Nuara, a graphic designer and illustrator based in Yerevan, Armenia, designed QAMI JAN's new logo and brand identity. We loved working with her and wanted to share some of the conversations that came up during our logo re-design process. In this podcast, we talk about the differences between art and graphic design, as well as who has the "right" to reference and update Armenian aesthetic culture. Spoiler alert: we all do!

QAMI JAN chatted with Mary Basmadjian, a comedian who plays Vartoush Tota, one of our favorite judgmental but not judgey Armenian aunties, about the importance of mental health and being thoughtful about what we put out there – especially online. Mary is currently working on a one-woman show, and she also will be performing in Big Bad Armos this weekend, December 10th and 11th, at the Symphony Space in NYC. Get tickets on QAMI JAN's website or by clicking here.

Leading up to Rómchie’s December 7th debut concert in New York City, QAMI JAN sat down with the artist to learn about the unique qualities of his voice, which evoke the sounds of the duduk, an ancient Armenian woodwind instrument made from apricot trees. Rómchie reveals why it took him so long to embrace that part of his voice, after years of rejecting his Armenian identity and trying to instead imitate American jazz singers, who in turn imitate western instruments (horn, saxophone, etc.). Now, after embracing his identity and loving his vulnerabilities, Rómchie is ready to share his original music, and himself, for the first time.