Editing Shavo Odadjian

{{Short description|American bassist (born 1974)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2025}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name             = Shavo Odadjian
| image            = ShavoBass.jpg
| image_upright    = 1.2
| caption          = Odadjian live in concert (Pinkpop 2002)
| birth_name       = Shavarsh Odadjian
| alias            = {{nowrap|DJ Tactic}}<br />{{nowrap|DJ DecompozeR}}
| birth_date       = {{Birth date and age|mf=yes|1974|04|22}}
| birth_place      = [[Yerevan]], [[Armenia]], {{nowrap|[[]]}}
| genre            = {{hlist|[[Alternative metal]]|[[nu metal]]|[[experimental hip hop]]|[[progressive metal]]|[[thrash metal]]|[[hard rock]]}}
| occupation       = {{hlist|Musician|songwriter}}
| origin           = [[Los Angeles, California]], U.S.
| years_active     = 1992–present
| current_member_of= {{hlist|[[System of a Down]]|North Kingsley|[[Seven Hours After Violet]]}}
| instrument       = Bass
| spouse           = Sonia Odadjian
| associated_acts  = {{hlist|[[System of a Down]]|North Kingsley|[[Achozen]]||[[George Clinton (funk musician)|George Clinton]]|[[Slayer]]|[[Linkin Park]]}}
}}

'''Shavarsh''' "'''Shavo'''" '''Odadjian''' ({{langx|hy|Շավարշ "Շավո" Օդաջյան}}; born April 22, 1974)<ref>{{cite book |title=The Encyclopedia of Popular Music |publisher=[[Omnibus Press]] |edition=5th concise |year=2011 |last=Larkin |first=Colin |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_NNmFiUnSmUC| page=2005| authorlink=Colin Larkin (writer) |isbn=9780857125958 }}</ref> is an Armenian-American musician, best known as the bassist of nu metal band [[System of a Down]]. He also plays bass in a [[Trap music|trap]] group called North Kingsley and in the metal band [[Seven Hours After Violet]].

During System of a Down's hiatus from 2006 to 2010, Odadjian collaborated with [[Wu-Tang Clan]] founder [[RZA]] on a project called [[AcHoZeN]], which contributed a number of songs to the motion picture ''[[Babylon A.D.]]'' A compilation album was released in 2015. Odadjian is also credited with the musical scoring of the film, alongside RZA and [[Hans Zimmer]].

== Early life ==
Odadjian was born in [[Yerevan]], [[Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic|Armenian SSR]], [[Soviet Union]]. He moved to Los Angeles at the age of five<ref name="Fact or Fiction">{{cite web |last1=Hartmann |first1=Graham |title=System of a Down's Shavo Odadjian Plays 'Wikipedia: Fact or Fiction?' |url=https://loudwire.com/shavo-odadjian-wikipedia-fact-fiction-system-of-a-down/ |website=Loudwire |date=September 16, 2020 |access-date=September 16, 2020}}</ref> and attended the [[Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School|Alex Pilibos Elementary School]], an Armenian parochial school, along with future bandmates [[Daron Malakian]] and [[Serj Tankian]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 13, 2020 |title=Shavo Odadjian: "It's Been 15 Years Since I Properly Put Music Out,… |url=https://www.kerrang.com/shavo-odadjian-its-been-15-years-since-i-properly-put-music-out-and-thats-exciting-again-this-is-what-a-musician-should-be-doing |access-date=February 13, 2025 |website=Kerrang! |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kissel |first=Chris |date=September 6, 2016 |title=Toxicity at 15: Looking Back at System of a Down's Riot-Inducing Masterpiece - LA Weekly |url=https://www.laweekly.com/toxicity-at-15-looking-back-at-system-of-a-downs-riot-inducing-masterpiece/ |access-date=February 13, 2025 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.music-city.org/System-of-a-Down/biography/ |title=Last FM: System of a Down Biography |publisher=Music-city.org |access-date=July 18, 2011}}</ref>

During his youth, Odadjian has stated that he spent most of his time skateboarding and listening to punk rock and heavy metal music. Among others, he credits [[Dead Kennedys]], [[Slayer]], [[Black Sabbath]] and [[Metallica]] as his favorite bands, and the most substantial influence on his musical development and career.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nyrock.com/interviews/2000/system.asp |title=Interview with System of a Down |publisher="NYRock |access-date=July 18, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628233822/http://www.nyrock.com/interviews/2000/system.asp |archive-date=June 28, 2011 }}</ref>

== Recording career ==

=== System of a Down ===
{{Main|System of a Down}}
[[File:Rock en Seine soad 4.JPG|thumb|left|upright|Odadjian (left) with [[Serj Tankian]] at a 2013 System of a Down show in Paris ]]While attending college (majoring in Psychology and minoring in Art) and working in a bank, Odadjian began managing Soil – the band [[Daron Malakian]] and [[Serj Tankian]] were a part of in 1993. Odadjian had met them in a recording studio, where he was rehearsing.<ref name="Fact or Fiction" /> The two members called upon him for assistance, and he became manager of the band. Odadjian says in an early interview that securing System's first local gig was a struggle:

{{blockquote|"I was managing the band and we had no demo [tape], we had no money, but we wanted to play a show. I was working at the bank and between wire transfers, I would be calling [[Roxy Theatre (West Hollywood)|the Roxy]]. 'Hey, can you give us a show, man? Eddie, give us a show.' He'd say, 'I need a demo tape, I can't just give you a show.' In five minutes, I'd call again. One day the Roxy just blew up and said, 'Fine! Go sell 75 tickets.' We sold 150."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.campuscircle.com/review.cfm?r=1706 |title=Interview: System of A Down Continues to Rage with Hypnotize |publisher=Campuscircle.com|access-date=2011-07-18}}</ref>}}

[[File:OdadjianInfamousBrd.jpg|thumb|upright|Odadjian's signature beard]]
In 1995, Odadjian became the band's permanent bassist. They named themselves [[System of a Down]], after a poem written by bandmate Daron Malakian entitled "Victims of a Down." Odadjian was not keen on being labeled "Victims," and thought that the word "System" appealed to a much broader audience.{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}} The band has stated that they also wanted their CDs to be placed in stores alongside their favorite band, [[Slayer]].  It was at this time that Odadjian passed on his original managerial responsibilities to Velvet Hammer Music. Their first release was titled "Sugar." Soon after, drummer [[Andy Khachaturian]] joined the band but was replaced in 1997 by current drummer [[John Dolmayan]] due to a hand injury.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.electrictext.com/Art/115181/18/Singing-with-a-Purpose.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110710175721/http://www.electrictext.com/Art/115181/18/Singing-with-a-Purpose.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 10, 2011 |title=Singing with a Purpose |publisher=Electrictext.com |access-date=July 18, 2011 }}</ref>

Odadjian plays bass in System of a Down, and also sings live backing vocals. His usual style of playing bass is with a pick, although he also has been seen fingerpicking during certain songs. Odadjian is credited with writing noted System of a Down songs, among them "[[Toxicity (song)|Toxicity]]", "[[Sugar (System of a Down song)|Sugar]]", "Jet Pilot", "Bounce," "Mind," "Dreaming," and "U-Fig." He has directed a majority of the band's music videos, and is responsible for stage design and lighting for each of their live performances.<ref>[http://soadfans.com/Article687.htm "Shavo's Yerevan Magazine Interview Dec. 09"]  {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100325113545/http://soadfans.com/Article687.htm |date=March 25, 2010 }}</ref>

On October 21, 2001, during a show in [[Grand Rapids, Michigan]] where System of a Down was headlining with [[Slipknot (band)|Slipknot]], Odadjian was assaulted, racially profiled and escorted out of the [[Van Andel Arena]] by security guards when he tried to enter the backstage. He filed a lawsuit in March 2003.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.mtv.com/news/zwj49r/system-of-a-down-bassist-sues-security-team-for-humiliating-him-in-front-of-fans | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220825180330/https://www.mtv.com/news/zwj49r/system-of-a-down-bassist-sues-security-team-for-humiliating-him-in-front-of-fans | url-status=dead | archive-date=August 25, 2022 | title=System of a Down Bassist Sues Security Team for Humiliating Him in Front of Fans | website=[[MTV]] }}</ref>

Physically Odadjian catches the eye through his notoriously scaling, braided beard, and spiked arm bracelet. Particularly Odadjian's beard quickly became a part of his [[trademark look|signature look]].

Commenting on System of a Down's reputation for biting, socially and politically charged lyrics, Odadjian has rejected the label of System of a Down as a "political band" in interviews.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.campuscircle.com/review.cfm?r=1706 |title=Interview: System of a Down |publisher=Campuscircle.com |access-date=July 18, 2011}}</ref> He has stated:

{{blockquote|"We're not a political band. […] We're a life band. In the world we live today, politics plays a major role in every one of our lives so of course, we're going to speak about politics but we also speak about sex, drugs, laughing, crying and sadness and death and life, including politics&nbsp;... If you write a song about New Orleans because help didn't come to them from their own country for four days, you're going to speak about that. That's something strong. That's huge, that's big, that's happening now. But that doesn't make us a political band. That makes us a band that raises awareness about certain issues."<ref>{{cite web|last=Benson |first=John |url=http://www.plan9music.com/Article/4525 |title=System of a Down: Not a Political Band |publisher=Plan9music.com |access-date=2011-07-18}}</ref>}}

The band was on hiatus between 2006 and 2010, with group members focusing on outside projects. On November 23, 2010, System released an official statement declaring that they would play a number of European festivals in 2011, and they played a number of shows in western North America as well.

=== Reuniting for recent performances ===
On October 31, 2009, Odadjian hosted the event "Halloween" at [[Roxy Theatre (West Hollywood)|The Roxy]], in which he and fellow System bandmates [[Daron Malakian]] and [[John Dolmayan]] reunited to jam on stage and perform various songs together, including [[System of a Down]]'s "Suite-Pee."<ref>[http://soadfans.com/PNphpBB2-viewtopic-t-26099.htm "Hallow9een Show Hosted by Shavo"]  {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100226002711/http://soadfans.com/PNphpBB2-viewtopic-t-26099.htm |date=February 26, 2010 }}</ref> The [[System of a Down]] trio also came together on November 20, 2009, and performed System songs together for a benefit honoring coma-stricken [[Chi Cheng (musician)|Chi Cheng]] of [[Deftones]], with [[Chino Moreno]] of Deftones singing on lead vocals.<ref>[http://soadfans.com/Article682.htm "3/4 of System of a Down Reunite for Chi Benefit Show"]  {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100324104829/http://soadfans.com/Article682.htm |date=March 24, 2010 }}</ref>

=== AcHoZeN ===
{{Main|AcHoZeN}}
Odadjian started a side project in May 2006 named [[AcHoZeN]]. AcHoZeN is the musical alliance between Odadjian, [[Wu-Tang Clan]] founder [[RZA]], [[Kinetic 9]] (aka: Beretta 9 from [[Killarmy]]), and up-and-comer, the [[Reverend William Burke]] from Chicago. Achozen's mantra is:

{{blockquote|"Many shall come, only a few shall be Achozen."}}

The four principal members feel that their unique sound is not only spiritual in nature, but a new genre of "heavy hip hop," not "rap-metal." There are no heavy guitars on the album, but the sound is genre-blending. Most of the Achozen album was recorded at one of Odadjian's two studios and were also produced by him. The bulk of the beats were created by Odadjian (only one or two samples were used on the entire record) who also played live instruments throughout, including bass and sitar. RZA, who contributed his share of beats, Kinetic 9 and the Reverend William Burke sing a majority of the vocals and lyrics, which are, according to Odadjian, "some of the most innovative, poetic and righteous words and vocals that I've ever heard." Odadjian's vocals can also be heard on the AcHoZeN tracks "''Deuces''," ''"Salute/Sacrifice,"'' and other songs on the album.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=105342 |title=Blabbermouth: System of a Down Bassist to Perform at WeThePeople Festival |publisher=Roadrunnerrecords.com |access-date=July 18, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110531213225/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=105342 |archive-date=May 31, 2011 }}</ref>

[[File:OdadjianDiggs.jpg|thumb|left|Shavo and [[The Rza]] performing live music from Achozen]]
Achozen's debut features an eclectic array of guest performers that includes Funk-master [[George Clinton (funk musician)|George Clinton]], [[Red Hot Chili Peppers]]' guitarist [[John Frusciante]], Wu-Tang affiliate [[Killah Priest]], Wu-Tang founding member [[GZA]], emcee [[Sick Jacken]] from [[Psycho Realm]], and Angolan rapper Leggezin Fin.

The music of Achozen is described by one writer as a cosmic experience in hip-hop:

{{blockquote|AcHoZeN is space hip hop, rap without a coast or even a planet. Instead, each song revolves around a solar system of feeling. The album explores and exorcises a spectrum of emotions, as each track delves into either pain, ecstasy, hate or hope. Utilizing sitar and violin, Shavo breaks the mold, playing live instruments across the album, as he constructs beats with a cosmic fluidity.<ref>[http://www.second-walk.com/jfhome.php?subaction=showcomments&id=1211113131&archive=&start_from=&ucat=4& "Achozen: a name to remember"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110530114008/http://www.second-walk.com/jfhome.php?subaction=showcomments&id=1211113131&archive=&start_from=&ucat=4& |date=May 30, 2011 }}</ref>}}

Odadjian has described AcHoZeN as "a musical revolution. It is not just a band, it's a way of thinking." RZA and Odadjian anticipate upcoming tours.  Achozen also appears on the major motion picture, [[Babylon A.D.]], on which AcHoZeN song "Deuces" is heard blaring at the introduction of the film.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1809805797/cast |title=Babylon A.D. Movie Details/Cast |publisher=Movies.yahoo.com |access-date=July 18, 2011}}</ref> [[AcHoZeN]]'s first live show was at the Key Club in L.A on December 1, 2006.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gibson.com/en-us/Lifestyle/Features/System%20of%20a%20Down_s%20Shavo%20Odadj/ |title=System of a Down's Shavo Odadjian: The Gibson Interview |publisher=Gibson.com |date=June 24, 2008 |access-date=July 18, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110804213422/http://www.gibson.com/en-us/Lifestyle/Features/System%20of%20a%20Down_s%20Shavo%20Odadj/ |archive-date=August 4, 2011 }}</ref>

On Friday, November 13, 2009, the second AcHoZeN track ''"Salute/Sacrifice"'' was released exclusively as a free download on Odadjian's online art district and networking site, urSESSION.com from the upcoming AcHoZeN debut album. The AcHoZeN album was anticipated to be released in mid-2010, but has yet to be released, due in part to Odadjian's commitments to System of a Down.<ref name="wuforever.com">{{cite web |url=http://wuforever.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2861:shavo-odadjian-releases-a-new-achozen-song-for-free-on-friday-the-13th&catid=2 |title=Shavo Odadjian Releases a New Achozen Song for Free on Friday the 13th |publisher=Wuforever.com |date=November 10, 2009 |access-date=July 18, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141223091755/http://wuforever.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2861:shavo-odadjian-releases-a-new-achozen-song-for-free-on-friday-the-13th&catid=2 |archive-date=December 23, 2014 }}</ref>

In 2015, the album was released as a compilation of 8 songs based on a boombox digital format. Potentially, more songs are to come as it has been stated that many more are mixed and recorded.

=== North Kingsley ===

Formed in 2019, Odadjian joined Ray Hawthorne and Saro Paparian's project as executive producer. After a few months, he joined as a member of the band and subsequently renamed the group North Kingsley.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Aarons|first=Ricky|date=November 29, 2020|title=Meet System Of A Down's Shavo Odadjian's New Band North Kingsley|url=https://wallofsoundau.com/2020/11/29/meet-system-of-a-downs-shavo-odadjians-new-band-north-kingsley/|access-date=August 2, 2021|website=Wall Of Sound|language=en-US}}</ref>

Shavo spoke with ''Wall of Sound'' about the band's name origin revealing it came from the first street he lived on when he first moved to Los Angeles from Armenia back in 1979.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Aarons|first=Ricky|date=December 17, 2020|title=Shavo Odadjian – 'Introducing North Kingsley and Protecting Armenia with System Of A Down'|url=https://wallofsoundau.com/2020/12/17/shavo-odadjian-introducing-north-kingsley-and-protecting-armenia-with-system-of-a-down/|access-date=December 17, 2020|website=Wall Of Sound|language=en-US}}</ref> Lineup: Odadjian, Ray Hawthorne, and
Saro Paparian.

In 2020, Odadjian launched his new band, North Kingsley, featuring Saro Paparian and Ray Hawthorne. They released their debut single "Like That" on August 6.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://bassmagazine.com/artists/shavo-odadjian-launches-his-new-band-north-kingsley |title=Shavo Odadjian Launches His New Band North Kingsley |newspaper=Bass Magazine - the Future of Bass |date=August 7, 2020 |publisher=bassmagazine.com |access-date=August 20, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Aarons|first=Ricky|date=November 29, 2020|title=Meet System Of A Down's Shavo Odadjian's New Band North Kingsley|url=https://wallofsoundau.com/2020/11/29/meet-system-of-a-downs-shavo-odadjians-new-band-north-kingsley/|access-date=December 17, 2020|website=Wall Of Sound|language=en-US}}</ref> On December 4, 2020, the band released their second EP titled ''Vol.2.''<ref>{{cite web | url=https://music.mxdwn.com/2020/11/30/news/north-kingsley-featuring-shavo-odadjian-of-system-of-a-down-announces-new-ep-vol-2-for-december-2020-release/ | title=North Kingsley Featuring Shavo Odadjian of System of a Down Announces New EP Vol. 2 for December 2020 Release - | date=November 30, 2020 }}</ref>

=== Seven Hours After Violet ===
In 2024, Odadjian debuted the new band [[Seven Hours After Violet]]. Featuring Odadjian on bass, the band includes guitarist Michael Montoya, a.k.a. Morgoth Beatz and drummer Josh Johnson from the band [[Winds of Plague]], guitarist-vocalist [[Alejandro Aranda]], and lead vocalist Taylor Barber.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Adams |first1=Gregory |title=How SHAVO ODADJIAN embraced his heavy roots with new supergroup SEVEN HOURS AFTER VIOLET |url=https://www.revolvermag.com/feature/how-shavo-odadjian-embraced-his-heavy-roots-with-new-supergroup-seven-hours-after-violet/ |website=Revolver |access-date=October 15, 2024}}</ref> The band made their live debut October 7, 2024, for [[SiriusXM]], then performed their first festival appearance at the 2024 [[Mayhem Festival]] in San Bernardino, California. These appearances coincided with the release of the band's self-titled album on October 11, 2024.<ref>{{cite web |title=Watch: SHAVO ODADJIAN's SEVEN HOURS AFTER VIOLET Performs At MAYHEM Festival |url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/watch-shavo-odadjians-seven-hours-after-violet-performs-at-mayhem-festival |website=Blabbermouth |date=October 13, 2024 |access-date=October 15, 2024}}</ref>

=== DJing and other projects ===
{{BLP sources section|date=August 2022}}
In addition, Odadjian is a popular DJ in the LA area, taking part in such events as the "Rock/DJ Explosion" on March 2, 2001, at The Roxy in Hollywood, CA and collaborating with System of a Down bandmate Serj Tankian on ''[[Serart]]'', the singer's [[collaboration]] album with multitalented Armenian musician [[Arto Tunçboyacıyan]]. Odadjian goes by the name ''DJ Tactics'', and spins a wide spectrum of music spanning hip-hop, tech-house, classic rock, and metal.

Recently{{when|date=April 2011}}, Odadjian has appeared playing as part of the backing band of [[George Clinton (funk musician)|George Clinton]] (of [[Parliament (band)|Parliament]]/[[Funkadelic]]).  In September 2008 he appeared (playing guitar instead of bass) in a live performance on ''[[The Tonight Show with Jay Leno]]'' with Clinton. Odadjian also appears on Clinton's 2008 album ''[[George Clinton and His Gangsters of Love]]'', which features many guest musicians, including Odadjian's [[Achozen]] bandmate [[RZA]], [[Red Hot Chili Peppers]] guitarist [[John Frusciante]], and [[Carlos Santana]].
[[File:OdadjianSpin.jpg|thumb|right|Odadjian spinning a set at a club in Hollywood, California]]
Odadjian was [[Executive producer#Music|executive producer]] for Abloom, a [[side project]] of members of [[Onesidezero]], [[Tons (band)|Snot]], and [[Soulfly]]. Odadjian is currently mentoring the band Chameleon Conductor record their debut album. Odadjian's younger brother Dave Odadjian plays bass in the band, alongside his cousin Harry Markarian, who plays the guitar.<ref name="soadfans.com">[http://soadfans.com/Article663.htm "Shavo's in the Studio Recording with Chameleon Conductor"]  {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100107121422/http://soadfans.com/Article663.htm |date=January 7, 2010 }}</ref>

== Other work ==

=== Directing and editing ===
Stating himself to be a "very visual person", Odadjian has directed and edited extensive music videos for [[System of a Down]], including "[[Aerials (song)|Aerials]]" and "[[Toxicity (song)|Toxicity]]". The video concept for "[[Question!]]" states came from one of his dreams.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vh1.com/news/articles/1506857/20050802/system_of_a_down.jhtml?headlines=true |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110531053947/http://www.vh1.com/news/articles/1506857/20050802/system_of_a_down.jhtml?headlines=true |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 31, 2011 |title=System of a Down Find Answer to 'Question!' In a Dream |publisher="VH1 |access-date=July 18, 2011}}</ref>

Odadjian's directing style implements surreal atmospheric themes and integrates innovative methods in filming, inspired by [[Rod Serling]] ([[The Twilight Zone (franchise)|Twilight Zone]]).<ref>{{cite web|last=Moss |first=Corey |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1506857/20050802/system_of_a_down.jhtml?headlines=true |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051115123420/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1506857/20050802/system_of_a_down.jhtml?headlines=true |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 15, 2005 |title=System of a Down Find Answer To 'Question!' In A Dream |publisher=Mtv.com |date=August 2, 2005 |access-date=July 18, 2011}}</ref> Odadjian's Serling-esque style is apparent in [[System of a Down]] music videos "Aerials," "Question," and Taproot's video -also directed by Odadjian&nbsp;– "Mine." On May 15, 2007, it was revealed that Odadjian would be directing the first video from [[Bad Brains]]'s album ''[[Build a Nation]]''.<ref>[http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=237507 "Bad Brains Video News And Tour"], Paul Tao, [[AbsolutePunk.net]], May 15, 2007</ref> Odadjian makes an appearance at the end of the concert video with frontman H.R. The two are seen charismatically walking stage side, conversing and smoking together. Odadjian also directed the TV spot and launch trailer for the 2015 video game ''[[Mortal Kombat X]]'', which features his band's signature song "[[Chop Suey! (song)|Chop Suey!]]".

=== Scoring films ===
In 2007–2008, Odadjian and [[Rza]] teamed up with ''[[Hans Zimmer]]'' in scoring major motion-picture, summer blockbuster movie ''[[Babylon A.D.]]'', starring [[Vin Diesel]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/06/26/rza-hans-zimmer-teamed-up-to-score-vin-diesels-babylon-ad/ |title=The RZA, Hans Zimmer Teamed Up to Score Vin Diesel's Babylon A.D. |publisher=Slashfilm.com |date=June 26, 2008 |access-date=July 18, 2011}}</ref> Along with the song "Deuces", Odadjian is credited with writing the songs "A Single Moment", "Foreshadow", "Blade Runner 0.8.", "Rollin DissgEyes", "Build Your Enemies", "Digital Slaps", and "Immaculate" for the scoring of the film.<ref>{{IMDb name|1052997}}</ref>

=== Acting ===
Odadjian's involvement in the arts began at an early age, as he first appeared in the 1993 "[[Big Gun]]" video by [[AC/DC]], standing alongside [[Arnold Schwarzenegger]] in the crowd sporting a backwards baseball cap and a white T-shirt, while Schwarzenegger catches a stick of dynamite. In an interview with [[Loudwire]], he noted that him being prominently featured next to Schwarzenegger was unintentional, as the shot they used had the lights hit him more than any other extras in the crowd.<ref>{{Citation|title=System of a Down's Shavo Odadjian – Wikipedia: Fact or Fiction?| date=September 16, 2020 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvNpgwRfWCY&list=PLvXmarOi5xICV0X4HfMH7S29EpvDpTQgd&index=4|language=en|access-date=January 18, 2022}}</ref> He also made a cameo as Hansel's Posse member in the film [[Zoolander]].

In 2006, Odadjian starred in the critically acclaimed film "[[Screamers (2006 film)|Screamers]]", a documentary by internationally known director [[Carla Garapedian]]. The film follows Odadjian and the rest of the rock band [[System of a Down]] as they tour Europe and the US, pointing out the horrors of modern genocide that began in Armenia in 1915 up through [[Darfur]] today.<ref>{{IMDb title|823668|Screamers}}</ref>

=== Painting and artwork ===
[[File:OdadjianOzzfest.jpg|thumb|left|One of Odadjian's 26 abstract paintings that hung as a backdrop for Ozzfest 2006]]
Odadjian is an avid and passionate painter outside of music. His artwork has been featured in many System of a Down music videos and live shows – including an abstract piece highlighted in the "[[Hypnotize (System of a Down song)|Hypnotize]]" video.<ref>{{cite web|date=October 24, 2005 |url=http://www.mtv.com/videos/system-of-a-down/65063/hypnotize.jhtml#artist=400147 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081207080456/http://www.mtv.com/videos/system-of-a-down/65063/hypnotize.jhtml#artist=400147 |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 7, 2008 |title=System of a Down's 'Hypnotize' |publisher="MTV |access-date=July 18, 2011}}</ref> Odadjian's painting style is abstract with loud, bright colors that bleed into each other. During [[Ozzfest]] of 2006, Odadjian created a 27-piece, abstract mosaic of paintings that was utilized as the stage backdrop for System's headlining at Ozzfest. (Stage design in System of a Down performances is also attributed to Odadjian). One critic wrote of the Ozzfest performance:

{{blockquote|"Where most of the other bands on the bill stuck to the traditional metal imagery of skulls, blood and gore to enhance their stages, System went the other way, offering a series of abstract paintings that swished across an enormous video screen."<ref>{{cite web |first=Paul |last=Saitowitz |website=The Press-Enterprise |url=http://www.pe.com/entertainment/stories/PE_Fea_Local_D_ozzfestrev10.260fed4.html |title=System of a Down Rises Above the Dross |date=July 10, 2006 |access-date=2011-07-18}}</ref>}}

Each of Odadjian's paintings for the 2006 Ozzfest performance were hand-picked by Odadjian himself. Odadjian states that, in pairing each of his pieces/backdrops to songs, he aimed to coordinate each unique emotion of a specific song to the matching vibe of his paintings.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/interviews/interviews/shavo_odadjian_of_system_of_a_down_you_always_have_to_top_yourself.html |title=Shavo Odadjian of System of a Down: 'You Always Have To Top Yourself' |publisher=Ultimate-guitar.com |access-date=July 18, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605103425/http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/interviews/interviews/shavo_odadjian_of_system_of_a_down_you_always_have_to_top_yourself.html |archive-date=June 5, 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vh1.com/news/articles/1506857/20050802/system_of_a_down.jhtml?headlines=true |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110531053947/http://www.vh1.com/news/articles/1506857/20050802/system_of_a_down.jhtml?headlines=true |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 31, 2011 |title=Bassist Odadjian puts band in tuxedos for reincarnation-themed clip |publisher="VH1 |access-date=July 18, 2011}}</ref>

=== Philanthropy and activism ===
[[File:OdadjianAGBU.jpg|thumb|right|Odadjian accepting GenNext's "Community Hero Award"]]
Odadjian is a human rights activist known to take on an avid role in protesting against human atrocities, including, but not limited to, the recognition and prevention of worldwide genocide.<ref>{{cite web|last=Moss |first=Corey |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1486609/20040426/system_of_a_down.jhtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040603103746/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1486609/20040426/system_of_a_down.jhtml |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 3, 2004 |title=System of a Down Mark Genocide by Playing, Not Preaching |publisher="MTV |date=April 26, 2004 |access-date=2011-07-18}}</ref> He also actively participates in youth mentoring, and frequents charitable events that work to further research for cancer-stricken children.<ref>[http://www.soadfans.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=680&theme=Printer "Shavo and Two Real Heroes"]  {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091104015859/http://www.soadfans.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=680&theme=Printer |date=November 4, 2009 }}</ref> On February 27, 2009, Odadjian was presented with AGBU's GenNEXT ''"Community Hero Award''," an award paying tribute to his outstanding work as a role model for young Armenian-Americans. Odadjian was nominated for the award by young kids in the community. During his acceptance speech, Odadjian highlighted the importance of being active in your local community:<ref>[http://soadfans.com/Article666.htm "Shavo receives 'Community Hero' award from AGBU"]  {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100107121721/http://soadfans.com/Article666.htm |date=January 7, 2010 }}</ref>

{{blockquote|"If anyone has a voice in today's society, they should use that voice righteously and benevolently."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.agbu.org/pressoffice/article.asp?ID=571 |title=Generation Next Mentorship Program Raises $40,000 during its 10th Anniversary Gala |publisher=Agbu.org |access-date=2011-07-18 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120222061759/http://www.agbu.org/pressoffice/article.asp?ID=571 |archive-date=February 22, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>}}

Odadjian later discussed the personal value of his nomination by the kids of the community for the award:

{{blockquote|"It was better than winning the Grammy. The Grammy is just industry; it's corporate. This is from the kids. This shows you that a difference happened. The best thing in the world is when you can get someone to notice a difference. It was an amazing feeling. I know where it came from. The kids nominated me, and it was the best."<ref>[http://www.soadfans.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=680&theme=Printer "Shavo and 2 Real Heroes"]  {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091104015859/http://www.soadfans.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=680&theme=Printer |date=November 4, 2009 }}</ref>}}

==Personal life==
Odadjian is married to Sonia Odadjian, with whom he has three children.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.instagram.com/p/CX9BrUPpnKo/ | title=SHaVo on Instagram: "How was your Christmas? Hope everyone had a great one. . . . . #merrychristmas #family #fyp #sundayvibes" }}</ref>

==Discography==
{{See also|System of a Down discography}}
{{Col-begin}}
{{Col-2}}
;System of a Down
* ''[[System of a Down (album)|System of a Down]]'' (1998)
* ''[[Toxicity (album)|Toxicity]]'' (2001)
* ''[[Steal This Album!]]'' (2002)
* ''[[Mezmerize (album)|Mezmerize]]'' (2005)
* ''[[Hypnotize (album)|Hypnotize]]'' (2005)

;North Kingsley
* "Like That" single (single, 2020)
* ''Vol. 1'' (EP, 2020)
* ''Vol. 2'' (EP, 2020)

;George Clinton
* ''[[George Clinton and His Gangsters of Love]]'' (2008)

;Seven Hours After Violet
* ''Seven Hours After Violet'' (2024)

{{col-end}}

;Other appearances
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center"
|-
! Year !! Artist !! Song !! Release
|-
| colspan=12 | '''Albums and soundtracks'''
|-
| 2003 || Serart || "Narina" || ''[[Serart]]''
|-
| rowspan="2" | 2007 || rowspan="2" | [[Wu-Tang Clan]] || "Unpredictable" || rowspan="2" | ''[[8 Diagrams]]''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.discogs.com/artist/Shavo+Odadjian?anv=Shavo |title=Shavo Discography at Discogs |publisher=Discogs.com |date=April 22, 1974 |access-date=July 18, 2011}}</ref>
|-
| "Starter"
|-
| rowspan="4" | 2009 || [[Sunz of Man]] & Shavo Odadjian || "Dead Birds" || ''[[The RZA Presents: Afro Samurai Resurrection OST]]''
|-
| [[Brooklyn Zu]] || "If I had a Gun" || ''Chamber#9, Verse 32''<ref>{{cite web |url=http://nahright.com/news/2008/07/03/brooklyn-zu-if-i-had-a-gun-knock-knock/ |title=Brooklyn Zu ft. Shavo 'If I Had a Gun' |publisher=Nahright.com |date=July 3, 2008 |access-date=July 18, 2011 |archive-date=July 16, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716192516/http://nahright.com/news/2008/07/03/brooklyn-zu-if-i-had-a-gun-knock-knock/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="2" | [[Raekwon]] || "Gihad" || rowspan="2" | ''[[Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... Pt. II]]''
|-
| "Penitentiary"
|-
| 2024 || [[Ice Nine Kills]] || "A Work of Art" || ''[[Terrifier 3]] Soundtrack''
|}

== Awards ==
{{BLP unreferenced section|date=September 2020}}
* In 2002, [[System of a Down]] was nominated for a [[Grammy Award]] in Best Metal Performance for their song ''[[Chop Suey!]]'' but lost to ''[[Schism (song)|Schism]]'' by [[Tool (band)|Tool]]
* In 2003, System of a Down was nominated for a Grammy Award in Best Hard Rock Performance for ''[[Aerials (song)|Aerials]]'' but lost to ''[[All My Life (Foo Fighters song)|All My Life]]'' by [[Foo Fighters]]
* In 2005, System of a Down won for Best Alternative Act in the Europe Music Awards
* In 2006, System of a Down won their first Grammy for Best Hard Rock Performance for ''[[B.Y.O.B. (song)|BYOB]]''
* In 2006, System of a Down won the "MTV Good Woodie Award" for their song ''[[Question!]]''
* In 2006, System of a Down's song ''[[Toxicity (song)|Toxicity]]'' was #14 on the VH1 Top 40 Metal Songs list
* In 2007, System of a Down was nominated for a Grammy Award in Best Hard Rock Performance for their song ''[[Lonely Day]]'' but lost to ''[[Woman (Wolfmother song)|Woman]]'' by [[Wolfmother]]

== See also ==

* [[List of celebrities who own cannabis businesses]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110605103425/http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/interviews/interviews/shavo_odadjian_of_system_of_a_down_you_always_have_to_top_yourself.html Ultimate Guitar interview: Shavo Odadjian 'You Always Have to Top Yourself']
* [http://www.systemofadown.com/ System of a Down official site]

{{System of a Down}}
{{Achozen}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Odadjian, Shavo}}
[[Category:1974 births]]
[[Category:American music video directors]]
[[Category:Soviet emigrants to the United States]]
[[Category:American people of Armenian descent]]
[[Category:American experimental musicians]]
[[Category:Musicians from Yerevan]]
[[Category:System of a Down members]]
[[Category:American heavy metal bass guitarists]]
[[Category:American male bass guitarists]]
[[Category:Alternative metal bass guitarists]]
[[Category:Alternative metal musicians]]
[[Category:Armenian emigrants to the United States]]
[[Category:American human rights activists]]
[[Category:Grammy Award winners]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:21st-century American bass guitarists]]