Shavo Odadjian

Here is a profile of Shavo Odadjian with key facts and contributions.

Shavo Odadjian — Biography & Career

• Full Name: Shavarsh “Shavo” Odadjian

• Date of Birth: April 22, 1974

• Place of Birth: Yerevan, Armenian SSR (then Soviet Union)

• Nationality / Heritage: Armenian-American (immigrated to the U.S.)

Early Life & Upbringing

• He moved to Los Angeles at age five.

• He attended Alex Pilibos Elementary School, an Armenian parochial school in Los Angeles, alongside future bandmates Daron Malakian and Serj Tankian.

• In youth, Shavo spent much of his time skateboarding and listening to punk rock and heavy metal bands such as Dead Kennedys, Slayer, Black Sabbath, and Metallica, which he cites as influences.

Musical Career & Projects

System of a Down

• Shavo is best known as the bassist of the heavy metal / alternative band System of a Down.

• He also contributes backing vocals live with the band.

• Beyond performing, he has a strong visual role in the band: he has directed many of their music videos, handled stage design and lighting for live shows.

Side Projects & Collaborations

• During a break in System of a Down’s activity (mid-2000s hiatus), Shavo launched Achozen with RZA (of Wu-Tang Clan), Kinetic 9, and Reverend William Burke.

• Achozen contributed songs to the soundtrack of Babylon A.D. and involved cross-genre experimentation (hip hop + atmospheric elements).

• More recently, Shavo has been involved in new bands such as North Kingsley and Seven Hours After Violet alongside his continuing work with System of a Down.

Other Roles & Artistic Work

• He is also a director and video editor, especially for music videos (e.g. Aerials, Toxicity, Question!)

• Shavo engages in visual art and painting. He has created abstract pieces used as stage backdrops.

• He appears in small film cameos (e.g. in Zoolander) and in music video extras earlier in his life.

Personal Life & Other Notes

• He is married to Sonia Odadjian; they have children.

• Shavo is known for supporting social causes, especially in raising awareness about human rights, Armenian history, and youth mentoring.

• His aesthetic trademark includes his braided beard and distinctive stage presence.

Citation: This page draws much of its factual content from Shavo Odadjian’s Wikipedia entry and related sources.