About this interview
In this 2007 interview with Ryan Minic of Ryan's Rock Show, The Apex Theory members Art Karamian (guitar) and Dave Hakopyan (bass) discuss the band’s evolution, their early years, and the ups and downs of the music industry. The bandmates discuss their long history, tracing their roots back to the late ’90s and debating whether they officially formed in 1997 or 1999. While The Apex Theory made waves with their experimental rock sound, they also experienced a significant lineup shift, parting ways with original vocalist Andy Khachaturian. Art and Dave reflect on the challenges that led to Andy’s departure and how the band reinvented itself in 2004, ushering in a new era of creative energy.
The conversation veers into road life, with stories of touring in everything from station wagons to RVs, and a memorable moment when they unexpectedly shared the stage with A Perfect Circle at the Troubadour—a surreal experience given the mystery surrounding Maynard James Keenan’s new project at the time. They touch on the grind of independent touring, handling their own management, booking, and promotion, and what it’s like being a band navigating the industry without a major label’s backing.
Ryan and the band also joke about life on the road, including drinking games, bizarre sponsorships, and Mountain Dew-fueled adventures, while getting into the state of the music industry—where record labels seem increasingly lost, and DIY bands must be both musicians and business strategists. The conversation even takes a humorous detour into Jeffree Star’s rise in the MySpace era, and the growing influence of internet personalities on music.