Subject: Shavo Odadjian
Position: Bassist
ANALYSIS: System of a Down bassist Shavo Odadjian is met in his living room. Though sunny and warm outside, subject's blinds are drawn. A vast library of DVD's, an impressive home entertainment system, DJ equipment and other such gear would indicate subject's child-like predilection for fiscal indulgence in playthings. A colorful array of suspect, long glass vases also dot his interior landscape. Subject expresses an unusually deep reverence for actor Christopher Walken, something classically indicating a fetish for enigma and the occult.
Subject Odadjian is a case study in emotional duality and prolonged adolescence. His immersion in sound and pursuit of aural satisfaction stems as much from an innate drive to mold progressive metal as it does from lingering boyhood rock star obsession ("After I took tests as a kid, I'd always draw big KISS logos on the back.").
Clearly headstrong and keenly focused in the musical scope, subject seems elsewhere unsure or needing of group approval. Example: Odadjian might compose and stand steadfast by intricate and challenging basslines but may suffer unspeakable anxiety when selecting from a takeout menu and seek second or even third opinions regarding an ideal dish. Consistent with this analysis, subject seems uncomfortable at the examination's onset, initially wondering if there might be ?right? or ?wrong? answers.
Born and raised in Armenia 'till age five, subject Odadjian's early musical memories, beyond the compulsory pot and pan banging, are of watching in awe as curious images were bounced from the cosmos. "I'd see Abba on the satellite," he says. "And I'd sing all those songs, you know, 'money, money, money.'"
More so than his bandmates, subject's upbringing seems to have been somewhat emotionally sheltered. Dual maternal ethos installation -- mother and grandmother -- as well as the relative asylum of a private Christian school created circumstances ripe for eventual upheaval. Abrupt change came when, within scant years, subject transferred to public learning facility and his grandmother passed suddenly. The shift and loss seem clearly subject's benchmark episodes; radical, formative events foretelling religious doubt and forced acceptance of larger social structures.
Of the four principal character orders, subject overwhelmingly identifies with an aggregate of Artisans. Among those names eliciting instant, excited response: "Magic" Johnson, Elvis Presley, Picasso, Hugh Hefner and Mozart. However vocationally disparate (note: Christopher Walken is also and Artisan), subject's selections indicate creative virtuosity and a universal embrace of expression as release. Odadjian's secondary appreciation for Guardians, notably George Washington and Karem Abdul-Jabar (subject is apparently a Lakers' fan), disclose pride in self as ethically grounded.
Logically, when questioned from the six stratas as defined by Schwartz & Bristol ("Altruist," "Magician," "Innocent," "Orphan," "Wanderer" and "Warrior"), subject's key responses fall within the Orphan segment. Reaction to his grandmother's unforeseen death is explained as follows, "I totally lost faith, faith in everything. I was pissed. I used to pray every night and I haven't ever since. Not once. It doesn't mean I don't believe in God anymore, but I believe in my God."
CONCLUSION: System of a Down bassist Shavo Odadjian brims with zeal and is smartly aware of any inner pockets that might be jaded. Subject approaches life firstly with exuberance, is perpetually curious and so open to both hurt and learning. His association with music as suspended youth is tempered with a mature sense of its power to exorcise pesky personal demons. In laymen's terms: Shavo Odadjian is having a pretty good time and plays a whoop-ass bass.