Gor Mkhitarian

Gor Mkhitarian was born in 1973 in Vanadzor, Armenia.

Biography

ARMENIAN SINGER/SONGWRITER

The emergence of Gor Mkhitarian reflects the very best of the burgeoning music scene now taking foot in the independent former Soviet Republic of Armenia. Widely known throughout Armenia as the lead guitarist for one of country's best rock bands, Lav Eli, Mkhitarian launched his solo career in 2001 and has released six albums since. Being nominated for a total of eleven industry music awards, he makes fresh and compelling music that successfully fuses traditional Armenian music with both rock and folk idioms. In his music, Mkhitarian makes a case for writing the next chapter in Armenia's rich musical history by updating the sound and feel of the classic Armenian folk song. But what has made Mkhitarian a favorite in Armenia is his uncanny ability to combine unique songwriting ability with stunning modern arrangements of Armenian folk music. Gor Mkhitarian gets down to basics by giving the listener meaningful lyrics, colorful arrangements, and melodic hooks that create warm and inspiring songs. In 2003 he moved to Los Angeles where drummer Andranik Harutyunyan, basist Varujan Hovakimyan, pianist Art Grigorian and guitarist Jay Dean joined the band. Stepping away from his previous acoustic-driven "signature", with the new band he features remarkable musicianship and showcases a different approach to his songwriting. It's Armenian music, as it has never been heard before.Gor Mkhitarian cites Simon & Garfunkel, Sting, and The Dave Matthews Band, to name a few, as strongly influencing his music. Traces of Armenian folk troubadours Rouben Hakhverdian and Harout Bezjian as well as Bob Dylan can at times be heard in Mkhitarian's solo material. But what has made Mkhitarian a favorite in Armenia is his uncanny ability to combine unique songwriting ability with stunning modern arrangements of Armenian folk music.

References

Awards

*** 2007 Armenian Music Awards WINNER -- Best Alternative Folk Album ("Acoustic Folklore")

*** 2006 Armenian Music Awards Nomination -- Best Rock Album ("GOR")

*** 2006 Armenian Music Awards Nomination -- Best Music Video ("Stigma")

*** 2005 Armenian Music Awards WINNER -- Best Music Video ("Wherever")

*** 2005 Armenian Music Awards Nomination -- Best Original Song ("Cold Wagon 1993")

*** 2005 Armenian Music Awards Nomination -- Best Folk-Rock Album ("Episode")

*** 2004 Big Apple Music Awards WINNER -- Best Contemporary Singer ("Episode")

*** 2004 Armenian Music Awards Nomination -- Best Alternative Folk Album ("Godfather Tom")
*** 2004 Armenian Music Awards Nomination -- Best Album Cover-Design ("Godfather Tom")
*** 2002 Armenian Music Awards WINNER -- Best Album Cover-Design ("Yeraz"}
*** 2002 Armenian Music Awards Nomination -- Best Alternative Folk Album ("Yeraz")
*** 2002 Armenian Music Awards Nomination -- Best Newcomer (Gor Mkhitarian)
*** 2002 Just Plain Folks Nomination -- Best Ethnic/World Music Song ("Yeraz")
*** 2002 Just Plain Folks Nomination -- Best Ethnic/World Music Album ("Yeraz")

External links

* [http://music.msn.com/artist/?artist=16558232&menu=bio Gor Mkhitarian on MSN music]
* [http://www.gormusic.com/ Official Website]
* [http://www.myspace.com/gormusic Official MySpace site]
* [http://www.armeniapedia.org/index.php?title=Gor_Mkhitarian Gor Mkhitarian at ArmeniaPedia.org]

Videos

* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wh0MeYOG4oE Wherever - Gor Mkhitarian]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3FVI31CNTJg STIGMA - Gor Mkhitarian]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQFluJBPtGM Inchu Bingyole Mtar - Gor Mkhitarian]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDkbOQ0nPQw&feature=related About God - Gor Mkhitarian]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pMERsu0Wxk Sasuntsiner(Live) - Gor Mkhitarian]