Meet System Of A Down’s Shavo Odadjian’s New Band North Kingsley

It’s been a bloody busy year for many musicians who’ve been busy in their home studios alike, creating new material and experimenting with fresh ideas. 

Well, it’s been no different for System of a Down‘s Shavo Odadjian who’s just released two new songs with SOAD for the first time in fifteen years, and overnight become the first metal band to reach one billion streams for ‘Chop Suey’ on YouTube. This isn’t even scratching the surface for Odadjian who has also been unveiling his latest hip-hop infused rock initiative North Kingsley in bite-sized chunks over the past few months.. 

So, what do we mean by bite-sized chunks, and who the hell are North Kingsley? Let’s give you the lowdown. Odadjian is joined by producer Saro Paparian and lyricist/vocalist Ray Hawthorne, and introduced themselves to the world in July, with their first EP Vol. 1 released in August, featuring tracks like ‘Like That?’ and ‘Die For the Pic’. 

That’s right, we said first EP. Released through Shavo’s cannabis brand 22Red, with a vision “to create an amplified cannabis lifestyle that celebrates the creatives of the world,” North Kingsley just announced their next upcoming EP, namely apt Vol. 2, set to be released on Friday, 4 December through 22Red Media.   

With System Of A Down making a recent return with two new songs to raise funds in relation to the ongoing conflict in Armenia, it’s no surprise that North Kingsley also contain meaningful themes and messaging, like society’s addiction to social media and reference to former US President Trump and related impact of warfare.

The lyrics are politically charged, and the music is filled with a genuine rap-rock fusion that hits you with all the nu-metal feels. The band haven’t released any songs yet to introduce Vol. 2 but we’ve got you covered on any updates that come our way.

Pre-save the EP here to win a chance for a virtual meet and greet with Odadjian and the North Kingsley boys. 

Check out our interview with Shavo chatting all things North Kingsley here