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Drumming News
By Karen Batista, Drumming News Network
In the world of rock drumming, few names carry the same weight as John Dolmayan. As the rhythmic backbone of System of a Down, Dolmayan’s innovative style and powerful performances have cemented his place in rock history.
Recently, in an interview with Darren Paltrowitz on The Paltrocast, Dolmayan opened up about his career, creative process, and his evolving relationship with success. His reflections, coupled with his recent departure from Tama drums, reveal an artist deeply committed to growth and authenticity — qualities that have shaped his career over decades.
Maron.Ibrahim, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Success: A Matter of Insanity or Relentless Drive?
One of the most compelling points from Dolmayan’s interview is his take on what sets successful people apart from those who fall short of their dreams. For him, it’s not just talent or good ideas, but the sheer drive to push forward, even when the odds seem insurmountable.
“This is the differentiator between being successful and not being successful in life,” Dolmayan shares. “A lot of people will have an idea, and it’ll be a good idea, but they will allow life to prevent them from making that idea into reality.”
It’s a sobering thought, especially for aspiring musicians who might be hesitating on the brink of committing to their craft. Dolmayan doesn’t sugarcoat the reality: success is far from guaranteed, and the road is paved with countless hours of effort and potential financial loss. Yet, he argues, it is precisely this willingness to take risks that separates the successful from the dreamers.
“Very few of them will put in the effort and work and time into making it a reality, knowing that there’s no chance, almost no chance, of success,” he says. For Dolmayan, this near-obsessive commitment is a key quality in those who truly make it in any field, not just music.
The drummer stops short of defining it outright. “I don’t know if you want to call it insanity. I don’t know if you want to call it drive,” he muses. Whether it’s passion, determination, or something a little more reckless, this relentless pursuit has certainly played a role in Dolmayan’s own success.
The “Insanity” of Being a Drummer
Reflecting on his own path, Dolmayan acknowledges the sheer risk of choosing a career as a professional drummer. “You gotta be kind of nuts to think you’re going to make a living being a drummer, right?” It’s a candid statement, likely to draw knowing nods from musicians facing the industry’s uncertainty.
Dolmayan’s words underscore the financial and emotional instability that can come with a music career. The glitz of rock stardom often masks the grueling hours of practice and the perseverance required just to keep going. It’s a reminder that even the most successful musicians have had to face the challenges of their craft head-on, fueled by a love for what they do — and maybe a bit of “insanity” too.
Passion Over Profit: The Story of These Grey Men
This deep-rooted passion for music, above all else, is perhaps best illustrated by Dolmayan’s solo project, These Grey Men. The album, which he worked on during a hiatus from System of a Down in 2020, wasn’t about making money — it was about creative expression.
“I didn’t make the These Grey Men solo album to make money,” Dolmayan explains. “I did it because I had something to say musically, and I didn’t have an outlet for it, because System wasn’t doing anything.”
Dolmayan’s drive to create music, despite knowing it wouldn’t be a commercial hit, is a testament to his integrity as an artist. “I lost money on it, but I didn’t care either way,” he says. This willingness to lose money in favor of pursuing his artistic vision is a rare quality, especially in an industry where financial success is often seen as the ultimate goal.
The project harks back to his early motivations: “I didn’t pick up drumsticks because I was going to make money.” For Dolmayan, it’s always been about the music, the creative process, and the joy of making something that resonates with others.
A New Chapter: Leaving Tama Drums Behind
Dolmayan’s passion for artistic growth also led to another big decision recently—his departure from Tama, the drum company he’d been associated with for nearly 25 years. In a recent social media post, Dolmayan shared the news with his fans: “It’s time to make a change. As of today, I will be parting ways with @officialtamadrums.”
This decision marks the end of an era. Dolmayan’s relationship with Tama began in 1999, when System of a Down was still rising to prominence. He fondly recalls how a friend helped him secure a discount on Tama drums after the band’s equipment was stolen during a tour. Over the years, his bond with the company’s artist representatives grew strong and leaving was far from easy.
“Great people and more importantly, friends,” he says, emphasizing that his departure isn’t about dissatisfaction but rather his quest for artistic evolution. “What’s important to me is that I play amazing-sounding drums and continue my journey of improvement and artistic growth.”
This bold step away from a long-standing endorsement deal highlights Dolmayan’s ongoing commitment to growth. It reflects the very mindset he spoke about during his interview — the willingness to take risks and prioritize creativity over comfort.
Looking Ahead: The Future of John Dolmayan
As John Dolmayan embarks on this new chapter, his words and actions continue to inspire musicians and creatives alike. His career, characterized by a relentless pursuit of passion and a refusal to settle for the easy path, is a lesson in dedication and courage.
Whether it’s taking on personal projects like These Grey Men, or stepping into the unknown after leaving Tama, Dolmayan has consistently shown that true success isn’t about playing it safe. It’s about risking failure, embracing change, and staying true to one’s artistic vision.
For aspiring drummers, Dolmayan’s journey is a powerful reminder that talent alone won’t carry you through. It takes hard work, resilience, and perhaps, as he suggests, a little bit of “insanity.” As we wait to see what comes next from this dynamic artist, one thing is certain: the beat will go on, and it will be anything but predictable.
Karen Batista:
Since 2012, I’ve been contributing to several music websites as a content researcher, writer, and translator (English, Spanish, and German to Brazilian Portuguese), as well as offering admin support, social media, community management, and livestream moderation services for rock and metal musicians worldwide. Substack | LinkedIn | Upwork
