Daron Malakian
Daron Malakian – Life, Career, and Memorable Quotes
Explore the life and influence of Daron Malakian — the Armenian-American musician behind System of a Down and Scars on Broadway. Dive into his biography, musical philosophy, key works, and quotes.
Introduction
Daron Vartan Malakian (born July 18, 1975) is an Armenian-American musician, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and record producer. System of a Down, and as the founding force behind Scars on Broadway, where he acts as lead vocalist, lead guitarist, and creative director.
His work is marked by stylistic daring, political awareness, and deep roots in both his Armenian heritage and diverse musical influences. Over the years, he has maintained a reputation for evolving artistry and uncompromising vision.
Early Life and Family
Malakian was born in Hollywood, California, to Armenian parents Vartan and Zepur Malakian.
From a young age, he was exposed to artistic environments. His family played Arabic and Armenian music, including the Egyptian diva Umm Kulthum, whose singing his mother would perform.
Though Malakian originally wanted to play drums, his parents gave him a guitar instead, reasoning that “you can't turn off a drum.”
He attended Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School in Hollywood (which some of his future bandmates also attended) and later Glendale High School.
During adolescence, Malakian immersed himself in heavy metal (Slayer, Metallica, Judas Priest), rock (The Beatles, The Who), punk, and Eastern musical forms.
Career and Achievements
System of a Down & Musical Breakthrough
In the early 1990s, Malakian met Serj Tankian while both were using the same rehearsal facility. They formed a jam project called Soil later evolving into System of a Down, along with Shavo Odadjian and drummer Andy Khachaturian (later replaced by John Dolmayan).
Malakian became a principal songwriter (music and many lyrics) and co-producer (with Rick Rubin) for SOAD.
Among the band’s most iconic songs is "Toxicity", released in 2002, with Malakian helping write the music.
System’s albums—including System of a Down (1998), Toxicity (2001), Steal This Album! (2002), Mezmerize (2005), Hypnotize (2005)—achieved international recognition and influence.
Scars on Broadway & Solo Projects
During a SOAD hiatus, Malakian initiated Scars on Broadway (2007 onward), releasing a debut self-titled album and later Dictator in 2018.
In July 2025, he released Addicted to the Violence, the third album by Daron Malakian & Scars on Broadway.
In interviews about Addicted to the Violence, Malakian described his musical philosophy: he refuses to be constrained to one emotional palette, comparing his approach to a painter unwilling to limit his use of colors. He said:
“I never stick to only one feeling … All of the colours are available to me.”
Likewise, he spoke of staying honest to expression, letting synth and guitar interplay guide transitions and moods.
He has also spoken about Rick Rubin’s role in his creative life—not as a technical producer but as a guiding taste influencer. Rubin’s minimal nudges (e.g. “I don’t think it’s finished”) have often pushed Malakian to expand or refine his compositions.
Style, Influences & Musical Identity
Malakian’s sound is built on a fusion of heavy rock, Armenian and Middle Eastern melodic sensibility, alternative experimentalism, and impulsive dynamics. His use of non-Western scales (microtonal inflections, modal shifts) sets him apart from many Western rock guitarists.
He is known for moving fluidly between aggressive riffs and quieter, reflective passages in the same song—reflecting his ethos that “you don’t stick to one feeling.”
Malakian also plays drums and keyboards, often sketching song ideas rhythmically before layering melodies and vocals.
Legacy & Influence
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He is consistently ranked among top rock/metal guitarists: e.g. 47th in Loudwire’s Top 50 Hard Rock + Metal Guitarists and 30th in Guitar World’s 100 Greatest Heavy Metal Guitarists.
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Many younger bands cite SOAD and Malakian’s songwriting style—combining political content with musical daring—as a major influence.
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His ability to sustain creative autonomy (producing, playing multiple instruments, piloting his own projects) has inspired artists to follow more independent paths.
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Addicted to the Violence reinforced that after decades, he remains a vital force willing to evolve rather than rest on past laurels.
Personality & Philosophy
Malakian comes across in interviews as thoughtful, restless, and uncompromising. He critiques stasis, insists on artistic freedom, and often balances intense emotion with introspection.
He has voiced disillusionment with human behavior and societal complacency. For example:
“I’m not very happy. I’m frustrated with human beings. I’m the guy who just wants to smack people in the face and say, ‘Wake up!’”
At the same time, he admits humility: as a guitarist, he says he doesn’t consider himself the greatest, often seeing himself foremost as a songwriter and expressive vessel.
He has also addressed religion and politics:
“Politicians use religion, and they get their troops riled up with religion.” “I would expect another Scars album before another System album.”
He emphasizes growth:
“I always want to grow and top myself.”
And he reflects on the mysterious nature of creativity:
“Every song I’ve written is luck, I think; it’s luck — ‘How did that just happen?’”
Famous Quotes of Daron Malakian
Here are several of his compelling lines:
“People's attention spans don't run too long these days.” “As a musician, I don't think I'm the greatest guitar player. I’m a bigger fan of the drums than I am the guitar; I just happen to play guitar.” “I always want to grow and top myself.” “Music is an emotion, and I put it out there.” “I don’t think when I’m doing music. Things just happen.” “Politicians use religion, and they get their troops riled up with religion.” “I’m not very happy. I’m frustrated with human beings.”
These quotes capture his introspection, creative mindset, and critical view of society.
Lessons from Daron Malakian
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Refuse emotional confinement
Don’t limit your creative expression to one mood or style; allow all of life’s colors in. -
Balance humility and ambition
Recognizing that you are not the greatest performer—while still pushing yourself to grow—is a potent tension. -
Let songs emerge, not be forced
Creativity often feels like catching ideas in midair rather than constructing them deliberately. -
Be your own producer
Taking control over instrumentation, production, and direction allows your vision to manifest cleanly. -
Speak truth to systems
Whether through lyrics, interviews, or activism, don’t shy from critiquing political, religious, or social structures.
Conclusion
Daron Malakian is a singular figure in modern rock music: a bridge between cultures, a fearless composer, and a restless artist. His life's work spans the visceral energy of System of a Down to the intimate, evolving experiments of Scars on Broadway. He demonstrates that musical life can remain alive, messy, and expansive.
Explore his albums, watch live sessions, and return to his words. They remind us: creation is messy, expression is urgent, and every feeling deserves a place in your art.