About Me
DETI PICASSO 2008Deti Picasso is a five-piece, ethnically Armenian band from Moscow, who describe their style as „post modern translators of the ancient Christian Armenian folk music„. After their third release in 2006 (Glubina), they have achieved the reputation of the most original and special live act of the ex-SU territory. They have toured a lot, played on the most important festivals and club scenes in Finland, Portugal, Hungary, France, Croatia, Austria, Czech Rep., Armenia, Estonia, etc. They supported Massive Attack and Depeche Mode during their Russian tour. They made very successful joint projects with the legendary American punk-accordeonist Jason Webley and Hungarian funk-jazz monsters Masfel. Their domestic and international success is also notable for being achieved without the aid of label backing.
Their brand new album TURBO MAYRIK (to be released in March 2008) is a real breakthruogh in the XXIst century world music. Armenian folk tunes are combined in their music with other influence, including experimental rock, Caucasian chorals and contemporary world music. Hypnotic and extremely expressive vocals from one of the most original and exotic female singers of Armenia, absolutely unique and fresh guitar sound, Caucasian rhythm section and a chello player, who was the member of the Russian Philharmonic Orchestra – it is the Deti Picasso with their brand new album, the time bomb called Turbo Mayrik.BIOThe Moscow based Deti Picasso plays an unusual sort of music in Russia - head-spinning and sharp, with strong ethnic roots, psychodelia and hypnotic energy. Incredibly expressive female vocals, transparent guitar music and a soft cello sound are mixed with rough psychedelic tunes. Ancient Armenian chants and songs recorded with the academic string quartet blend with new forms of guitar sound, where the guitar player uses spoons, forks and radio as musical instruments. The music is extremely fresh, original, extraordinary and captivatingly sincere. At the centre of the band is Gaya Arutyunyan - one of the most original singers of the Russian world music and rock scene. Gaya's voice is not operatic, smooth, or even attractive. It is jagged, nervous, and urgent.
Deti Picasso's first studio album "Mesyac ulibok" (Month of smiles, released in 2002), full of fresh, new emotions, was a real breakthrough in Russian rock music. The band started to play the biggest music festivals in Russia and was invited to play on one stage with Depeche Mode and Massive Attack. In April 2003, Deti Picasso played at "Yubileiniy" stadium in St-Petersburg at the FUZZ magazine ceremony, and was named the "Best New Band, 2002".
In 2004 Deti Picasso made their public appearance with Armenian folk dance songs combined with heavy guitar themes and innovative modern rock music. Their second album, “Ethnic Experiments,†became one of the best examples of the rising contemporary Eastern European rock and world music scene. "Ethnic Experiments", is the type of album release that happens once every few years. It startles you and makes you think, by going deeper into the approach than what is usually presented in a simple folk song. From that time on, the band's art brings together 2 streams: the exotic Moscow rock and Armenian folk cultures. No wonder Deti Picasso won the warm acclaim of audiences and became one of the most respected bands of the Moscow music scene.
The band’s second album was a real success in Armenia and especially in Hungary, after participating in Sziget festival in 2004 and 2006.
Their third album Glubina (Depth, released April 2006), recorded with an academic string quartet, is a sure and direct step towards new ways of musical expression. It was well received by Russian critics. The most respected music magazines, such as the Russian Rolling Stone, Play and Afisha, proclaimed “Glubina†the Best Russian Album of the Year, 2006. As a result of their domestic success, they were invited to play the biggest festivals and clubs in France, Portugal, Hungary, Austria, Croatia, Finland, Estonia and the Czech Republic. Among the most important are Festival Musicas do Mundo in Portugal, Sziget festival in Hungary, Rock for People Festival in the Czech Rep., Fete de la Musique in France, and more.
