By: Pierre Zarokian
“Cinematic,” “ambient,” and “genre-defying” are just three descriptors that fans of Armenian musician and composer Sevan Shahmirian have used to describe the experimental electronic soundscapes he has released in his first two albums, Fractals and A Hope from Despair. However, to Shahmarian, “emotional” might be the most poignant and important descriptor of his unique musical style.
As a child growing up in Iran, his first experience performing music was as a member of his school choir, which he joined upon his father’s suggestion. A more formative musical experience was still in store, as he discovered the music of Pink Floyd during his teenage years, which broadened his musical horizons and transformed his outlook on what was possible through music. Echoes of Pink Floyd can be heard within his first major musical project, the alternative rock band Wednesday Call, which he formed with his friend Arin Davidian.
After moving from Iran to Armenia in 2018, he had an opportunity to explore even more musical possibilities by starting a career as a solo artist. When he began to release his first solo projects in 2020, he made a conscious shift from rock to electronic music, the first signs of a complete metamorphosis from musical experimentation to a distinct musical style that listeners all around the world could recognize as his own.
“My debut solo album was an experimental exploration of sound and emotion, but it was with my second album that I truly discovered the sound that feels like home — a cinematic, emotionally driven blend of ambient and electronic elements,” Shahmirian explained. “With that second album, vocals returned to my music in a meaningful way. I wrote and sang lyrics inspired by the bittersweet experiences of my life — songs that reflect a deeply personal inner journey, personal moments of despair, resilience, and hope — giving voice to emotions I had long carried in silence.”
Photo Courtesy: Sevan Shahmirian
While he may have shifted genres, listeners can still recognize the energy and DNA of alternative rock within his new music. This heart-pounding intensity joins other musical influences, including Eastern melodic influences and the musical storytelling of film scores. Shahmirian is clear about the intentionality between this fusion of genres. These elements are not just a way to stand out musically; they are a vehicle for expressing the most universal human emotions, including fear, hope, loss, and longing.
“I don’t write music based on theory or formulas — I write based on imagery,” Shahmirian said. “For me, sound is a visual language. I see scenes, moods, and emotional colors in my mind before I translate them into music. Each song is like a score for an unwritten film, shaped by the emotional weight of its lyrics.”
Despite his clear musical evolution, his roots are still deeply embedded in his musical style. After airing his music, Armenia’s Radio Van once commented, “A new Pink Floyd is born.” The comparison is apt, as both artists have continually aimed to blend sound, storytelling, and emotion in their music. As Sevan Shahmirian continues his creative pursuits, he aims to remain true to this core ethos that has allowed listeners all over the world to connect with his music on an emotional level.
Sevan Shahmirian’s music is predominantly mixed and mastered by Cologne-based producer and sound engineer Farshad Shokuhfar. Reflecting on their collaboration, Shahmirian praises this collaboration, stating: “Through Farshad Shokuhfar’s sonic craftsmanship, my music not only achieves international production standards but transforms each track into an entry point for an endless and enchanting journey.”
For more info visit his website at sevanshahmirian.com and Instagram at @sevanshahmirian
