Interview: Vahagni

Here’s a show that pretty much has slipped under everyone’s’ radar – on September 7^th and 8^th, Saturday and Sunday at the One Club (yes, totally forgot about that place) Grammy-nominated world music composer Vahagni will be preforming. Blending Armenian, Flamenco,, folk, and jazz – the man is a true craftsman and a genius on the guitar. Here’s a little taste –

Sexy, right? Well, to help promote the show I tossed a few questions toward the composer about his background and influences. Check it out below.

What were your earliest influences? Though you moved away from Armenia at a earlier age – how much of the culture and music still resides with you? 

My earliest influences were Armenian and flamenco music. That\’s what played in the house all the while I was growing up. The Armenian music is a natural influence for me because it is my cultures music and it\’s in my blood so it comes out unforced and unconsciously.

\’World Music\’ is a board term for describing one\’s music – what elements contained in your music stick out? 

My music is a combination, a collage of who I am and my surroundings. It\’s Armenian, flamenco, jazz, progressive influenced composition. Free, label-less, honest expression, is all that matters.

Speed seems to be a huge part of the flamenco style – how did your fingers get to be so fast? Is training rigorous?  

Technique is a big part of flamenco guitar, my parents made sure I practice a lot when I was younger and the training is like that of an athlete, consistent and strategic. 

Flamenco music has seen quite the resurgence in the past few years across the world – why do you think so? 

I think flamenco has always been a constant. It\’s always growing and exploring, it is the expression of a curtain culture but it is a very creative and imaginative art form.

Do you think your music will translate well to Chinese audiences? Why so? Any particular reason for your visit to China? 

I think music dose not have to translate. It is a universal culture that speakers to everyone. I think the Chinese culture is very rich and old and important and it is my privilege to play in china for the first time.

There\’s quite a bit going on in your music – how do you go about writing it? Is there ever a point where it can\’t go on paper?

I don\’t have one definitive way of composing. Sometimes a good idea just comes to you and you go from there. Other times you start with concept in mind and try to get it out. I often use the piano for ideas harmonically , sometimes I record myself singing a idea on my I phone and come back to it later. But I write everything down, I think it\’s important to see it on paper , like a printer, sometimes you need to step back and look at the canvas. If something is too specific and needs more description I make notes on the chart for the musicians, rehearsals also help a lot. 

How much does of your personality is reflected in your music?

I think as much as possible. The goal of a composer is to be as much as them selves as possible, at least for me that\’s the most important thing, to be you.

Thank a bunch – and don’t forget to head over to the One Club this weekend. On Saturday, if you’re keen, Vahagni will give a lecture and class on guitar starting at 4:30 before the show, while on Sunday, Chinese flamenco guitarist Kerman will join Vahagni on stage. Check out more of Vahagni’s music here.