There is art underground. It is beautiful and that is probably why it is hidden. The problem: a small population and an even smaller group of interested people. And when we try to describe experimental music, the perception of Armenian society is that it is the music of the future. A “future” that has come and gone in so many countries, but not so much in the “post-Soviet” space. Still, a small following, places, people, ideas, performances…all of these make up the collective character of the alternative world of the Armenian underground.
Underground
The stages of the underground are hidden but colorful. The bohemian of the underground creates its own, paints it in colors and like a mad person does not deviate from its unconventional path.
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D․zu՜k
Meruzh
– Who is that guy? I’ve heard a lot about him.
– That is Meruzh, he makes music. Not sure what kind exactly but he makes pleasant stuff.
“There was always music in the house.
I grew up with Jazz, Classical and Rock. It turned out music was bound to be in my life.” Meruzh Khalatyan
Is music a profession or a hobby?
Meruzh is not sure, but one thing he is certain about — making money can not be your motivation in art. Money will draw the limits which will constantly shrink your spectrum for growth and development.
What is keeping underground musicians from making it to the mainstream?
The Soviet impact on our mentality is considerable and this is an artificial obstacle. The trouble is, there is a lack of collaboration, information and platforms and this makes it difficult for the art scene of post-Soviet countries to develop and grow.
Meruzh is set on his opinion about the underground music scene: There isn’t much to be gained from making underground art – a major issue is the problem with networking among underground artists. Art is consistently about being informed and developing, there is no other means for a quality result.
“I don’t know whether I produce high-quality music or not, but I know for sure it is a result of years of research.”
