An interview with composer Armen Movsisyan

In 2007, the composer Armen Movsisyan left Armenia. He now resides in Los Angeles. Those in the know call Armen a master song composer. Some of his most famous songs include “Get up brother”, “Soldier’s song” and “To you, my love”. He has recorded 60 songs and has another 100 waiting in the wings. Armen has filmed some videos in Armenia.

Those doing the shooting have offered their services for the video at no charge. The composer refuses to give interviews since the first question is invariably about his decision to leave Armenia. Armen had spoken about his reasons on many occasions.

Two years ago you talked about a new CD and new songs. Have you finished the project?

Time is very limited. This will have to wait till next year. I have established a school with 50 students. I teach them guitar and Armenian songs. Sadly, we have to maintain the Armenian language in Los Angeles through song. Hopefully, it will succeed. The school doesn’t have an official name as yet, so let’s not talk about it.

Isn’t it difficult to be creative overseas?

It’s very difficult for an Armenian to create. In the homeland there is a big energy boost you get for creating but afterwards it slowly dies out. Now, there are notes of longing and pain.

Do you think that guitar lessons will keep people Armenian?

I have learnt that there is something in the genes. At first the pupils didn’t speak Armenian. I had to teach them the Armenian words to songs by using transcript texts in English. I am making a bit of progress. Nevertheless, in a generation or two, the diaspora will become assimilated and even the songs of Armen Movsisyan won’t reverse this trend. There is no escape other than repatriation to Armenia.

One of my teachers points to the exodus as one of the reasons that things will not change in Armenia. He says that politically active class is leaving and there is no core left to serve as an impetus for change.

Yes, I agree. I can’t say why we adopted the path of a third world country. We didn’t want to establish a country where the rule of law dominated. Instead, we have chosen relations where clan interests, patronage, cronyism and nepotism prevail. We should have preferred modesty over bribery.

There’s a line in your song ‘Emigration’ where you ask ‘Where are you going? Isn’t our pain enough already?’ Even though I promised not to ask you, I will. When do you plan to return to Armenia?

It’s a very painful question. I have realized that my professional work for the past 15 years couldn’t even cover my basic living expenses. In Armenia, I couldn’t even get a one room apartment. While it isn’t much discussed, my modest concert fees couldn’t even afford me an honest living. I never learnt how to stretch out my hand or gather table scraps. I never had it in me to become a “palace singer”, thank God. One’s native land imparts energy but it is a void.

You have found the good life in America. What about the rest?

I never went out looking for the good life. In Armenia, I lived like a bum. I don’t dream about owning an expensive Mercedes Benz but about a guitar. Now, here in the US, I can buy the guitar of my dreams. Now, I have no need of finding sponsors to help me record songs. All this doesn’t mean that I feel at home here and that all is fine. I remain an Armenian and enough of an Armenian to resist becoming an American. Sometimes, one has to put some distance between oneself and the homeland in order to feel closer to it later on.

What needs to change for composer Armen Movsisyan to return to Armenia?

I would like to see average citizens in Armenia treated properly, regardless of their political affiliations and social circumstances. I want to see a country where there aren’t such extremes disparities in wealth. I don’t want to visit as a tourist – to see Garni and Geghard, to swim in Sevan and then leave. I don’t want to feel as a stranger in the homeland. Perhaps I will return at that time. I want to return and be able to make a living. In Los Angeles, I like the fact that there are rules that are respected. You see that you are treated equally as your friends and neighbors. Here, they help you in every possible way to get you on your feet. Everything is explained to you so you understand what’s going on. I want to be independent, to make my own way and live in my country. I would never forgive myself if I sold out my freedom and betrayed my principles.

However, in order to achieve the homeland of your dreams, something must be done; right? Who will do what is needed?

Don’t you think I’ve never asked myself that? I still don’t know the answer. I’m being perfectly honest. I argue with myself, but it’s not a solution. It has led me to a dead-end.

Isn’t waging a struggle a way out of sorts?

It’s a dead-end but one must struggle. We see what kind of a country Japan has become after being defeated in war. But, we were victorious in war. So how have we winded up facing all these problems? Perhaps the new generation will be able to free themselves from those in power today. I believe it’s impossible to achieve any change from within the system itself. You can struggle but the thick-necked defenders of the system will beat you down. They are ready to spill blood. The society itself must mature past the point where yesterday they chant “Levon take a hike” and today they scream “Struggle till the end”. We have to find untainted leaders to guide us. Systematic reform is what’s needed. We have to do away with buying votes for 5,000 AMD. The days when officials enrich themselves and then leave must be stopped. Those in government must think about the interests of the people and not their personal welfare.

Do you follow developments in Armenia and take part in various public events?

I follow news from Armenia on the internet. I don’t watch TV programs from Armenia to conserve my health. Regardless of my personal opinions of the president, my flag and nation’s emblem are sacred values. It’s not that I get disappointed, but the president must lead by example. Until that time, elections in Armenia will remain a farce. When they asked people of my generation what we wanted to be later on in life, we would answer – engineers, soldiers, and astronauts. No one ever dreamt of becoming a trader or such. All of us students were carried away by the promises of independence; we all were active and believed in having a just country. They were the romantic notions of our youth.

What about the role of intellectuals in changing attitudes of the society at large. Shouldn’t they be in constant contact with the people?

There’s a good intellectual class in Armenia today which the people aren’t aware of. They don’t get any TV time. They just do their work quietly and unnoticed.

You once dreamt of having a certain guitar. What do you dream about now?

If I told you I dream about getting a house in the Glendale mountains… (laughs and giggles). I dream about returning to Armenia, of having a roof over my head, of not living on the down and out. I dream of being able to make ends meet.