'Preparing To Reign Supreme'

“We’re looking forward to a progressive future, filled with melody and music that provokes and is full of passion,” says Slow Motion Reign keyboardist Erwin Khachikian about their self-titled debut album due out July 25 on Serjical Strike Records (RED Distribution). It was produced by System of a Down singer Serj Tankian, who is also the label’s proud owner. The first single, “Isn’t It Time,” will be serviced to Modern Rock radio early June.

The members of Slow Motion Reign - Narek Pogosyan (vocals, bass), Erwin Khachikian (keyboards), Rafik Oganyan (guitars), Vigen Sayadian (drums) - first met Tankian a few years ago through mutual friends. Once the quartet tightened its sound and live show, they called him for advice and that eventually led to the band signing to Serjical Strike in 2001.

He was so impressed and moved by the band’s music that he offered to sit behind the boards and be an integral part of the recording process. "They're great songwriters in the tradition of the Beatles and Pink Floyd," says Tankian. "Their songs are beautiful and filled with all sorts of wonderful textures. It's all very emotional and moving. It's the first outside project I've ever produced.” The band will be hitting the road in the coming months, with dates to be announced shortly. Stay tuned for details.

Chatting recently with keyboardist Erwin Khachikian, I first wondered what it had been like touring and playing live with such bands as Soul Sirkus, Ozomatli, and the great Jerry Cantrell? Any juicy stories to tell, perhaps?! "It was an honor sharing the stage with Neal Schon and Jerry Cantrell. Going from one gig to another and being on the road constantly, doesn't really leave room to trash hotel rooms and breaking TVs and sharing girlfriends with these guys. Sorry no juicy stories here, but just good shows with these great musicians."

For the Average Joe who may not have heard of you and was thinking of buying your upcoming new CD, how would you yourself describe your sound and what they can expect to hear? "Space Rock. A lot of British melodic rock influences."

Your album title has yet to be told to us, so please break the silence and let us know what it is! "It’s self titled!"

So, being that you have self-titled it, that's either a sign of confidence or laziness ... which is it?! "Lazy over confident marketing!"

If there was one track on this upcoming album that truly encapsulated Slow Motion Reign at their musical and lyrical finest, which one would it be? "'Life Simulator'."

Also, as the name of the band is one bloody cool one, where does it originate and what else could it so easily have been called? "We got it from a scene in “American Beauty.” It was originally going to be with the word “rain,” but we felt we can give it a twist and make it not so plain."

With the record having been recorded with guitarist Sam Babayan, but with him having now left and Rafik Oganyan now on board, I'm wondering why the personnel change was necessary? "Even Presidents change from time to time!! We are still good friends."

Just for fun, and taking the titles of a few of your album tracks, please let us know:
'Isn't It Time' - What is your favorite time of day ... and why?! "At the end of a productive day having a drink."

'Habits' - What is your worst bad habit ... and whatever it is have you tried to kick it at all? "Checking e-mails and using cell phones. Can't survive without them anymore."

'Stay Awake' - What's the longest that you've ever stayed awake ... and why?! "For Narek and Vigen probably 3 days. And it was not because of work!"

"They like to stay up and write songs when everybody is sleeping."

What '80s (and possibly cheesy!) pop/rock song would you love to cover today if asked ... and why?! "Pet Shop Boys tune “Rent.” No one admits to liking them because they are not cool, but pretty much everybody I know has a copy of their albums hidden somewhere!"

Lastly, I like Penguins ... do you?! "Love them. I heard once they find a mate, they stay together for life! Did you know that? Glad I am not a Penguin would not survive for long!"

Interviewed by Russell A. Trunk

If you would like to win an AUTOGRAPHED copy of Slow Motion Reign's new CD, just answer this easy question: Serjical Strike records features an eclectic collaborative musical project called Serat that features both Serj Tankian and which other person?!

Send me your answers and if you're correct you'll be in the running to win one of these great new and AUTOGRAPHED CDs! Just send us an e:mail here before August 1st with your answer and the subject title 'SLOW MOTION REIGN SIGNED CDs' to: exclusivemagazine@flash.net

www.SlowMotionReign.com

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