Gagrule.net

Gagrule.net News, Views, Interviews worldwide

Chris Cornell’s song composed for “The Promise” nommed for Hollywood Music In Media Awards

By

Chris Cornell‘s song composed for “The Promise” – a film about the Armenian Genocide – has been nominated for the 2017 Hollywood Music In Visual Media Awards.

Written and performed by Cornell, the piece servedas the ending credits song for the film.

Also nominated in the Original Son – Feature Film category are “I Don’t Wanna Live Forever” (Fifty Shades Darker) – Written by Taylor Swift, Sam Dew and Jack Antonoff. Performed by Zayn & Taylor Swift; “If I Dare” (Battle of the Sexes) Written by Sara Bareilles and Nicholas Britell. Performed by Sara Bareilles; “Mighty River” (Mudbound) Written by Mary J. Blige, Raphael Saadiq, and Taura Stinson. Performed by Mary J. Blige; “Stand Up For Something” (Marshall) Music by Diane Warren, Lyrics by Diane Warren and Lonnie R. Lynn. Performed by Andra Day, featuring Common; “This Is Me” (The Greatest Showman) Written by Benj Pasek & Justin Paul. Performed by Keala Settle.

Cornell cited a connection with “The Promise” through his Greek wife, whose family had been affected by the Armenian, Greek, and Assyrian Genocide. This prompted his family to tour refugee camps in Greece, where they formed the Chris and Vicky Cornell Foundation, to help aid child refugees and the issues affecting them.

At the time of the song’s release, Cornell stated, “[The Promise] is mainly about paying homage to those we lost in the Armenian Genocide, but it’s also about shining a light on more recent atrocities.”

“I don’t understand the language, but I sing in Armenian”. Ash Morgan from The Voice UK is in Yerevan (photo/video)

By

Ash Morgan from The Voice UK is in Yerevan

Ash Morgan from The Voice UK is in Yerevan

The finalist of the UK show The Voice, Ash Morgan is in Armenia on these days. NEWS.am STYLE met the talented singer at Hasmik Karapetyan’s new music video presentation. Ash told us about his visit to Armenia, collaboration with Hasmik Karapetyan, his love towards Armenian music and he even performed for us a couple of songs by Komitas.

“I love Armenia. This is my third time here. I came here 10 years ago, when I was 20-years-old, and then I came here in May this year, which is when I met Alla Levonyan and Hasmik Karapetyan. Since then I was very excited. I came here this morning to be a part of this event”,-says Ash adding that he is a huge fan of Armenian music.

“I’m in love with Armenian music. When I was very young I met a friend, Hovig Azaryan, who lives in UK and became a fan of Armenian music, when he introduced me with the culture of Armenia. Ever since then I’ve listened to Hasmik and Alla, Sirusho, Razmik Amyan… a lot from Armenian music”.

The singer was here participating in a new TV project, which is called Car Toot Karaoke hosted by Hasnmik Karapetyan.

I’m very excited about that. I’m also recording couple of covers by Komtas-“Vay-Vay” and “Sareri Hovin Mernem”, which are beautiful songs. I don’t understand the language, but I sing in Armenian. And my dream would be also to sing with Sirusho. I love Sirusho, especially her song PreGomesh. As for the new program, the concept of Car Toot Karaoke is that I learn a little bit from each Armenian singers’ songs, like I did Hoy Nar by Alla, Ays Bemum by Hasmik, some songs by Razmik Amyan, Sofi Mkheyan and others…I just love Armenian music, Armenian food, buildings and Ararat. I’ve done 6-7 programs here”.

 

 

 

Armenian composer’s song “Wings of Love” named the best at Russian song contest

By

Armenian composer’s songThe 16th “Sea Knot 2017” annual song contest is over at Novorossiysk, Russia, with Armenian singer Suzanna Melkonyan taking the first place.

As the Composers Union of Armenia told Panorama.am, at the finals of the contest Suzanna Melkonyan performed the “Wings of Love” song by Honored Artist of Armenia, composer Edgar Gyanjumyan, which was highly appreciated by the jury members and won the Best Song about Sea category.

The “Wings of Love” was composed still in 2002 and performed by numerous artists.

“It is really nice when your song which was written 15 years ago continues to be performed and appreciated at international platforms,” Gyanjumyan said.

 

https://youtu.be/ybOLC7k1lu8

System of a Down’s Serj Tankian Perform New Political Song ‘Artsakh’

By

Karabakh music

Serj Tankian has recorded “Artsakh,” a song calling for solidarity among Armenians in the disputed region of Azerbaijan.

Passionate acoustic tune calls for solidarity among Armenians in disputed region of Azerbaijan.

System of a Down frontman Serj Tankian was so moved by the resilience of Armenian fighters in Nagorno-Karabakh, a region in the former Soviet Republic of Azerbaijan that neighbors Armenia, during a four-day war in April that he wrote a passionate new political folk song, “Artsakh,” in deference to them. The song voices support for the people of Artsakh – the Armenian name for the region – and protests what Tankian describes as Azeri aggression.

“These people have lived on those lands for thousands of years,” the singer wrote in a statement. “They have struggle but also great beauty written on their foreheads. The whimsical appropriation of land by an empire (Stalin) placed them under Azerbaijan. They have since gained their independence and have lived a prosperous existence for the last 20 or so years. I do not believe in wars and ultimately borders but I deeply believe in self-determination and life without oppression. Therefore it is time for the world to recognize them as the Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh).”

Violence broke out in the region on April 2nd, prompting Azerbaijan’s president, Ilham Aliyev, to call for the “immediate and unconditional withdrawal of Armenian troops from our territories,” according to The Washington Post. As the situation worsened, Azerbaijani troops attempted to take control of the region. The paper reported scores of deaths, the worst in the region since 1994. A ceasefire was declared on April 5th. Russian President Vladimir Putin voiced his support of a truce, according to Armenia Now.

“It’s a crazy provocation,” the singer tells Rolling Stone. “It’s a land that these people have lived on from the beginning of time, from time immemorial, with children springing from the rivers and generations coming from their mountains. There is a national liberation struggle embedded within their character, their public mask, if you will. It goes on through trying to create peace. We will ultimately win with culture and all this beautiful stuff.”

Tankian made a video for the song, on which he sings and plays guitar, this past weekend.

“Artsakh” lyrics, translated:

We’ve always lived on these lands,

Reaped and harvested these fields,

Generations sprung from your rivers,

Children born from your mountains,

The public mask of tradition,

The struggle for liberation or death,

The enemy’s gaze at your terrain,

Our smiles at your bosom,

At your bottomless will.

We’re going to sing with our fists

With the tricolor flag of justice,

Humanitarian love of peace

With the holy blessing of a child’s face,

We are going to prevail with culture

We are going to prevail with culture

We are going to prevail by being Armenian.

Source: http://www.rollingstone.com

TURKEY The Erdowie song Erdowo Erdogan creates tension between Ankara and Berlin

By

arton123863-480x270Ankara, (AFP): The wrath of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan about a satirical song on German television has led to a skirmish between Ankara and Berlin on freedom of expression, did on Tuesday Turkish and German diplomatic sources.

The case began with the release of 17 March mocking title “Erdowie, Erdowo, Erdogan,” produced by public regional broadcaster NDR, which displeased the head of the Turkish state as to cause the convening by Ankara German Ambassador to Turkey, Martin Erdmann.

Erdmann was requested “last week” to go to the Turkish Foreign Ministry “to express our protest about this issue that we condemn and we asked to stop its spread,” said AFP a Turkish diplomatic source who requested anonymity. According to the German Foreign Ministry, Martin Erdmann has “made it clear” on Tuesday and “a few days ago,” “the rule of law, independence of justice and the protection of fundamental freedoms, including freedom of the press and opinion, “must be” protected jointly “by the two countries.

“In recent weeks already, the Ambassador Erdmann stressed to the Turkish Foreign Ministry that political satire over in Germany the freedom of press and opinion”, and can as such be subject to a “government action”, is continued in the ministry. NDR chain has in turn protested Tuesday against the Turkish decision. “What the Turkish government clearly active diplomatically because of the show + Extra 3+ is not compatible with our concept of freedom of the press and opinion,” railed the editor of NDR Andreas Cichowicz, quoted by the German news agency DPA. Satirical song about two minutes to Erdogan, produced by NDR for the show “Extra 3” broadcast by ARD public television, is especially addressing the violations of press freedom committed by the Islamic-conservative president. It also criticizes the Pharaonic expenses incurred for the construction of a luxurious palace near the Turkish capital, Ankara.

“He leads a lavish lifestyle, the boaster of the Bosphorus, a journalist who writes does not please Mr. Erdogan is found the next day behind bars,” quips the offending song. Erdogan in power since 2002, first as prime minister and president since 2014, is accused of authoritarianism by its detractors. He strongly criticized these days the presence Friday from Western diplomats, including those of Germany and France in particular, to the trial of two opposition journalists in Istanbul.

In the aftermath, Ankara protested Monday from several European countries from the comments posted on social networks diplomats present at the trial against the editor of the daily Cumhuriyet, Can Dündar and his bureau chief in Ankara Erdem Gül. The two journalists charged with espionage, risk life imprisonment for an article questioning the Turkish regime in deliveries of arms to Islamist rebels in Syria, in January 2014.

The German government has in turn been criticized by German media for controversial agreement completed between the EU and Turkey, and strongly supported by Chancellor Angela Merkel. The media accused Berlin of granting too many concessions to Ankara.

France:1300 people in concert in Lyon Armenchik organized by Nour of Armenia … sublime! Archi-packed hall

By

Armenian songFriday, February 12, the hall of the “Espace 140” sold out for the concert with the participation of Armenchik Francesca Ramirez, show organized by the Armenian Association Nour in favor of France-Respite Foundation, which is funding the project a respite home for people with serious or disabling illnesses and their families in Lyon. The co-founder of the Foundation France-Henri Respite Ronan Chabot Nour thanked the Armenian members for their action. The President of Armenia Nour, Vartoug Sahaguian surrounded by Aline Kouyoumdjian treasurer of the association and Caroline Kennedy’s secretary, thanked the public for its very large presence before giving way to the show.

The 1,300 fans came Armenchik Lyon but also Valence, Grenoble, Marseille or even Paris waiting to show several months ago have not been disappointed! Armenchik with her exceptional voice which penetrates the hearts and sublime Francesca Ramirez in “Latin bomb” singer and dancer ignited the famous arch-packed. The Armenichik rhythmic dance songs were hundreds of people in the room. Nearly two hours of intense show with Armenchik that captivated the audience who took with him many of his songs. A great evening of Armenian song with this wide audience, through investment Nour ladies of Armenia were also highly acclaimed for this new initiative.

Krikor Amirzayan, text and photo-reportage in Lyon

New Music Video Based on Popular Song ‘Karabakhtsin’ Shot in Artsakh

By

Karabakh musicSTEPANAKERT (ARTSAKHPRESS)—A new music video based on the popular song about the people of Artsakh, “Karabakhtsin,” was shot in the cities of Stepanakert and Shushi and sponsored by the Tashir Charitable Foundation.

Lira Kocharyan, music producer for the “Voices of Artsakh” project, told Artsakhpress that the new rendition of the song attempts to make it more relevant to young people.

“This song is familiar to our society. I aimed to present the song in a new style in order to make it more accessible and beloved, especially for young people,” she said, adding that the video recently premiered at the “Artsakh Days in Moscow” project. The video was directed by Arsen Bayadyan and Artyom Abovyan. Watch below.

 

Egyptian composer Samir Aiad has dedicated a song to the Armenian Genocide centennial. (Video)

By

samir aiadSamir Aiad is the author of both the music and lyrics.
The composer left the following note on his Facebook page:

“Many are aware of the tragedy that befell this great nation – the Armenians.
I have heard these stories from my teacher of violin, who worked in my school. 
She was Armenian, one of those Armenians, who reached Egypt with her mother through the Syrian deserts.
Peace to the souls of all victims and shame on the people that perpetrated this crime.”

Eurovision Song Contest: Armenia to be represented by Genealogy! #Eurovision2015

By

Yerevan, Armenia #genealogy

#armeniangenocide

The logo of the Genealogy project. Photo: Armenian Public Television Company

Armenia has come up with a new and innovative idea for the 2015 Eurovision Song Contest: The country will be represented by artists from all five continents! The project will be called Genealogy, and they will sing Don’t Deny in Vienna.

Peace, unity and tolerance – that will be the key message of the Armenian entry in the 2015 Eurovision Song Contest. Inspired by the symbol of a forget-me-not flower and of Building Bridges, the slogan of the contest, a wholly new concept was born. eurovision.tv

Taking into account numerous requests of the Armenian diaspora, five musicians from Europe, Asia, America, Africa, and Australia, all of Armenian origin, will be part of the band Genealogy. The idea is to unite a new generation of Armenians on stage whose families once spread all over the world in the year 1915.

A Global Forget-Me-Not Flower

The five artists at the same time symbolize the five petals of the forget-me-not flower. In their centre, the group will be unified by a sixth artist, who will be from Armenia.

The stage name of the project in the 2015 Eurovision Song Contest will be Genealogy, and they will sing Don’t Deny.

The first member of the band will be announced on February 16. Stay with Eurovision.tv to be among the first to know!

Did you know?

It’s not the first time Armenia is being represented by an act that refers to its globally spread diaspora:

In 2010, Eva Rivas sang Apricot Stone in Oslo – a song refering to Armenians living far from home, feeling their strong links and longing to the far-away motherland.

Like the forget-me-not flower in this year’s entry, the apricot is also a heavy symbol for Armenians – the fruit even gave its color to one part of the Armenian flag!

 

France: The stars of the Armenian song are packed in Décines

By

arton105134-480x320Saturday, November 8 room Toboggan Décines (Rhône) was packed. More than 600 spectators were present to witness the spectacle of the stars of the Armenian song variety. The evening, organized by the “Armenian Nour ‘association, presented by comedian Ashot Ghazarian kept his promise. In turn, Vartan Badalian, Hamlet Kevorkian, Kohar HOVHANISSIAN and Aghassi Ispirian accompanied by dancers of the troupe of folk dances Nairi (Lyon) enchanted the room. The popular Kohar HOVHANISSIAN even down from the stage to invite the public to some kotcharis. For a few hours, the public-including a large part of Armenia-native was taken in the mountains and plains of Armenia. Mush in Van, Sasun in Van, Armenia was present at Décines. A successful evening with applause from delighted by this heat Armenian public. The president of the association “Nour Armenia” Vartouhi Sahaguian and Caroline Kennedy (Secretary) and Aline Kouyoumdjian (Treasurer) assisted by Anna Ham (representative of the Twinning Committee Décines) were widely praised for their initiative in favor dissemination of Armenian culture with these stars of Armenia in France found an opportunity to rediscover their art. Finally, late in the evening, the audience was invited to a photo-break action “Recognise the Armenian genocide.”

Krikor Amirzayan text and photo-reportage in Décines