Aram MP3: From Comedy to Eurovision and Beyond

Aram Sargsyan, widely recognised by his stage name Aram MP3, is a prominent Armenian singer, comedian, and television personality. His career trajectory is a fascinating blend of humour, musical talent, and a significant presence in the Armenian entertainment landscape. From early comedy club performances to representing Armenia on the grand Eurovision stage, Aram MP3 has captivated audiences with his versatility and charisma. This article delves into his journey, exploring his origins, his breakthrough moments, and his enduring impact on the music and television sectors.

Early Life and Comedy Beginnings

Born Aram Avetiqi Sargsyan on 5 April 1984 in Yerevan, Armenia, his early life was steeped in the arts. Even during his university years, where he pursued a degree in pharmacy at Yerevan State Medical University, Aram was actively involved in theatrical performances and comedy shows. His participation in the comedy program “UHA” marked his initial foray into the world of humour. A pivotal moment came in 2006 when he joined the comedy club “32 Teeth”. It was here that his colleague, Vahagn Grigoryan, bestowed upon him the nickname “MP3,” a nod to the ubiquitous audio format, which Aram subsequently adopted as his official stage pseudonym. This period was crucial in honing his comedic timing and stage presence, laying the groundwork for his future success.

Rise to Prominence: Television and Music

Aram MP3's talent did not go unnoticed. In 2007, he achieved a significant milestone by winning the competition “2 Stars” on the Public Television Company of Armenia. This victory propelled him into the national spotlight, opening doors to numerous television opportunities. He became a familiar face on Armenian television, hosting popular shows such as X-Factor, Armenian Superstar, My Name Is, and Power of 10 in collaboration with the Shant TV company. His involvement with the weekly comedy show “Vitamin Club” further solidified his reputation as a gifted comedian. He also co-hosted the “Good Evening” program on Public Television Company with Garik Papoyan, showcasing his adeptness at engaging with a wide audience.

Beyond television, Aram began to focus more intently on his musical aspirations. In 2013, he released his first solo music videos for the singles “Shine” and “If I Tried,” both of which he penned himself with his friend Garik Papoyan. These releases marked a significant step in his transition towards a more prominent music career, demonstrating his capabilities as a singer-songwriter.

Eurovision Journey: "Not Alone" and International Recognition

The year 2014 proved to be a landmark year for Aram MP3 when he was internally selected to represent Armenia in the Eurovision Song Contest held in Copenhagen, Denmark. The song chosen for him was titled “Not Alone.” The anticipation was high, as the song was a favourite among bookmakers for a considerable period. Aram successfully navigated the semi-finals, performing first in the first semi-final on 6 May 2014. Armenia qualified for the final, and in the grand event on 10 May 2014, Aram MP3 delivered a strong performance, securing a commendable fourth place with 174 points. This achievement brought him considerable international recognition and introduced his music to a broader European audience.

It is important to note that Aram MP3's participation in Eurovision was also marked by some controversy. His remarks about Austrian drag queen Conchita Wurst, who won the contest, were interpreted by some as homophobic. He later apologised for his statements, stating they were a joke and that he did not intend to offend, though he maintained his personal views on homosexuality. He later met with Conchita Wurst, was photographed with her, and issued a further apology, stating he rejected homophobia.

Post-Eurovision Career: Continued Success and Collaborations

Following his successful Eurovision stint, Aram MP3 continued to be a prominent figure in the Armenian entertainment industry. He made numerous guest appearances on popular Armenian television programs, including “The Voice” and “X Factor,” further cementing his status. In February 2015, he released a new single titled “Help.”

His involvement in other creative projects continued. In 2016, he lent his voice to the character of Adult Simba in the Armenian version of Disney’s “The Lion King,” not only providing the speaking voice but also performing the lead vocals for the iconic song “Circle of Life.” This demonstrated his versatility across different artistic mediums.

Aram also took on a role as a judge and mentor in the Armenian Eurovision National final starting in 2016. He guided a team that included Saro Gevorgyan, LUCY, Lilit Harutyunyan, and Jujo. Although his team members were eventually eliminated, with LUCY finishing in 6th place, his participation highlighted his commitment to nurturing new talent.

A significant musical collaboration occurred in February 2017 when Aram teamed up with Iveta Mukuchyan to release the single “Dashterov.” This was followed by a larger traditional project with Mukuchyan, also titled “Dashterov,” which saw the release of several songs, including “El Eghnim” and “Let the wind blow.” Later that year, Aram participated in a humanitarian project aimed at assisting Armenian children diagnosed with cancer, joining forces with other prominent Armenian artists, underscoring his commitment to social causes.

Recent Activities and Musical Output

Aram MP3's musical output has continued in recent years. In 2020, he collaborated with a group of notable Armenian artists, including Arame, Arabo Ispiryan, Mihran Tsarukyan, Mkrtich Arzumanyan, and Arsen Safaryan, for the song “Heros therq.” This track served as an ode to soldiers lost in the war with Azerbaijan, reflecting a patriotic and commemorative sentiment.

More recently, in 2023, he released new singles, “Depi bardzunq” and “Shat apres Yerevan,” indicating his continued engagement with his music career and his commitment to creating new material for his fans. His discography also includes a collection of singles, with notable entries like “Dashterov” featuring a series of traditional Armenian songs such as “Al Eghnim,” “Qamin Zana,” “Ghapama,” “Nino,” “Tsirani tzar,” and “Gorani.”

Discography and Recognition

Aram MP3's discography showcases a diverse range of musical expressions. His singles, particularly those released as a lead artist, have garnered significant attention. The collaborative project “Dashterov” with Iveta Mukuchyan is a testament to his ability to create compelling duets and explore different musical styles. The project included traditional Armenian songs, highlighting a connection to his cultural heritage.

His contributions to the Armenian entertainment industry have been recognised through various accolades. In 2011, he won the “Advertising Face of the Year” award from Luxury Magazine. In 2014, he was nominated for “Presenter of the Year” and won “Comedian of the Year.” In 2017, he received the “Collaboration of the Year” award at the Armenian Europe Music Awards for his work on “Dashterov,” further validating his impact in the music scene.

Where to Listen to Aram MP3's Music

For fans eager to immerse themselves in the music of Aram MP3, several platforms offer access to his extensive catalog. One of the most comprehensive options is Deezer. By signing up for Deezer, users can explore a vast collection of over 120 million songs, including the works of Aram MP3. This streaming service provides a convenient way to discover his hits, from his Eurovision entry “Not Alone” to his collaborations like “Dashterov” and his more recent releases.

Other popular music streaming services, such as Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music, are also likely to feature a significant portion of Aram MP3's discography. These platforms allow users to create playlists, listen to albums, and discover new music through curated recommendations. Engaging with his music on these platforms offers a direct way to support the artist and enjoy his diverse musical output.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Who is Aram MP3?
Aram MP3, born Aram Sargsyan, is an Armenian singer, comedian, and television host. He is best known for representing Armenia at the Eurovision Song Contest 2014 with the song "Not Alone," where he finished in fourth place.

Q2: When did Iveta Mukuchyan release 'Dashterov' with Aram MP3?
Iveta Mukuchyan and Aram MP3 released the collaborative single "Dashterov" in February 2017. They later announced a new traditional project with the same title, releasing further songs in June 2017.

Q3: What is Aram MP3's most famous song?
While Aram MP3 has a diverse discography, his most internationally recognised song is likely "Not Alone," which he performed at the Eurovision Song Contest 2014.

Q4: Where can I find Aram MP3's music?
Aram MP3's music can be found on major music streaming platforms such as Deezer, Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music.

Q5: What other notable roles has Aram MP3 had?
Besides his music career, Aram MP3 has had a significant presence in television, hosting shows like X-Factor and Armenian Superstar. He also lent his voice to the character of Adult Simba in the Armenian version of "The Lion King" and served as a judge in the Armenian Eurovision National final.

Conclusion

Aram MP3's journey from the comedy clubs of Yerevan to the international stage of Eurovision and his continued success in music and television is a testament to his multifaceted talent and enduring appeal. His ability to seamlessly transition between comedy and music, coupled with his engaging stage presence, has made him a beloved figure in Armenian entertainment. Whether you discover him through his Eurovision performance, his comedic acts, or his latest musical releases, Aram MP3 offers a vibrant and dynamic artistic experience.