Music/Interview | In conversation with Tamar Kaprelian.

When Tamar Kaprelian first entered show business by capturing the ears of OneRepublic's Ryan Tedder back in 2008, few would have anticipated that the young Arizona-native would eventually capture the ears and heart of an entire nation on the other side of the Atlantic. Yet that is precisely what this now New York-Yerevan transplant is poised to do.

As a performer and philanthropist, Tamar Kaprelian has made quite a name for herself in Armenia - the country of her forebears. She’s represented the Caucasus nation at the Eurovision Song Contest and has founded the Nvak Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to developing and advancing musical talent in Armenian youth. Now, she’s gearing up to compete in Depi Evratesil 2018, the national selection for the 2018 Eurovision Song Contest as a solo artist with her new single 'Poison (Ari, Ari)'.

I was lucky enough to get a hold of the dynamo songstress to hear her story, her views on the Armenian music industry as well as the challenges in starting a creative foundation. And of course, we spill some tea on the Eurovision Song Contest.

ALIEN AESTHETE: What separated you from other kids growing up?

What made you ‘alien’, so to speak?

TAMAR KAPRELIAN: I knew, from a really young age, that I was meant to be in music. Having that focus and sense of self, that young, made me feel different from other kids I was growing up with.

A: What was the first musical experience you can remember?

T: My father playing Billy Joel for me, on the piano. 

A: How does the world of New York differ from the world of Eurovision, musically-speaking? And how do you bridge the two in your career?

T: Music is music. That’s the beauty of it, actually. It has no race, religion, or language. A song, written entirely in Armenian, for example, can be appreciated and loved in the States, or vice versa. Music is the one unifier. 

A: Has your experience in the Eurovision Song Contest and Armenia had an influence in your work across the pond?

T: Absolutely. I think it gives my story more depth and color. And I am thankful for that.

A: We’re starting to see an evolution in your artistry - coming out from behind the piano and putting on your dancing shoes for a start. What other ways can we expect to see Tamar Kaprelian evolve as an artist?

T: Artists evolve over time. The more experiences you have to draw from, the more complex your art has the chance of becoming  I like having the option of being at the piano- when necessary- and being able to step away from the piano in order to make an audience feel another emotion.

A: How was the creative process working with the likes of esteemed Armenian composers DerHova and Sebu on your Eurovision bid?

T: Making art isn’t easy. But it is always wonderful when you meet creatives who are open and honest and willing to collaborate. Both men are such professionals and so good at their jobs. Hopefully this is one of many collaborations.

A: Where does your love of music come from?

T: Can’t explain that, really. I’ve always felt an innate love towards this craft.

Part-time pop star, part-time philanthropist - very few artists can claim to give back to the creative industry the way Tamar Kaprelian does. The Columbia graduate is a founding partner of the Nvak Foundation, a nonprofit, non-conventional music education program in Armenia dedicated to improving the livelihoods & futures of its talented young musicians.

A: What was the first year at Nvak like?

T: Crazy, hectic, inspiring, and fulfilling. Year 1 and 2 of Nvak were pilot programs. Now we’re ready to really take this into the next gear. The program will be year-round in Yerevan, and we will scale the program, starting in September, to other cities.

A: How did you go about building the circle that is now the foundation that Nvak rests on?

T: Some of it has been trial and error. But I think the key is bringing on smart people who fill in your gaps. Never in a million years would I have been able to build this program out without my partner and co-founder, Andrew Fox. You need to find and empower people who aren’t afraid to speak up and have an opinion.

A: What traits do you look for in the musicians you surround yourself with? Both as collaborators and apprentices.

T: Drive, passion, persistence, and spontaneous.

A: Armenia has more than its fair share of talented musicians and singers. What is it about the Armenian music scene that generates such talent and what can be done to push it further?

T: You are totally right about that. It is something that is deeply rooted in our culture. We have always been artisans.

A: What were some of the most valuable lessons you learn’t while reconnecting with your Armenian heritage?

T: Luckily, I have always been close to my Armenian heritage. I grew up speaking only Armenian in the house and grew up in a very Armenian household. But it has been life changing to be able to go and immerse myself with people who speak the same language I speak. It is very hard to explain the spiritual and emotional phenomenon this is. You finally feel like you are home.  

A: In your Eurovision bid Poison, you blend traditional Armenian sensibilities and language with contemporary flair and production quite naturally. In my first feature, I described the song as ‘Sirusho meets J.LO’. Yet, this has been met with some resistance from purists on both sides of the aisle. How much have you had to meddle between the two?

T: Ha. Amazing description.

Listen. You and I both know that Eurovision has a format. And my team and I felt strongly that the country should submit an uptempo, catchy song. I think Poison does a great job at blending the ethnic and modern tastefully.

A: Where do you find inspiration outside of work?

T: Traveling to other countries and meeting different people from different backgrounds.

A: For any performing artist to really master their craft, practice is key. What has been and still is your approach to practicing?

T: If you really want to be good at anything, you need to put in the time to get it right. Mastering a skill is never easy. It is actually super tedious. But this is what separates the amateurs from the pros. The practice.  

A: Where do you turn to for relaxation?

T: Working out, acupuncture, yoga.

A: You’ve graced the Eurovision stage before, in 2015 as part of international supergroup Genealogy. What would you say are some of the essential factors that determine a Eurovision entry’s success?

T: Organization. Organization. Organization. Health.

A: And how do you plan to bring some of these factors into your Depi Evratesil performance?

T: Immersing myself in the experience.

I am immersed. And taking it very seriously.

And doing everything, that I have control of, to make sure that this is a smooth and positive experience.

A: And finally, what is currently in the pipeline for #ProjectPoison and Tamar Kaprelian?

T: New music, for sure. And I am excited to be able to launch the careers of the new songwriters and artists I’m having the pleasure of working with in Armenia.  

Image Credit: Tamar Kaprelian