The U.S. Embassy in Armenia is proud to premiere the Armenian remix of “Shine” by Native American band Sihasin, featuring special Armenian guest artists Lily Aleksanyan (vocals), Gohar Qeshishoghlyan (qanon), and Qristine Hovsepyan (kopal dhol).
“As Indigenous peoples from The United States, it was inspiring to connect and build dignified bridges of respect towards cultural preservation, through music, dance, language and the arts. With this collaboration, we hope to “shine” a spotlight on Armenia’s rich intangible cultural heritage”, said Clayson Benally.
“I greatly enjoyed working with “Sihasin” band. I was very excited to learn about the culture of our guests and share our own culture with them. We had a great collaboration”, said Gohar Qeshishoghlyan, one of the collaborating artists.
The new Armenian remix of “Shine” was produced by Narek Barseghyan of The Bambir, with the support of the U.S. Embassy in Yerevan. The Embassy sponsored Sihasin’s Armenia visit to Armenia earlier this summer. Check out the music video, which features behind-the-scenes tour footage, and the many inspiring Armenian musicians Sihasin met along the way!
“During a musical tour filled with fusion of Native American and Armenian musical traditions we witnessed many amazing moments,” said head of the Public Diplomacy Section Jen McAndrew. “New creative bonds were activated through jam sessions with local artists, and masterclasses for aspiring musicians, that exemplified the power of music to build bridges.”
Sihasin’s tour engagements were held in partnership with Ordinary Wonder Society, Armenia Vibes, Meeting Point Studios, Yerevan Wine Days Festival, TUMO Center for Creative Technologies in Yerevan and Gyumri, Emili Aregak Center in Gyumri, Armenian General Benevolent Union, Karin Folk-Dance Group, and Payte Dzi Horse Therapy Center.
