BY STEPHANIE ESLAKE
Where does the story of Zela Margossian begin?
Perhaps it begins Beirut, where she was born and raised as a child. Maybe in Armenia, where she studied classical piano during her early 20s — and explored jazz clubs after hours.
Zela’s life in Australia has also helped shape her story, as well as the unique style of music she crafts called ethno-fusion jazz. You’ll hear it in The Road; it’s the second album from the pianist’s Zela Margossian Quintet, and she composed every track on it.
This is where the next chapter in Zela’s story begins — and, she says, it is all about “the journey music takes us on, and the discoveries we make along the way”.
Zela, congratulations on the launch of your album The Road! How does it feel to put your music out there in this wild year of 2022?
Thank you so much. Yes, these past two years have been very uncertain and difficult, and I think I can express on behalf of all musicians that it has been very challenging for us in so many ways.
However, it was also an opportunity to be creative in adapting to changes, tackle hurdles, and persevere. That’s how I felt it was for the band and I to finally release the second album after endless disruptions in our plans due to the pandemic.
Take us back to when you first felt this album stir — and it seems this may be as far back as your earlier years in Armenia when you developed a passion for jazz styles.
Yes, it was during my studying years in Armenia when I developed a strong passion towards the ethno-fusion jazz that I heard regularly in the local venues there.
Back then, as I was more focused on piano performance in the classical field. Adamant to finish my graduate course and master’s degree, I only ever dreamed that one day I would start composing my own tunes — but never imagined that I would have the autonomy to do it in a style that was a blend of all the genres I loved.
How would you describe the experience of making a shift from Armenia to Australia and, in parallel, from classical to jazz?
I can draw a strong parallel between these two important shifts. Both shifts from Armenia to Australia, and from classical to jazz, weren’t easy. However, both contributed immensely to my growth as a person and as a musician.
My first move from Beirut to Armenia to study was a big stepping stone for me, and leaving Armenia after living there for little more than five years was very hard. However, the rewards, both from living in Australia and transitioning from classical to jazz were life changing.
It is in Australia that I had the chance to reflect on what I would like to achieve as a musician. The openness I found here, together with the overall encouragement from mentors to express myself freely with my music, played a vital role in giving me the courage to hold on to my passion.
I am immensely grateful to the music community here in Sydney for the support and the acceptance I have been offered thus far.
The benefits from both of the ‘shifts’ complimented each other, and gave me a sense of direction which has become more defined as I progress in my craft. I can firmly say that I now have extended new roots, especially with my music, here in this beautiful country, which has become home for me.
The Road is a culmination of this story. What have you aimed to share through this album?
The first album Transition was about my shift from classical to a blend of genres dear to me; classical, Armenian folk, and jazz. After the release of the first album, I spent my time immersing myself more into learning and exploring, which resulted in a second album that turned out to naturally sound a bit different from the first one. My personal development in the jazz genre is I think reflected in the album. The changes occurred — and still do — organically, as I don’t force myself into writing material I am not yet comfortable with.
Ultimately, The Road is about our journey as a band since the release of the first album. It is about the journey music takes us on, and the discoveries we make along the way which bring more depth and wholeness into our lives.
The album touches upon universal concepts such as gratitude and devotion, and it is a reflection of my appreciation of the good that exists around us.
Let’s talk about your music — how can we hear ALL the influences in your new album?
The way I compose is very organic. I hear motifs and rhythmic patterns at random moments, such as being in my car driving, so I record my voice on my phone to get back to it later. Sometimes, it would be months before I revisit the idea or sometimes, if I have the time, I would develop it straight away.
I certainly don’t have a distinct method of composition, and the combining of genres happens organically as mentioned before. Most of the time, my melodies have Armenian folk inflections, and the rhythmic changes are inspired by the odd metres that are prominent in Armenian music.
Having performed many classical repertoires, I think subconsciously, I also gravitate towards and bring in influences from composers whom I adore, such as Debussy, Shostakovich, Khachaturian, and Babajanian.
Finally, the binding force between them is the input and influences coming from jazz, which to me glues everything together and brings fullness to the compositions.
You’ve been called a “leading new voice on the Aussie scene”, and you’re achieving success after success — from ARIA nominations to mainstage festival performances to ABC Jazz Artist in Residence. Why do you think Australia is hungry for your music — your original ‘sound’ that nobody else can create quite like you can?
I feel very humbled to have been called that. My take on it is that it is Australia that has been a vital catalyst in my development and the perfect place for me to explore, learn, and give a shot at realising my dream.
My music is a story of who I am as an Armenian, as a Lebanese, and as an Australian. And I think it is the blend of the three, and the influences of the different genres, that gives the music a ‘sound’ and a style which are distinct and personal.
Is there anything else you’d like to share about The Road?
My sincere wish is that The Road will bring some comfort and joy to the listeners in these difficult and challenging times.
The Zela Margossian Quintet’s new album The Road is available to buy and stream on Bandcamp.
Images supplied.
