Song in new EMPYRAY album raises emigration issue

 Armenian rock group EMPYRAY has issued a new album in which one of the songs is about migration. 

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Sargis Manukyan, the soloist of the group, said that emigration has become a big issue for Armenia.

“No one remains in Armenia. Emigration has become a big issue that is threatening us all,” said Manukyan.

“The point is that those that remain [in Armenia] are people who want to [emigrate] but do not have the chance,” explained he, adding that the “I am coming back” is not simply a song but rather a message addressed to the nation.

The new album is titled “Forever” and addresses other social issues in the country, Manukyan added.

Musician Gisane Palyan, who was also present at the press conference, said that one of the uniqueness of the new album is that it incorporates also some purely Armenian performances, including those by Komitas.

“I am glad that we can serve pure Armenian music to our audience – without mughams and foreign elements,” she said.

“And even if only ten people listen to the music served by us, then we have achieved our goal,” Palyan explained.