I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Ara Dabandjian, founder, arranger, and musical director of Element Band, for a deep, thoughtful, and truly inspiring conversation about music, culture, and legacy.

Founded in 2005, Element Band has become a cornerstone of the Armenian music scene in Los Angeles, known for reimagining traditional Armenian songs in a way that feels both nostalgic and contemporary. In this episode, Ara shares the story behind the band’s creation, the artistic vision that has guided it for nearly two decades, and the responsibility that comes with carrying cultural heritage through music.

We also spoke about Ara’s recent trip to Armenia, where he worked closely with children, teaching them how to form a band, collaborate, and perform together — a powerful example of how music can educate, inspire, and keep tradition alive for future generations.

Our conversation explores creativity, mentorship, identity, and the evolution of Armenian music in the diaspora, as well as what’s ahead for Element Band with exciting new albums on the horizon. This episode is filled with insight, warmth, and meaningful reflections that go far beyond music alone.

The full podcast is now live on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@AlwaysDrinkTheGoodStuff

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