Arto Tunçboyacıyan

The multi-instrumentalist who wove ancient Armenian hymns into modern rock anthems.

Arto Tunçboyacıyan is an Armenian-Turkish avant-garde folk and jazz multi-instrumentalist, born August 4, 1957 in Istanbul, Turkey. While a prolific solo artist and founder of the Armenian Navy Band, he holds a significant place in System of a Down's history as a hidden contributor. He appeared on more than 200 records in Europe before moving to New York in 1981, where he later collaborated with jazz legends like Chet Baker and Joe Zawinul. His unique ability to blend traditional Anatolian music with modern experimentation made him an ideal collaborator for Serj Tankian.

Quick Facts

Born

4 August 1957

Origin

Istanbul, Turkey

Genre

Avant-garde
jazz
folk
Armenian folk
rock

Occupation

Singer
musician
songwriter

Years active

1968–present

Instrument

Vocals
percussion
duduk
sazabo
bular

Label

Columbia, Serjical Strike

Current member of

Armenian Navy Band
Night Ark
Serart

Lore & Background

Arto's connection to System of a Down is deeply rooted in their shared Armenian heritage and a passion for sonic exploration. In 2003, he collaborated directly with Serj Tankian on the album 'Serart,' aiming to create music that was 'completely new.' Their partnership extended beyond this project into the band's major label releases. On System of a Down's 2001 album 'Toxicity,' Arto contributed to the hidden track 'Arto,' which features a traditional Armenian Church hymn. His contribution to the album is limited to that track; he did not play on 'Science.' His influence continued into 2002 with 'Steal This Album!,' where the interlude of 'Bubbles' features a sample from 'The Last Temptation of Christ,' not Arto's voice. These contributions provided a distinct cultural texture, grounding the band's aggressive sound in centuries-old musical traditions.

Reader's Guide

Arto Tunçboyacıyan's role within System of a Down is defined by specific, credited contributions across their most influential albums rather than a permanent membership. He is essential to the sonic identity of 'Toxicity' (2001) and 'Steal This Album!' (2002). Fans looking for his work should listen closely to the hidden track on 'Toxicity,' where he performs the traditional hymn 'Der Voghormya.' Additionally, his instrumental performance on 'Science' and his vocal interlude on 'Bubbles' are key listening points. His collaboration with Serj Tankian resulted in the independent album 'Serart' (2003), which stands as a separate but related work exploring their shared vision of new Armenian music. For those interested in his broader influence, his leadership of the Armenian Navy Band and his 2011 Grammy win for Best New Age Album with The Paul Winter Consort demonstrate the high caliber of musicianship he brought to these rock collaborations.

Did You Know?

In 2011, Arto won a Grammy Award for Best New Age Album as a member of The Paul Winter Consort for the album 'Miho: Journey to the Mountain.'
Before moving to the United States in 1981, Arto had already appeared on more than 200 records in Europe.
The Armenian Navy Band, which he fronts, was formed in Yerevan after recruiting ten local musicians following a meeting with pianist Vahagn Hayrapetyan in 1998.