Down with the System

What's Down with the System: A Memoir about?

• Personal Journey: The memoir chronicles Serj Tankian's life, from his Armenian heritage and childhood in Lebanon to his rise as the lead singer of System Of A Down.
• Art and Activism: It explores the intersection of his music career with his activism, particularly regarding the Armenian Genocide and social justice issues.
• Band Dynamics: The book delves into the inner workings of System Of A Down, highlighting creative tensions and personal relationships among band members.

Why should I read Down with the System: A Memoir?

• Inspiring Story: Tankian's journey from a child of immigrants to a rock star and activist is compelling and relatable, showcasing resilience and creativity.
• Cultural Insights: The memoir provides a unique perspective on Armenian culture and history, particularly the impact of the Genocide.
• Musical Exploration: Fans of music will appreciate the behind-the-scenes look at the creative process of System Of A Down and Tankian's solo work.

What are the key takeaways of Down with the System: A Memoir?

• Art as Activism: Tankian emphasizes that art can be a powerful tool for social change, with artists having a responsibility to speak out against injustice.
• Personal Growth: The memoir illustrates Tankian's journey of self-discovery and the importance of confronting personal and creative challenges.
• Community and Connection: It highlights the significance of community, both within the band and in the broader Armenian diaspora.

How does Down with the System: A Memoir address the Armenian Genocide?

• Personal Connection: Tankian shares his family's history and the impact of the Genocide on his identity, shaping his activism and artistic expression.
• Advocacy Through Art: The memoir discusses how Tankian uses his music to raise awareness about the Genocide and advocate for recognition.
• Cultural Legacy: Tankian emphasizes the importance of preserving Armenian culture and history in the face of denial, arguing for the necessity of acknowledgment for healing and justice.

What role does music play in Down with the System: A Memoir?

• Creative Outlet: Music serves as a vital form of expression for Tankian, allowing him to channel his emotions, experiences, and activism into powerful songs.
• Platform for Advocacy: Through System Of A Down, Tankian uses music to raise awareness about social and political issues, particularly those affecting the Armenian community.
• Personal Journey: The memoir chronicles Tankian's evolution as a musician, detailing the creative process behind iconic songs and the challenges faced in the music industry.

How does Serj Tankian's activism influence his music in Down with the System: A Memoir?

• Political Themes: Tankian infuses his music with political and social commentary, using his platform to address issues such as the Armenian Genocide, war, and environmental concerns.
• Personal Connection: His activism is deeply personal, rooted in his family's history and experiences, adding authenticity and urgency to his lyrics.
• Call to Action: Through his music, Tankian encourages listeners to engage with social issues, fostering a sense of responsibility and awareness among his audience.

What challenges did Serj Tankian face in System Of A Down?

• Creative Tensions: Tankian describes the struggles of collaboration within the band, particularly regarding songwriting and creative control.
• Personal Relationships: The memoir reveals the complexities of Tankian's relationships with his bandmates, including moments of conflict and reconciliation.
• Public Scrutiny: As a prominent figure, Tankian faced intense media scrutiny and backlash for his political views and activism.

How does Down with the System: A Memoir reflect on the music industry?

• Challenges of Success: Tankian candidly discusses the pressures and expectations that come with success in the music industry, including the struggle to maintain artistic integrity.
• Corporate Influence: He critiques the commercialization of music and the impact of corporate interests on artistic expression, particularly in relation to his activism.
• Evolving Landscape: Tankian notes how the music industry has changed over the years, particularly with the rise of digital platforms, encouraging artists to adapt.

What is the significance of meditation in Down with the System: A Memoir?

• Mental Clarity: Tankian discusses how meditation helped him manage stress and anxiety, providing a sense of peace amidst the chaos of his life and career.
• Creative Inspiration: He credits meditation with enhancing his creativity, allowing him to tap into deeper emotional and spiritual insights that inform his music and lyrics.
• Personal Growth: The practice of meditation becomes a tool for self-discovery, helping Tankian navigate the challenges of fame, activism, and personal relationships.

What are the best quotes from Down with the System: A Memoir and what do they mean?

• “Open your eyes, open your mouths, close your hands, and make a fist.”: This quote encapsulates the call to action for awareness and activism, urging individuals to speak out against injustices.
• “The art is always in the doing, not the memorializing.”: This reflects Tankian's belief in the process of creation as the true essence of art, rather than focusing solely on the end product.
• “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”: A nod to Martin Luther King Jr., this quote underscores the interconnectedness of social justice issues.

How does Tankian balance his music career with activism in Down with the System: A Memoir?

• Time Management: Tankian discusses the challenges of juggling his music career with his activism, particularly as a father, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing his time and energy.
• Integration of Values: He believes that music and activism are intertwined, striving to incorporate his values into his artistic work.
• Community Engagement: Tankian highlights the importance of connecting with others who share his values, finding strength in collaboration and solidarity with like-minded individuals.

What is the significance of the title Down with the System?

• Critique of Authority: The title reflects Tankian's rebellious spirit and his critique of oppressive systems, both in politics and the music industry.
• Personal Journey: The phrase "down with the system" also represents Tankian's personal struggles with conformity and the pressures of fame.
• Call to Action: The title serves as a rallying cry for those who seek to fight against injustice and advocate for change.