Ontronik Interview (2010) | System of a Down & The Apex Theory | Ryan Minic, Ryan's Rock Show

In a 2010 interview with Ryan Minic of Ryan’s Rock Show, Ontronik “Andy” Khachaturian reflected on his early days with System of a Down, the formation of The Apex Theory, and his evolution as a musician. He shared memories of playing with System of a Down from 1993 to 1997, describing those years as a time of youthful energy, experimentation, and having fun. He admitted that many details were hazy due to the band’s lifestyle at the time, but what stood out most was the excitement of playing music that resonated with people. Khachaturian revealed that his departure from System of a Down happened due to an injury—just weeks before an important showcase for Rick Rubin. Unable to play drums, he was replaced by John Dolmayan for that one show, which ended up being a turning point for System, as they took off soon after. While it was a tough break, he accepted it and immediately shifted gears, deciding to pick up a microphone and become a vocalist. This led to the formation of The Apex Theory, where he teamed up with guitarist Art Karamian and David Hakopyan on bass. However, finding a drummer proved to be a challenge, with many musicians struggling to understand their unconventional style. After months of searching, they finally found Sammy J. Watson, completing the lineup. Discussing The Apex Theory’s fast rise, Khachaturian shared that within a year of forming, they signed with DreamWorks Records. Their momentum built quickly, and they found themselves playing big shows, including a run on Snowcore Tour alongside Glassjaw, Alien Ant Farm, and Adema. He recalled how the camaraderie between bands made the tour a defining moment, describing it as a wild, unforgettable experience. However, as the industry pressures grew, tensions started to surface. He explained that The Apex Theory initially thrived when it was just the four members making music without outside interference. But once record label executives and industry figures started pushing for a more commercially viable direction, things became complicated. When their A&R representative left the label, it felt like the beginning of the end. The pressure to succeed, coupled with creative differences, ultimately led to the band’s split. Now focused on multiple projects, including his solo work as Ontronik and collaborations with other artists, Khachaturian explained that he follows whatever feels right in the moment. Whether writing, producing, or working on his own material, he emphasized that his passion for music remains as strong as ever. He reflected that he never entered the industry with a grand plan—it was always about creating music that felt natural, and that’s what continues to drive him today. The original interview was posted here: https://www.ryansrockshow.com/interviews/andy-khachaturian-interview-on-ryans-rock-show

Added 22 Jul 2026