EMQ’s With Sam Mooradian
EMQ’s With Sam Mooradian
Hi everyone! Welcome to another EMQs interview, this time with Heavy Progressive solo artist, Sam Mooradian. Huge thanks to him for taking part.
What is your name, what do you play and can you tell us a little bit about the history of the band?
My name is Sam Mooradian; I play guitar, bass, and I program drums and synths for my solo project. I started the project while studying mechanical engineering; I wanted a creative outlet to mirror the intensity of what I was studying. I wrote and released a few EPs before I found the sound I’m pursuing now, and released my first solo album along those lines this year. The project grew into what it is today – a progressive, weird, and heavy solo project with collaborations from music friends.
How did you come up with your band name?
All of my social media was under my own name, and the project is just a solo project, so I thought calling it by my name was fitting.
What Country / Region are you from and what is the Metal / Rock scene like there?
I’m from the US. I grew up in the state of Michigan, but settled in Boston, Massachusetts on the East Coast. The scene is massive and very inviting. I’m lucky to be able to tour and be a part of it all, making friends and whatnot. I can tell you there’s a lot of love and positivity in the rock and metal scene, as well as a lot of talent.
What is your latest release?
My solo album “Bad Brain” which dropped on July 28th!
Who have been your greatest influences?
The Mars Volta is my favorite band, by far. I personally hear a lot of their influence in my music. Animals As Leaders is a much earlier influence though; that compositional style – instrumental, technical, guitar-driven progressive metal — is something that I think became ingrained in my own style from an early age.
What first got you into music?
My parents. Everyone in my family is very musical, either playing an instrument at a high level, or listening to music constantly. I grew up in a house that listened to metal, classic rock, hiphop, pop, and classical music. Some of my earliest memories are music-related, listening to bands like Megadeth, Metallica, Slayer, or Iron Maiden from a very early age.
If you could collaborate with a current band or musician who would it be?
So many artists come to mind. Impossible to choose just one. I’d be open to collaborate with just about anyone else.
If you could play any festival in the world, which would you choose and why?
I don’t have an immediate answer, but I would be grateful to play at any festival. Would love to play festivals overseas, or 70,000 Tons of Metal again.
What’s the weirdest gift you have ever received from a fan?
We’ve gotten some great stuff. Nothing weird comes to mind, but some of the homemade food we’ve been gifted has been insane. Super grateful.
If you had one message for your fans, what would it be?
I love you.
If you could bring one rock star back from the dead, who would it be?
Difficult question. Dimebag Darrell, maybe.
What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? And what do you hate?
I love the making music part; but it’s a grind. This is a hard and volatile career in which things can be very uncertain – gigs, money, all of it. Very rewarding when it’s all working out and when you’re on stage, though.
If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?
Abolish merch cuts.
Name one of your all-time favourite albums?
“De-loused in the Comatorium” by The Mars Volta.
What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CD’s or Downloads?
Vinyl. It’s the most interactive form of listening there is. And I’m a huge album art guy, so holding the artwork in a larger format is definitely one of my favorite things.
What’s the best gig that you have played to date?
My first ever hometown show on a big tour. I remember all my friends and family packing out the front row… nothing quite like that.
If you weren’t a musician, what else would you be doing?
Probably painting. If I wasn’t an artist, I’d stick to engineering.
Which five people would you invite to a dinner party?
Omar Rodriguez-Lopez, Charlie Day, Bert Kreischer, Greg Howe, Hugh Jackman.
What’s next for the band?
More music! I’ve got two other albums in the works – one is the B-side to Bad Brain, the other is the followup album.
What Social Media / Website links do you use to get your music out to people?
Sammooradian.com | Facebook.com/sammooradianmusic | Instagram.com/sammooradian | YouTube.com/@sammooradian
Sammooradian.bandcamp.com | Spotify | Apple Music
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jpp23IvYN8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COieZnwa7hU
Time for a very British question now. As an alternative to the humble sandwich, is the correct name for a round piece of bread common in the UK either a Bap, a Barm (or Barm Cake), a Batch, a Bun, a Cob, a Muffin, a Roll or a Tea Cake?
Oh god. I’m gonna go with a Bun, or a Cob, final answer.
Thank you for your time. Is there anything else that you would like to add?
Thank you. I love you. Listen to “Bad Brain”!
Disclaimer: This interview is solely the property of Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this review, unless you have the strict permission of both parties. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.
