PARG speaks to us about his new song “Kanchum Em”, it’s unique style, and sources of inspiration.
– You have a stage presence and interesting qualities; becoming recognised today as an artist is easier (thanks to social media) than it was about 20 years ago. What are your expectations on how it will evolve in the future?
– Yes, in today’s digital era, due to the internet and social media, it has indeed become easier to gain popularity. Social media allows artists to reach larger audiences and enjoy performing on big stages. However, to be honest my own goal is not just to be “famous”. It’s also a responsibility – to represent my Armenian roots, lyrically and in in sound, and connect with people on a deeper level. My journey in music began in the village of Hayravanq, where I sang in a church choir. This experience strengthened my bond with my culture culture; it stayed with me even when my family moved to Volgograd. There, I became deeply immersed in music and theatre and acting, which allowed my artistic voice to be heard.
So yes, to me, being recognised comes with is a responsibility to showcase my roots and Armenian culture on an international stage. Moving back to Armenia as a young adult rekindled that desire – to deepen my connection to traditions and present them to a global audience. Social media allows me to share my music, but my goal isn’t just to just chase numbers. I want to create something that withstands the test of time, bridging my cultural heritage and traditions to a timelessly evolving journey.
– Young singers are often influenced by famous bands or artists before they establish their own style. Whose music did you grow up listening to?
– My musical style was shaped by artists who boldly combine different genres and cultures, creating something fresh and powerful. Artists like Glen Hansard, Hozier, and Masego, who fearlessly experiment by blending folk, soul, and contemporary music elements, while remaining unique and genuine, have influenced me. Listening to them taught me that music doesn’t have to fit into narrow formats but can be a fusion that speaks universally.
I want to harmonize Armenian folk music with contemporary sounds, creating innovative yet tradition-infused music. This combination isn’t easy, but it’s what gives me the most satisfaction and opportunity for self-expression. Armenian music has a unique emotional depth that I want to convey to modern audiences. I hope I can respectfully maintain my influences while developing my own style that links the past and present.
– Could you introduce to us your new song, “Kanchum Em”?
– “Kanchum Em” is a very intimate piece that touches on feelings of loss, loneliness, and isolation, exploring the search for identity through connection with another person. The song’s title symbolizes my personal journey to reconnect with my roots and audience on a deeper level. This piece combines traditional Armenian sounds with contemporary music elements, creating a bridge between my roots and modern expression.
In “Kanchum Em” I address themes of identity, belonging, and personal growth. The song makes accessible the feeling that many have experienced – the bittersweet longing to understand their origins and recognize their identity. This piece expresses my desire to spread Armenian culture and affirm my identity through sounds enriched with modern audio effects and design, immersing the listener in the unique universe of the song.
– What inspires you in your creative process?
– Inspiration can come from many different sources and triggers. Primarily, my wife inspires me a lot. When I write a song, I take something from the past, something from my own feelings, and sometimes the words themselves are born from the mood of the music, and I continue to develop the theme.
– What do you consider your strengths as an artist that can lead to success?
– One of my strengths is that my approach to music and performance is always sincere. Growing up both in Armenia and Russia allowed me to encounter different cultures, yet my roots identity has always been at the heart of my creative path. My theater training gave me not only technical skills but also helped me present more deeply on stage, conveying the emotions and stories I wish to share through my music.
I am confident that my connection to my culture and my desire to preserve and renew it sets me apart from other artists. Merging folk music with modern sounds to create a unique style that is both fresh and close to the heart is my main creative line. I focus deeply on building an emotional connection with the audience. Powerful music speaks to the listener’s heart.
– Why the name PARG? It’s clear that it’s a shortened version of your name (Pargev Vardanian). Nevertheless, why…
– “Parg” was a natural choice for me, as it’s a shortened form of my full name, Pargev. Since childhood, my friends and family have called me that, and when I started creating music as an artist, I wanted a name that was both easy to remember and personal to me. So “Parg” became my stage name. It’s simple, sincere, and reflects my character and musical style.
My creative team also liked this option, finding it expressive of my artistic identity – distinctive, short, genuine, and close to the heart. The name “Parg” represents my mission to connect with the audience, staying rooted in my origins and sharing what I truly feel.
– Nowadays, artificial intelligence is creating music and poetry; could there come a time when it becomes a serious competitor to humans with hearts and souls?
– Artificial intelligence has indeed made great strides in “creativity” as well, but I am convinced there will always be a fundamental difference between what humans and lifeless machines create. Art is very personal; it reflects a human experience, emotions, and cultural foundation. Artificial intelligence can mimic certain styles and subtleties, but it lacks the experiences that give rise to true, profound music and lyrics. Music is an expression of feelings, while AI can be a tool that helps artists find new approaches. Ultimately, art is a dialogue between the artist and the audience, a connection anchored in emotions. Although AI can contribute to the development of music, I don’t believe it will ever replace the unique experiences and emotions that artists express. So, I don’t think that artificial intelligence cannot convey real human emotions, sincerity, and talent.
Interview by Gohar Hakobyan
Photos provided by Tigran Khachatryan
