Saro Paparian
Saro Paparian | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Saro Paparian |
| Also known as | Heavy Shepherd(2007–present) |
| Born | January 11, 1989 Pasadena, California, United States |
| Origin | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Genres | |
| Occupation(s) |
|
| Instruments | Guitar, Digital Audio Workstation |
| Years active | 2007–present |
| Associated acts | System of a Down, Bambir, RZA |
| Website | www.saropaparian.com www.northkingsley.com |
Saro Paparian (Armenian: Սարօ Փափարեան; born January 11, 1989) is an Armenian-American musician, songwriter, producer and artist. He is best known as the producer and songwriter of Hip Hop group North Kingsley. He is the son of William Paparian, American Politician and former mayor of Pasadena, California. Paparian is credited as one of the founders of the underground Hip Hop Sub-Culture in Yerevan, Armenia. [1] He is the Creator of a series titled 'Par-ar-Bar". Paparian is an activist and community leader in the Armenian-American Community of Los Angeles and Yerevan, Armenia.
Early life[edit]
Paparian was born and raised in Pasadena, California. A fourth-generation Armenian-American, he is the youngest son of William Paparian. He attended La Salle College Preparatory, a private Catholic School, and later California State University, Northridge[1]. During his youth, Paparian spent most of his time playing guitar, going to underground hip hop shows, surfing and taking part as an activist in the Armenian-American Community of Los Angeles.[2]
Among others, he credits Dick Dale, Kanye West, Jack White and System of a Down as his favorite musical projects, and the most substantial influences on his musical development and career.[1]
From the years 2007 to 2011, Paparian began visiting and volunteering in Armenia. During this period Paparian was recording music with Ray Hawthorne, the vocalist of North Kingsley. Paparian credits this period of his life as the inspiration for his current sound and aesthetic.[3]
In 2011, Paparian moved to Armenia full-time and began working as a Content Developer and Manager of Music at Tumo Center for Creative Technologies, he also managed and produced for the Bambir band and various other musical projects. During this time, Paparian was an outspoken activist and community leader working with the Non-Profit groups and Cooperatives in Armenia.
Career[edit]
North Kingsley[edit]
Following his time living and working in Armenia, Paparian returned to Los Angeles where he continued his work managing and producing for artists from Armenia. While traveling between Yerevan and Los Angeles, Paparian reconnected with longtime friend and collaborator Ray Hawthorne. The two began working in a studio in North Hollywood on an experimental hiphop project under the moniker 'Heavy Shepherd'.[4] Hawthorne was lead vocalist and Paparian the producer and instrumentalist. In 2019 the two met with Shavo Odadjian, bassist and songwriter of System of a Down. [5]
Paparian invited Odadjian to join the project as Executive Producer.[6] After a few months of working together, Odadjian joined the project as instrumentalist and songwriter. The project was renamed North Kingsley.[1]
Paparian is the Producer, Songwriter and Instrumentalist in the band. They have released two EPs, a total of 6 songs. Their most notable work features RZA of the Wu-tang Clan on the track 'False Idols.[5]
Music in Armenia[edit]
Since 2012 Paparian has been managing and producing for various bands in Armenia. His most notable work was with Bambir, an Armenian Folk Rock Band from Gyumri, Armenia. In 2016 Paparian brought the Bambir to the United States on an 8 month tour, often selling out shows in Los Angeles and New York. Among others, he has produced and mixed 'The Index Sessions' by Bambir, and various other underground bands from Armenia.
Paparian held underground Hip Hop shows in Yerevan. Often inviting unknown artists and performing live collaborations with his guests. He credits his exposure to Low End Theory and wanting to bring that culture to Yerevan. [1] He is credited as one of the founder's of Armenia's Underground Hip Hop culture and strongest supporters.
Tumo Center for Creative Technologies[edit]
In 2011 Paparian began working as a content developer and manager of musical projects at Tumo Center.[1] In 2015 Kanye West visited Armenia for the centential commemoration of the Armenian Genocide, Paparian and West met and discussed the future of Hip Hop culture in Armenia. Their conversation was captured on the reality tv show, Keeping up with the Kardashians. [7]
Paparian worked at the center for 6 years, helping to establish it's Music Workshop, Content and Special Projects Music Studio.[1] [7]
Discography[edit]
North Kingsley
- Vol. 1 EP (2020)
- Die For The Pic
- Like That?
- Shotguns
- Vol. 2 EP (2020)
- False Idols (Feat. RZA)
- Rifle in Thought
- Shadowbox
Musical equipment[edit]
Digital Production Software
- Logic Pro X - In Studio Production
- Ableton Live - Live Performance
References[edit]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 Aug 27, Pasadena Weekly Staff |; 2020 | 0 | (2020-08-27). "Saro Paparian is 'insulated' from North Kingsley's buzz". Pasadena Weekly. Retrieved 2021-08-01.
- ↑ AYFWest (2009-01-21). "The Opposite of Silence". Armenian Youth Federation - Western United States. Retrieved 2021-08-02.
- ↑ "System of a Down Bassist Shavo Odadjian's New Project North Kingsley with Saro Paparian and Ray Hawthorne Share Debut Song "Like That?" -". mxdwn Music. 2020-08-07. Retrieved 2021-08-02.
- ↑ Aarons, Ricky (2020-11-29). "Meet System Of A Down's Shavo Odadjian's New Band North Kingsley". Wall Of Sound. Retrieved 2021-08-02.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 "shavo odadjian north kingsley - Google Search". www.google.com. Retrieved 2021-08-02.
- ↑ "System of a Down's Shavo Odadjian Stretches Beyond Metal with North Kingsley". Billboard. Retrieved 2021-08-02.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" Mother Armenia (TV Episode 2015) - IMDb, retrieved 2021-08-02
External links[edit]
Saro Paparian's website with expanded portfolio: Saro Paparian's Website
North Kingsley's website: North Kingsley's Website
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