John Dolmayan explains the conditions necessary for System of a Down to release new music

During a recent appearance on But That 1% with Sona Oganesyan, drummer John Dolmayan disclosed the conditions that would need to be met for System of a Down to produce a new album after almost two decades. Dolmayan proposed that the band could record in any of the members’ personal home studios in an unrestricted creative environment. In an ideal scenario, Dolmayan suggested that the band should collaborate on the new album without constraints. The process would involve Tankian bringing forth his songs initially, followed by Odadjian with his riffs and compositions, and finally, Malakian with his contributions. This approach, according to Dolmayan, would serve as a gesture of goodwill from Malakian, demonstrating his willingness to prioritize the songs of his bandmates over his own. By emphasizing that Malakian would request the other members’ songs first, the drummer implied that Malakian values the creative input of his bandmates more than his own.

System of a Down has not released a new studio album since 2005’s Hypnotize. Dolmayan’s suggested method of collaboration hints at a departure from the band’s previous working styles and could potentially pave the way for their long-awaited musical return. This new approach highlights a shift towards a more egalitarian and collaborative songwriting process among the band members. By establishing a framework where each member’s contributions are valued equally, the band could potentially achieve a more harmonious and productive creative dynamic, setting the stage for the development of a new record.

Dolmayan’s proposal also underscores the significance of mutual respect and creative freedom within the band. His emphasis on Malakian’s willingness to prioritize the collective’s content over his own indicates a desire for a unified and inclusive approach to creating new music. This approach fosters a spirit of cooperation and solidarity among the band members, emphasizing a collective desire to work together towards a common goal. By prioritizing collaboration and collective input, System of a Down may be able to overcome previous creative challenges and establish a new foundation for future projects.

In conclusion, John Dolmayan’s recent interview sheds light on the potential for a fresh creative direction within System of a Down. By emphasizing a collaborative and inclusive approach to songwriting, the band members could potentially embark on new musical endeavors that prioritize mutual respect and creative freedom. This proposed framework offers a promising vision for the band’s future and hints at the possibility of a long-awaited return to the studio.