We are absolutely thrilled to return back to our podcast programming with Darone Sassounian following the release of his compilation album titled Silk Road: Journey of the Armenian Diaspora 1971-1982. Speaking with AI Trustee Tatiana der Avedissian, the pair discuss Darone’s early influences and musical practices, define the term “selector” and investigate the art of DJing - a selfless offering curated through vibe, atmosphere and dedication to the audience.
Darone Sassounian is a DJ, selector, and producer from Los Angeles. He runs the indie artist management and booking label, Rocky Hill. Darone focuses on bringing an array of sounds into the world - ranging from styles introduced to him at an early age, to sounds he sought after later on. Darone released his full length compilation; "Silk Road: Journey of the Armenian Diaspora (1971 - 1982)" via Terrestrial Funk on February 22, 2021. Compiled by Darone Sassounian, who spent three years tracking down the records and artists through crate digging across LA, the Middle East and Europe; fulfilling a calling to lift his people’s voice, a people that have always faced the threat of erasure. The music was made a generation after the Armenian Genocide, a testament to perseverance. The seven tracks featured are incredibly inventive and unique in their interpretations of Western seventies sounds.
Listen to the album here and read more about diasporan music through Darone’s lens here.
Follow Darone on Instagram and on Facebook.
Zanazan Sounds is also available on Spotify, Google Podcasts and Apple Podcasts.