Interview: Sirusho Merges Traditional and Pop Music for Fun Hybrid

SH: It’s my hope that when people hear my voice and see me in concert, demonstrating my hard work on stage, they see that as well. The smart ones understand.

TB: You burst onto the international scene in 2008 during the Eurovision competition for your song Qele, Qele, which to this day holds the record for most points on behalf of Armenia. When you were going through that experience, did you feel a shift or turning point in your career that you could open up Armenian music not just to Armenians but to the world at large?

SH: When I first started out, my family and I came to the US where there were opportunities from different music companies and labels. I am happy my parents and I understood that we didn’t want to be reliant on these companies and that I wanted to make my own decisions. If I went with a label, I wouldn’t have been able to do the “Armat” project (her 2016 album and subsequent music videos and documentaries), which is very Armenian and a sizable undertaking. For me, it is more enjoyable to make my own decisions. I don’t want anyone to tell me I can’t do this or that because I am contractually obliged. After Eurovision, a lot of opportunities opened up since the competition gave me more exposure and a larger audience on the international scene. I remember one time I went into a store in Greece and the clerk, who was Greek, said she loved my songs, especially Shorora (from her 2005 album, “Sheram”). I was touched because this is an Armenian folk song.

TB: In addition to recording pop music, you have made a real effort to record Armenian traditional and folk music with a modern spin as we have heard on your “Armat” album. As an artist, why is it significant to remember your cultural and historical roots?

SH: My thought is that it is our natural, human need to belong in order to feel safe. We are all Armenian and our shared history and mentality makes us feel stronger and safer. While living outside (the homeland) it’s natural to feel lonely and even while living in Armenia. But we aren’t alone. We should always be together and I want to remember the history we went through together and how strong we’ve been to be here as a people today. We have had strong forebears and heroes and we stand on their shoulders. We have to honor our heroes and their moral values, power and strength and we have to continue that legacy with pride and find that inner strength within all of us.

TB: Your talents, music and professionalism bridges Armenians from around the world so I want to ask where do you see yourself artistically in your future and what do you see for Armenia’s future?

SH: Artistically, I’m not sure where I’m headed and that’s what’s most interesting about my work. I compose and write my own songs and what I write tomorrow is unexpected. I myself sometimes don’t know what I will create. It may seem to me everything is fine and then I write a song about something I didn’t even realize was bothering me or making me uncomfortable. I didn’t talk about it or even feel it but independently of me it became a song. Maybe the song understands me better than I understand myself. The songs suggest what follows. When the songs are born then I decide what direction to go in. I wouldn’t be surprised if my next album is in the international genre.

As for us as a country, my hope is tied to my generation and the following generations. Whatever profession someone chooses, her or she should strive to be the best. Whether you’re a driver or a doctor, be a hard-working professional because that way you can help your country, your family and the world.