Ara Dabandjian founded Element Band to bridge a phantom gap between Armenians living worldwide far away from their homelands, a treasured place that many miss dearly. Element Band’s music taps into its Armenian heritage by playing classical Armenian folk music by adapting well known songs into new contemporary sounds. Dabandjian’s introduction to music came at an early age. His father sparked that interest by providing his first instrument, the banjolin (mandolin banjo). Once Dabandjian’s father realized his son’s love of music ran deeper than his siblings’ interests, he nurtured that seed. Stanzas of Armenian music played as background music to Dabandjian’s childhood, fueling his love for music and encouraging him to play any and every instrument he could get his hands on. Dabandjian still plays his father’s banjolin today and even uses it when recording new tracks or performing on stage. Holding on to a family heirloom helps Dabandjian maintain a strong connection to his late father when he rehearses and tours.
Although there were many years when Dabandjian wasn’t making music, his love for the art form never faltered. Dabandjian admits he maintained different careers throughout his life, yet he never lost his way in loving Armenian folk music because its sheer resilience is at the heart of Armenian culture.
[In the early 1900s,] Dabandjian’s grandparents fled from a violent genocide in Armenia for better prospects in Lebanon. There, they settled and formed the roots for Dabandjian’s parents to grow and forge their own little family, until years later, a civil unrest resulting in a vicious war urged Dabandjian’s parents to flee for safety. Two generations of families in desperate need to escape genocide and war resulted in Dabandjian being unable to visit his motherland. His familial village no longer exists; however, his parents were adamant in teaching him and his siblings about where they came from.
Generations of displacement had no effect on instilling a deep love for Armenia within Dabandjian’s family. No matter how far the Dabandjians had to travel for refuge, their culture and, most importantly, their music thrives within them.
Dabandjian honors his ancestry by retelling the stories that have enriched the Armenian diaspora in his folk songs while showcasing the beauty of overcoming hardships. Through their music, Element Band supports and provides a sense of pride to the families that escaped prosecution, while simultaneously building a relationship within non-Armenian audiences and piquing their curiosity in learning more about Armenian culture.
As Element Band’s leader, Dabandjian is quite humble when labeling himself an artist. His journey to the profession may have come much in his later years, but music has always been a quintessential component in his life. Dabandjian’s desire is to honor Armenia by touching the hearts of those who yearn to learn more about his motherland and by sharing ancient stories which he believes are meant to be told.
Erasure of his ancestral homelands has been going on since before Dabandjian was born. As a result, he often references the land where his grandparents grew up—the same region that was overrun and is no longer considered Armenia but modern-day Turkey.
With Element Band, the 12-member ensemble of singers and instrumentalists, Dabandjian has been thriving for two decades. Some musicians perform seasonally. Others venture in and out for different opportunities. And a few have stuck with the band the whole time! Whether former or current bandmates, Dabandjian always provides opportunities for his collaborators to join him in recording new music whenever inspiration strikes.
Element Band’s leading vocalists are Soseh Keshishyan and Natalie Avunjian. These ladies have stayed with Element Band over many years and enjoy singing their cultural songs. Dabandjian’s nephew Shant Mahserejian, who was inducted in college, is the longest standing member within the band.
No matter where they visit on tour, Element Band always intends to give their audience a highly curated experience that will leave them feeling gratified and inspired by their heritage.
In August 2025, Element Band returns to The Ford—with all sorts of instruments like the accordion, baglamas, banjolin, bouzouki, laouto, and piano—to celebrate their 20th anniversary. Delight in the ensemble’s rich acoustic folk sound, meticulously harmonized to showcase Armenian music with honor, and keep an eye out for their upcoming fifth album where you can find additional melodic folk tales of Armenia!
About the author: Ashleigh Simons (She/Her) of Black Image Center was assigned to cover Element Band as part of the Community Residencies "Through Our Lens" Photo Essay Program. Ash’s artistic vision continuously evolves. Her goal is to find new ways in conveying her unique imagination. Ash is in her thirties living in Los Angeles. Routinely she strives to learn new analog techniques to depict her artistic vision.
This photo essay is supported by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors through the Department of Arts and Culture.