SAKO – THE INTERVIEW
We are very happy to report that one of the stars of the Hit Television show “IMMIGRANTS” has agreed to sit down with Armenian Pulse for an in depth interview! International singer/songwriter and now actor, SAKO has been a pioneer in Armenian music throughout the years, he now takes the silver screen by storm with the character Vinch, portraying a ruthless but loyal mob member of the Armenian Mafia.
Hi Sako, Welcome to Armenian Pulse, thank you for joining us today.
Hi Harout, It’s my pleasure to be here
I would first like to say that I am personally a huge fan of yours. I believe that you single-handedly pioneered and shaped what is now called Armenian Pop/Dance Music. By the early 90′s there was no sound that was original, there certainly wasn’t as many artists as there is today. What made you take that very bold move and create something that had never been done in the Armenian music market?
Thank you for your kind words. I grew up with passion for music, And I wanted to introduce originality to the Armenian music market, In 1998, I collaborated with Andy G. and introduced trance and dance music with my Album “WHY”.
I know that we Armenians and Armenian Culture in general can be set in it’s ways, at the time of your pioneering effort, did you receive much criticism for the new style you wanted to present?
Yes I did, But to be honest, it did not bother me. I knew in time they would appreciate it and love it.
You got that right, looking back now, you can just see and hear around you how well it worked out. Because of your creativity, other artists throughout the years have found it easier to go down the path you went (Armenian dance and trance style music). Tell us how you feel about that, knowing that because of you, they are able to present that genre?
I feel very privileged that I set a trend for other younger artists. I was always much ahead in time as far as music. And it makes me feel good to see them following my steps.
You have produced 13 Cd’s so far, every Cd that you release pushes the limits as far as creativity is concerned, What drives you to always give your fans something new, something they haven’t heard before?
When you are a true musician, this is really hard to explain, Its like my mind, body and soul is continuously working to create new music. And of course my fans have a lot to do with it as well. Their love, support and appreciation pushes me to always work harder on my creativity and my music. I will never want to let my fans down. I love you all!
These days, you have your own production company, your own record label, your own fully equipped studio, Do you ever plan on producing other young Armenian talent?
Yes, I would love to do that one day and pass my experiences on to them. But, right now, my schedule is so hectic with my music and acting, I really don’t have the time for that kind of commitment.
Throughout the years, you have won many music awards, I’m pretty sure nothing beats that first one. How did you feel when you first won an Armenian Music Award?
Pleasantly surprised, specially being nominated along with very well known artists. But with all modesty, deep down inside my heart I believed in myself and in my music, so I accepted it with pride.
Well, you definitely deserved it. I would like to take a short break and play one of your hits from your last album “My Way”. The song is called “Ari Vor Kez Sirem” and it’s one of my favorites on that album.
(Press the play button below to listen)
Very cool mixture of sounds in that one, ok, so You have sold out concerts and Cd signing gigs, but recently you and your band are available for private parties, I understand the waiting list is long. How is a stage concert different to private parties where you get to mingle and party with your fans?
A stage concert is totally different, because I am the center of attention, I have to give out my best performance, and too many other factors are involved. Whereas at private parties, you get to touch, feel and be part of the party with the rest of the guests, it’s quite an amazing feeling.
Well, i know for a fact that you give your best in both situations. Before we move away from music talk, tell us what we can expect from you with regards to your next CD?
Regarding my next CD, it’s coming out very soon. Let’s leave it a surprise and you will be the judge.
Well, we all love surprises. and i guess we’ll have to wait lol, Ok, speaking of surprises, we all found out recently that you have been cast as one of the main characters in the new Armenian Series “Immigrants”, How did you get involved in that?
The producers of “Immigrants” approached me with the offer and after putting some thoughts into it. I accepted the role.
They gave you an offer you couldn’t refuse eh? hehe… In the past, You have had small roles with the comedy group DEMQ and also made a cameo appearance in the W.E. Connections series “Gotta Go To Sako’s Concert”, But “Immigrants” is the big time as far as film making, Have you always wanted to be an actor?
Actually, Yes! I’ve always thought about acting and when this opportunity came up, I seriously considered it and took part in it.
How different is acting to singing and which is a bigger passion for you?
By all means, my biggest passion is MY MUSIC!! When I’m acting, I’m playing my role in front of the cameras and its quite challenging. But when I’m singing, I am performing in front of an audience and my fans, and it’s a totally different feeling.
I totally understand! In the show, your character Vinch is a passionate but violent member of the Armenian Mafia, How different is Vinch to Sako? lol
Honestly, I see quite a few similarities between myself and my character, as far as being passionate and getting involved in protecting people I care about. But SAKO is definitely not a violent person, nor does he carry a gun or intends to use it. On the contrary SAKO writes poetry and music about love.
“Immigrants” is on Monday through Saturday, worldwide on USArmenianTV and it started on September 7th, how long is the series and will it ever be available on DVD?
From what I know, it’s going to be close to 200 shows. And I believe it will be available on DVD.
Lots of people are going to be happy to hear that! Ok, lets get a bit personal, Who has influenced you growing up?
Definitely George Michael.
Awesome, he’s one of my favorites as well. Who and when was the biggest named act you saw in concert?
It was two years ago at his farewell concert at the Hollywood Bowl, the one and only legendary Luciano Pavarotti.
Wow, you were lucky to have seen such a great talent.You’re stuck on an island (with electricity and a CD player lol) which top 3 CD’s would you like to have with you?
You may not know this but I love Opera and Standards and definitely it will be that.
Very interesting, I’m sure your fans will be surprised to learn that. so, What famous person or politician do you think is maybe missing a few screws?
Oh my Lord, I can name you a list right now..But I think I will take my fifth, and not comment about it. I don’t want to upset anyone.
Very smart answer hehe, ok, which celebrity did you have a crush on when you were younger?
Demi Moore. Isn’t she beautiful?
oh yeah, to this day she is still very beautiful, great choice! Well, we have reached the end of our chat, we thank you Sako for giving us your time, we know you’re a busy man. We really enjoyed getting to know you just a little more, I’m sure you’re fans will be pleasantly surprised by your answers.
Thank you for having me, and I want to wish Armenian Pulse the best of luck and continuous success. Keep up the good work buddy!
Thank you Sako! All our best to you from Armenian Pulse!
this is so cool, i love you sako
I liked this a lot, great interview. and i havn’t heard that song before, i,m goin to get it this weekend
Thank you…
this was a great interview and it shows sako can open up and have fun !!!
Sako dear,ur a great person….singer,writer,actor and everything,wish to u more and more success and I’m sure u’ll get it!!!!!
Sako, there are not enough words to describe how talented you are … your one of a kind voice and great songs say it all. I wish you luck in your career, happiness in your life and may God bless you and keep you forever. You’re the best. Love you
SAKO…truely a great man !!! Miss ya brotha…tonyb
Sako dear,ur a great person….singer,writer,actor and everything…i wish to u more and more success and u will get it coz u deserve it!!!!!
barev sako ou armenian pulse, shad lav interviewa, shad ouraghatsa, sako menk kez shad enk siroum, yerp hayastanel galis?
Nice interview, i think sako is great!
Great Interview! Thank You Armenian
Pulse, for keeping us in touch with our
favorite Armenian Artist, Singer, Song Writer…
Loved reading this great interview with the awesome talent that is Sako.
We should admit already that his THE KING… A humble singer a good singer and a very nice man…Always there to help everyone… God is with you Sako jan always…
Enjoyed the interview with Sako,a man of many diverse talents, made me want to check out the music and definitely watch The Armenians when on DVD (sorry not watching on putor) Sako, I wish you continued Success and know you are in Good Company with Armenian Pulse.
apres sako jan! ,.
I love Sako, he’s such a great singer!
great interview
Sako very talented awesome beautiful and smart and my first fav singer of all armenian Love you much Sako jaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaan <3 muaaaaah