InternationalArmenia’s Hasmik Karapetyan charms audiences around the world with her distinctive style
Published: Saturday March 14, 2009
Hasmik Karapetyan. Vigen Mnoyan
One of the brightest stars of Armenian pop music, singer-songwriter Hasmik Karapetyan exudes talent, confidence, and elegance. At 31, she already has considerable experience and shows no sign of slowing down anytime soon. With her latest hit single, "Kraki Par" (Fire Dance) in heavy rotation on Armenian TV and radio, she is currently recording her fourth album and keeping up a busy concert schedule - and all the while managing to keep a good head on her shoulders.
Born and raised in Yerevan, Karapetyan did not have any early ambitions to become a singer. As a child, she wanted to study foreign languages, especially English, but her music teachers saw a talent in her that they urged her to cultivate. "I went to music school, studying piano, and when I was 13 I realized that I could compose my own melodies," says the charismatic singer. "That's when it started." At 18, she got involved with Ardzagank Studio, a recording studio in Yerevan that helps new artists find their sound and begin their careers in music. For the next few years, she would participate in theatrical productions, musicals, and contests, where she would compose and perform her own songs.
In 2000, the young artist recorded her first album, "Rain." The recording was done in Los Angeles, where she lived and worked for two years. It produced such hits as "Andzrev" and "Mna Aydtegh" and propelled Hasmik Karapetyan into the world of Armenian pop music. "At that point there was no turning back," she says. "One day I woke up and realized that the stage and singing would be my way of life."
Before departing for the United States, she had started studying voice at the Yerevan State Conservatory, but upon her return, she was so immersed in her career - composing, collaborating with other writers, recording, and performing - that it would have been impossible for her to continue.
While some artists would worry that moving from the United States back to Armenia might put a strain on their career ambitions, Hasmik Karapetyan had absolutely no need to worry. In the coming years, all her hard work would pay off and her popularity would grow both in Armenia and all over the diaspora. Upon the invitation of different Armenian communities, she has given concerts in Australia, the Czech Republic, Belgium, the Netherlands, France, and Spain, to name a few.
Of her many hits, "Yes Gnum em Sirelis" and "Ays Bemum" hold a special place in Karapetyan's heart. "I really found my own voice, my own style through these songs," she says. And while pop stars seem to be a dime a dozen these days, it is indeed true that Hasmik Karapetyan has a unique sound and distinctive style. "I have my own signature, but I can't describe my style in one word," she says. "It's just mine. I feel it in my soul and I express it through my art. I'm honest in my art. I'm not afraid to sing about what's going on in my life and what's going on in the world."
While the multitalented artist loves to challenge herself and continues to compose much of her own material, she sees the value in collaborating with other talented artists and loves the different perspectives and depth that is added to her music because of it. Over the years, she has collaborated with big names in the Armenian music industry including director Hrach Keshishyan and singer-songwriter Avet Barseghyan.
Her fourth album, which she is working diligently to release as soon as possible, includes collaboration with Canadian-born producer, DerHova (Harout Der Hovagimian). She is clearly excited about the result. "The song is fast but melodious. I'm very happy with it. We're just working on the video," she says, adding with a coy smile, "But I don't want to reveal too much."
Having lived in the United States for two years, and traveled to many countries for performances, Hasmik Karapetyan feels a strong bond with Armenians in the diaspora. "I know it can be hard living away from your homeland," she says, "But despite the distance, I hope to form connections with my music."
