When I was younger I was obsessed with the NYC club kids. Being from LA we had our fair share of Tea Parties, but our scene was different. One of the people that caught my eye was Armen Ra. Fast forward many years later at a friend’s house listening to music and they start playing this beautiful and sad music, It was Armen Ra and he was playing the Theremin. The Theremin is this unreal sounding musical instrument that most people would know from The Beach Boy’s song Good Vibrations. I reached out to find out more about what’s Armen up to lately.

Punk Globe: How did you get the name Armen Ra?

Armen Ra: My birth name is Armen. When I was very young a card reader at a flea market freaked out on me and said something about Amun Ra the Egyptian Sun God. I guess I've used it since then.

Punk Globe: What drew you to the Theremin?

Armen Ra: The Universe conspired. Also I needed a ticket out of retail. I go into it in the documentary, it was a series of events, including lying to a reporter that I already played it. Before even seeing one live.

Punk Globe: I know a few years back you released a biopic ‘When My Sorrow Died: The Legend of Armen Ra’. What do you feel is the most important take away that you want people to come away with after watching the film?

Armen Ra: Anything is possible. Salvation through suffering. Miracles. Create your own reality and others will relate. The channelled message was uninvent yourself. Believe in magic.

Punk Globe: I’ve been really digging your latest release Theremin Discmorphia. What is the premise for it?

Armen Ra: Thank you. Usually great sadness and depression. A need to create and expand. Express and alchemize the low vibes to high... I was stuck during this album. The children of Shuktara inspired me to finish it.

Punk Globe: I find there’s a weird harmony between the opening track a cover of Mozart’s Lacrimosa and how just a few tracks later there’s a cover of Amy’s Winehouse’s Back to Black. How do you pick what you want to play? Are there special things to consider when writing for Theremin?

Armen Ra:  I play pieces that move me. Not all songs can be played on the Theremin. It's about the melody, spacing, pace etc... I've found with songs like Back to Black, or anything sung by a great voice. When you remove the voice the melody is sometimes dull and repetitive. I recorded BTB right after Amy died, but waited to put it on this album as not to jump on her hearse.

Punk Globe: Do you just play the Theremin or do you also make the backing music?

Armen Ra: Besides the Theremin, I make the simple backings for my original pieces. The others are done by producers or licensed. I have no idea what I'm doing really.

Punk Globe: Another piece I’m gaga over is your Dr. Who theme cover with Shok. Dr. Who has a very devote fan base, did that come into play at all when making this and who’s your favorite Doctor?

Armen Ra: Thank you. Shok did a great job with that track. I have been wanting to play that theme since before I could play anything. I also wanted to do something with fierce beats. Jon 9 made an incredible video for it also. Tom baker is my favorite. 

Punk Globe: Moving away from your music for a bit, I know that you been making/ designing pieces of jewelry as well?

Armen Ra: I've designed and made jewelry all my life. I do design work for overseas manufacturers. Also custom pieces. I have a new line that I am working on now.

Punk Globe: Can you speak about Shuktara, the Non- Profit that you help contribute to?

Armen Ra: Gladly. Suktara are two homes in Kolkata India for children with disabilities without homes. 

From their website...

 "The charity was started by textile designer David Earp, after a visit to India changed his life forever.

Adopted himself, David was deeply moved by the plight of children with disabilities* who had been orphaned or abandoned. These children were living on the streets and begging for scraps of food, or were in local institutions that were not equipped to properly care for them.

David resolved to provide a 'home for life' where children and young people with disabilities can be part of a family and receive the love and support they need."

Punk Globe: What do you have coming out next, any new projects? 

Armen Ra: Yes, the long awaited never remember in time to record, Sad Holiday Theremin Album! For once I remembered in time... ish. Also talking to some local venues in Hollywood about recitals. I am also looking for new management at the moment.

Punk Globe: What’s the best way for people to check you out?

Armen Ra: Armenra.com has all the info and tabs to social media. I guess youtube, so people can see how the instrument works. The albums sell steadily. The new one is doing very well on itunes and  Amazon. I'm on Spotify as well, streaming and getting on playlists helps spread the vibes.

 All photos are by Josef Jasso