Part 2

From very deep/high/loud/quiet sounds to very long/short/simple/complex compositions - are there extremes in music you feel drawn to and what response do they elicit?

Oh I think I am always quite fascinated with the melodies and grooves and transitions I hear in jazz music and I adore those complex rhythms.

I don’t know how it happened to me that I started to appreciate complex compositions but that mindset definitely shaped a bit of daao sound in my latest album called HOME.

Like Coltrane’s giant steps, sometimes I listen to and can’t believe it :D



But after finishing the album I really felt that I want to learn to appreciate simple things and concentrate on writing simple composition with no too many elements and parts which just channels a simple emotion.

For example Roy Davis Jr’s “Gabriel.”



From symphonies and traditional verse/chorus-songs to linear techno tracks and free jazz, there are myriads ways to structure a piece of music. Which approaches work best for you – and why?

In my case I never structure it. I just write it almost like a ballad.

That’s why usually my compositions start in some place and end in a different place.

Could you describe your creative process on the basis of one of your pieces, live performances or albums that's particularly dear to you, please?

For me, the creative process begins with experiencing changes and struggles in my life. These moments accumulate within me, stirring up emotions and thoughts that I feel compelled to express. It's like an emotional burst that serves as the initial inspiration and impulse for my creative journey.

As I dive deeper into these emotions and ideas, they start to take shape and form within me. I find myself drawn to certain sounds, visuals, and concepts that resonate with the core themes of the album. It's an intuitive process of exploration and discovery, where I allow myself to be guided by the emotions and concepts that have become intertwined with my personal experiences.

From there, the creative process unfolds organically. I channel these emotions and ideas into music, carefully crafting each track to capture the essence of what I want to convey. It's a labor of love and dedication, where I immerse myself in the sonic world I'm creating, refining and shaping it until it aligns with the vision I have in mind.

Throughout this process, I continuously draw inspiration from the initial emotional burst that sparked it all. It serves as a guiding force, driving me to dig deeper, to express myself authentically, and to create a musical experience that resonates with others.

In summary, my creative process is a journey of transformation, fueled by the changes and struggles I go through. It begins with that first emotional burst and evolves as I explore and express my thoughts and feelings through music. It's an ongoing process of self-discovery and artistic growth, allowing me to share my experiences and connect with others on a deep, emotional level. My latest album called HOME is a perfect example of it.

HOME is more than a collection of tracks; it's an expression of a universal sentiment that I believe resonates deeply with our generation, especially from the perspective of my fellow Armenians. The struggles of COVID-19 combined with the distress of ongoing conflict in Armenia have created an intense cocktail of emotions. This shared experience has compelled our youth to confront realities from an incredibly raw perspective. We've had to shoulder the weight of cultural preservation, leading us to foster an attitude of resilience, accomplishment, and the will to shape our own path.

HOME seeks to explore the multifaceted nature of what "home" signifies: the feelings it elicits, the physical space it occupies, and the process of creating and maintaining it. While I was traveling, I found myself wrestling with what 'home' truly means. Why do we find comfort in the familiar, and why does being away from it cause homesickness? More importantly, what happens if you suddenly lose that sense of home? That happened to me and, while it was terrifying, it also prompted a shift in my perspective.

Sometimes, science and art converge in unexpected ways. Do you conduct “experiments” or make use of scientific insights when you're making music?

I would say that my creative process involves conducting "experiments" rather than relying on scientific insights.

I enjoy exploring uncharted territories and pushing the boundaries of traditional music genres. By mixing different elements and genres together in unconventional ways, I strive to create unique and unexpected sounds. When I perform live with a powerful sound system, people sometimes describe the experience as bone-shaking, which is a distinct characteristic of daao's groove.

One particular experiment I've conducted involves blending the 808 toms with a double-time swing rhythm. The 808 toms have a time signature of 7/8, while the swing rhythm constantly changes its time signature. This results in a peculiar and intriguing groove that still maintains its coherence within the music.

While my approach may not be rooted in scientific theories or insights, it is driven by a spirit of experimentation and a desire to create something fresh and innovative within the realm of music.

How does the way you make music reflect the way you live your life? Can we learn lessons about life by understanding music on a deeper level?

I think my music is my soul dump which I couldn’t hold anymore so I make something out of it. It’s a constant dance with yourself and with your craft and it works parallelly with each other in a beautiful way if you don’t resist it.

Making music allows me to build connections, which in turn inspires me to create more music and foster even stronger bonds within my community. This ongoing cycle of inspiration and collaboration is all the validation and encouragement I need to continue pursuing my passion.

Do you feel as though writing or performing a piece of music is inherently different from something like making a great cup of coffee? What do you express through music that you couldn't or wouldn't in more 'mundane' tasks?

Writing or performing a piece of music can be inherently different from engaging in more mundane tasks, such as making a great cup of coffee.

However, I have recently come to realize that I genuinely enjoy all types of activities, regardless of their nature. Regardless of the task, I find joy in the act of doing it. It has made me realize that each activity contributes to the overall recipe of living and creating and that every small task holds value.

When it comes to music, there is something unique that I express through it that I couldn't or wouldn't express in more mundane tasks. Music allows me to tap into a combination of emotions and receive feedback that is distinct from the experience of making a cup of coffee or engaging in other routine tasks.

While I believe that, when viewed from a broader perspective, all activities hold similarities, it is in the realm of music where I find a distinct blend of emotions and feedback that sets it apart from the ordinary.

Every time I listen to "Albedo 0.39" by Vangelis, I choke up. But the lyrics are made up of nothing but numbers and values. Do you, too, have a song or piece of music that affects you in a way that you can't explain?

To be honest each period in my life there is one song or track which is special for me. And currently, it is the song called “Ostavi Trag” by September.



This has a special impact on me, and every time I listen to it, it feels like I am reliving a childhood that is uniquely mine yet nostalgically different from my own.

If you could make a wish for the future – what are developments in music you would like to see and hear?

I would love to witness a greater emphasis on experimentation among famous musicians, leading to music on the charts that is less repetitive and more infused with deeper values beyond materialism and success.