Serj Tankian Reveals The Story Behind The New Vocalist Audition System Of A Down

Serj Tankian, vocalist System of a Down (Instagram @sistemofadown)

JAKARTA - Serj Tankian revealed the story behind System of a Down's new vocalist audition after he asked to leave the band. The story was written in a memoir released on Tuesday, May 14.

Back in time, Tankian admitted that he was responsible for the System of a Down vacuum in 2006-2011. The main reason is that the vocalist wants to withdraw from the tour and his conflict with Daron Malakian.

Tankian also talks openly about chronic back problems that make it difficult for him to go on tour, not to mention his dislike for touring life in general.

The system of a Down is lucky enough to get royalties from music sales, and the income is quite consistent. If you spend more income, you can always refill the coffers with large checks from the tour. Playing live can be like visiting the most generous ATMs in the world," Serj Tankian said in his memoir, citing Rolling Stone.

"But remember, I never wanted to be someone who made the decision because of money. I realized that being in a position not to have to do it was an extraordinary privilege, but I can't ignore the fact that not making decisions based on money is something that has brought me to that privilege."

"Incidentally, I'm quite good at keeping my budget, so the financial appeal from the tour will never exceed all of its negative impacts. With music, I never compromise and always succeed."

Regarding the search for new vocalists in 2017, Tankian admitted that it was he who suggested the band at that time.

Towards the end of 2017, we had a band meeting at Beno's office (SOAD manager). When I arrived, I told everyone I had something I wanted to add to the agenda. We discussed nonsense in routine business discussions, and the time came to buy my stuff," Tankian said.

So, who's going to have a farewell party for me? I asked them, 'Did one of you want to be the host?' I laughed a little, but I'm serious. 'Look friends, I'm very clear that I'm no longer interested in going on tours because of my back problems and because it's no longer in accordance with my vision,'

The problem is I don't want to hinder you. This is my job. This is what you've been working on your whole life. You deserve this. I look at Daron, Shavo, and John, knowing that what I'm saying next will be very hitting.

Menurut saya, kalian harus mencari penyanyi baru.

In the memoir, Tankian also described his relationship with each personnel, before revealing that they had indeed audited a new singer without him himself realizing it.

I thought they had forgotten all the ideas to recruit a new singer, but a year later, John, Shavo, and I were at a fundraising event in Glendale, and the singer I know got up and sang a beautiful, Armenian song. Shavo was sitting next to me at the table. He bowed and patted him. 'By the way, we tried this guy as a singer. The only problem is that he can't scream and cry, "said Tankian.

"I was surprised, not because they participated in a substitute audition, but they kept it a secret. 'Why don't you ever touch me?' I turned to Shavo, "Listen, he's a good singer. I can really take him to the parking lot now and teach him how to sleep. You have to really consider it," he continued.

In recent years, I have offered other friends to them as potential replacements they should seriously consider. But I don't think they've ever done it," said the frontman System of A Down.