I think that the memory of Armenia's genocide opened my eyes at an early age to the existence of political cynicism.

I think that the memory of Armenia's genocide opened my eyes at an early age to the existence of political cynicism.

With 'Elect the Dead,' I learned how to make a rock record without a rock band and make the rock record I've always wanted to make.

I've always worked on all different types of music, some with specific project goals and deadlines and some not. Sometimes I would write a piece of music that is almost like a film score or weird electro pieces, wherever the muse took me, and I still do that.

I think that because of YouTube, because of MySpace, because of the digital domain that we have on the Internet, the younger generation is much more open to information. I think it's so much easier for them to gain information and trade information, and they have become more aware. In some cases, more aware than their own parents and adults, as to what's going on in the world. I find that really intriguing and interesting, and I think there is a brewing of a whole new generation of activists coming.

I like African music, and I'm a huge Ravi Shankar fan.

Political statements are usually more direct, and it works with the upbeat music as well, for some reason, the directness of your statements.