Serj Tankian Releases \”Rumi\” Video

Serj Tankian has released a video for the “raw and emotional” (Orange County Register) “Rumi” (https://youtu.be/usOpQ0ex4yQ), a tribute to both Tankian’s six-year-old son of the same name, and the 13^th century Sufi poet. “Lyrical specificity in music is generally discouraged because less people internalize them as they have less of a personal connection,” explains Tankian of his out-of-character decision to share the lyrics to the track. “But there are cases where it is vital if the inspiration and muse is specific. In this case, a father talking to his son and reverence to the poet that inspired the son’s name could not be re-written so one can generalize.” The Craig Ray directed and produced video is the fourth song from the widely-praised five-track Elasticity EP (Alchemy Recordings/BMG) to receive a visual companion, with the Los Angeles and New Zealand based musician previously releasing clips for “Your Mom” (https://youtu.be/wgG10tsBBOE), “Elasticity” (https://youtu.be/5oMDAfUpWyQ), and “Electric Yerevan” video (https://youtu.be/BGilNMeIR70). Available across all formats, with vinyl available as of today, Elasticity (https://SerjTankian.lnk.to/EPElasticityPR) has received widespread accolades. New York Magazine said the collection sees Tankian’s “rock-and-roll impulses return in vibrant, mischievous form,” Loudwire dubbed it “an exercise in eccentricity,” and The Ringer praised the EP, saying Tankian’s “full range of … writing talents are on full display.” Tankian is featured on the current cover of Revolver. The critically-acclaimed documentary, “Truth to Power” (Oscilloscope Laboratories/Live Nation Productions; truthtopowerfilm.com), arrived on VOD early this week. The film has been lauded as an “explosive, much-needed call to action” (San Jose Mercury News), “inspiring” (Rolling Stone) viewers with exclusive interviews, adventures, and some original footage personally filmed by Tankian, allows audiences backstage access to an international rock star whose faith in music not only revolutionized heavy metal, but also world events. Throughout his life, the musician has pursued social justice, harnessing the power of his songs and celebrity for real political change. Serj’s voice is equally likely to take on American corporate greed as lambast the previous corrupt regime of his homeland. His decades-long campaign for formal U.S. recognition of the Armenian Genocide was finally adopted by Congress in December of 2019, with President Biden adding his official recognition just this week.