious face. What's behind that face?
Nothing that sinister, that just happens to be my expression most of the time, but those who know me best could tell you I laugh often and have a great love of life and take great joy out of what may appear to most as inconsequential experiences.

- How did you get involved with Scars on Broadway? What's your role in the band besides drumming?
Daron asked me to be involved around Christmas of 2006 and I agreed, it’s that simple. As for my role in the band, it will be similar to that of soad, I will handle things behind the scenes and do my best to stay out of the limelight, where I'm most comfortable.

- Is Shavo currently involved in Scars? we heard about him for a few months then nothing else...
Shavo is not involved at this time.

- Who else is involved with the band beside Daron and what's their role?
We have some good friends helping us out and rounding out our live roster as well as great people helping out behind the scenes we've worked with for years. Lot of friendly faces will be around with Scars on Broadway.

- What's the difference between John Dolmayan drumming in System of a Down in the past 10+ years and John's drumming in Scars on Broadway in 2008?
I hope that I’ve grown as a drummer and will continue to learn and expand on my abilities, but my approach is the same, play for the song not for yourself.

- How do you feel about the recording of Scar's debut album compared to the recording of System's albums?
Not that different, we had a great time and worked very hard as we always do.

- Do you (along with Daron) plan on making this project a permanent one?
Nothing in life is permanent, scars will be around for as long as it feels right.

- How's it co-operating with Daron Malakian again in another band?
We have always worked intuitively with each other, if anything, we’ve grown closer during the recording of this debut.

	"behind straight face nothing that sinister"

- When recording the Scars album, was the vibe in the studio the same as with System? Were you more or less comfortable without Shavo and Serj?
I love Shavo and Serj very much, they are brothers to both me and Daron, but we aren’t connected at the hip and can support each other while pursuing different forms of artistic expression.

- What's the funniest/weirdest thing that's happened during the recording of the SOB album?
Most of the time was full of laughter, and there were so many funny things that took place that I find it difficult to remember any one event that would stand out. Suffice it to say a lot of youtube was involved.

- What style Scars on Broadway will be based on? Is it going to sound like S.O.A.D or will it be something new?
That’s for you to determine, we are still the same people but are trying to push our own boundaries constantly.

- This Scars On Broadway business. Is it as labor-intensive and synergistic as the blood, sweat and tears poured into System?
Nothing we do is done without great personal sacrifice and this album is not an exception. Our souls are in this music and we leave something behind in every recording session, we are coming of age and the metamorphosis will continue for many years to come.


- What is your favorite song off the upcoming Scars record?
Still not sure, it changes daily.

- Is there going to be any singles out before the entire album is out? If so, when? And, is there a set date for the album release yet or album title?
There will be something on our site but I’m not sure how soon. The album should be out by spring or summer.

- John, What gives you the energy to work on both a new band and a comic company?
I’m a lunatic. (And very tired)

- What prompted you to launch TorpedoComics.com?
I love comics and I have a passion for buying selling and trading them. Its fun for me and helps to keep me grounded.

- Is there any specific theme for torpedo comics?
Still expanding on it, any suggestions?


- Are you going to open up stores for Torpedo Comics or is it just going to be an online deal?
I may one day, but that won’t be anytime soon.

- Who would win in a fight, Deadpool or Batman?
I think Batman would find a way.

	"Batman would find a way"

- Living in Vegas must be expensive. What is the most you ever lost in a single wager?
Why bring up a sore subject, its not much don’t worry.

- Did you play sports in high school? If so, what positions?
I played football (defensive tackle and wide receiver) and basketball (poorly).

-What are some of your favorite professional sports teams?
Buffalo Bills (football), Lakers (basketball), Dodgers and Blue Jays (baseball), Kings (hockey).

- Have you ever played "Rock Band?"
Not yet, looks hard.

- Have you considered visiting your birth country Lebanon? Or maybe including it in your tour?
I would love to if it ever calms down.

- What was it like to play at Big Day Out (and other gigs) in front of hundreds of thousands of people?
It’s a rush, you feel the energy coming at you like a wave.

- Can you tell us your upper arm circumference? Is there any future for rock or this genre is going to become extinct like blues?
I didn’t know blues was extinct? You're going to have to ask my girlfriend about the arm circumference, I have no idea.

- What part of I-E-A-I-A-I-O was written by you? (This could be interesting to know because these are the only SOAD lyrics credited by you)
I honestly don’t remember.

- A question is about the Souls Benefit Concert. I know it probably won't be coming back this year, but I was wondering if you and the rest of System could possibly bring it back next year or the year after, maybe not as SOAD, but as FCC, SOB, and Achozen?
Anything is possible while the denial still exists.

-What advise would you give your younger fans?
Be kind to people and follow your heart and dreams.


- Finally, do you have any regrets from the past 10 years with System?
I do but I don’t think I would change a thing.


-While you have already contributed in several tracks of Serj’s album, is there any reason why you did not perform with Serj in any of his tour?
I recorded as a guest and never intended to tour with Serj as I never considered it my band. He has my full support and I enjoy watching from the audience for once. I had no idea Serj had a face after 12 years of seeing his backside every day.

Thanks John -:)

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