Levon Sultanian Bio

Over the past decade, veteran musician and songwriter Levon Sultanian has been a valuable player within the Los Angeles music scene. His musical journey began on piano at the age of seven, where he studied classical music with his grandfather. He eventually picked up the guitar at age nine. Discovering players such as Ritchie Blackmore (Deep Purple), Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin) and Jimi Hendrix and Eddie Van Halen, it inspired him to buy his first Fender Stratocaster at age 11.

As a musician, he has played with Onesidezero, recording and writing on their two full length recordings, 2001’s Is This Room Getting Smaller? (Maverick Records), and 2007’s Onesidezero (Corporate Punishment). ‘Tapwater’ was featured in the 2002 film A Walk To Remember (Warner Bros. Pictures), while ‘New World Order’ was featured in the television series Smallville (CW Network), both songs that Levon co-wrote. They toured with Incubus, 311, Rob Zombie, Zebrahead, and the Static X and Soulfly tour, which eventually led to the formation of his next project, Abloom.

In Abloom, Levon had worked with former Soulfly members, drummer Roy Mayorga (Stone Sour), guitarist Mikey Doling (Snot/Invitro), and bassist Marcello Dias (Against All Will/Dead Heart Saints), as well as Onesidezero vocalist Jasan Radford. Within its brief time, the band recorded material with System of a Down bassist Shavo Odadjian, and later opened the Southwestern dates on the Static X/SOiL tour, as well as participating on the 2005 Zippo Tour. Their song ‘What You Came For’ was featured in the B-Movie The Passing.

Levon has since expanded his horizons into other areas, including producing and sound engineering. He has previously worked with producers Ulrich Wild (Static X), Toby Wright (Sevendust, Fear Factory), Jim Wirt (Incubus, Jack’s Mannequin), and John Travis (Kid Rock) on many of his previous musical ventures. His personal credits include classical outfit Kohar, Los Angeles based rock band Red Snow and Russian metal band ANJ (he co-wrote songs and hired as their live guitarist). ANJ was nominated in three categories for the 2009 Los Angeles Music Awards - Music Video of the Year, Best Song, International Showcase Artist of the Year, and International Songwriter of the Year.

As a songwriter, he has teamed up with various musical acts to collaborate for songwriting. His understanding and adaptability between different genres of music has made his skills a valuable asset. He has co-written with people such as Poet Named Life, which featured Black Eyed Peas members Jaime Luis “Taboo Nawasha” Gomez and Allan “apl.de.ap” Pineda Lindo ; Mazik (Blood of Abraham); and Takbir ‘Tak’ Bashir (Styles of Beyond); as well as a song on Roy Mayorga’s solo album titled ‘Desert Song’ (also featuring Slipknot/Stone Sour guitarist Jim Root).

Levon has been involved with coordinating benefit concerts for various causes. He was involved in four high profile Los Angeles benefit shows - Sultan To Marz Productions – Der Zor Eve Of Justice: A Rock Concert To Benefit Pyunic Disabled Children of Armenia at the Roxy Theater, Amplifly Your Voice Against Genocide” benefit concert for Darfur at the El Rey Theater, Recognize The Armenian Genocide Festival (with Axis of Justice) at the Knitting Factory, and Silenced Cries: A Benefit Concert For Humanity (co-sponsored by the USC Armenian Student Association) at USC Bovard Auditorium (with Jacob Armen). Each of the benefit shows helped raise money for various causes he felt deeply about.

Levon is endorsed by ESP Guitars, Bogner Amplifiers, Dunlop Electronics, Dean Markley Strings, and Seymour Duncan Pick Ups.

Year of the Dragon Press Release

For Immediate Release: Former Fishbone Member Launch Year of the Dragon, Announces Releasing of Full Length Release, Upcoming U.S. Shows

Los Angeles, CA - YEAR OF THE DRAGON, featuring Dirty Walt Kibby, former co-vocalist of the veteran ska/punk/funk outfit Fishbone and newcomer Roderick ‘Rodcore’ Palmer, is currently placing the finishing touches on their upcoming full length release, Blunt Force Karma. The release will be out this spring on IBCT Records.

Blunt Force Karma is the result of the two masterminds teaming up to create rock music with soul and groove, but is also hard hitting at the same time. There are elements of Walt’s former band, as well as Rodcore’s various musical influences. The record was recorded with drummer Kerim Imes, bassist Elliot Lawrence, and guitarist Jason ‘JMR’ Richardson. ‘No Tomorrow’ brings passionate vocals along with familiar poetry in motion that fans will be familiar with. ‘Bailout’ features a groove and smooth vocals that Dirty Walt fans will be reacquainted with.

Songs from the album are currently available on the band’s Myspace page at www.myspace.com/yotd and the band’s official website at http://www.yearofthedragonband.com.

The band was started by Palmer in 2003 out of the ashes of seminal 1980s heavy metal band Sound Barrier, the first band to feature all African American members. With new members and an updated sound, he and guitarist Spacey T. began writing music around their common love of punk, funk, jazz and rock music. They brought in Dirty Walt after he left Fishbone after being a member for 23 years. They recorded an EP, A Time To Love Is A Time To Bleed, in 2006.

Year of the Dragon will be playing these upcoming US shows:

February 21st – Blackbird (Los Angeles NOIR Festival) – Los Angeles, CA (with Bad Brains, Cipher, Blaxsmyth, The Objex, Punk Funk Mob, Vinyl Gypsies, Blood Sugar, Sabata)
March 6th – The Relax Bar – Los Angeles, CA (with Million Kids)
March 22nd – Headhunters – Austin, TX (South By Southwest Show)
April 20th – Nevada N Ranch Eureka County (420 Hempfest 2009) – Reno, NV

For more information, please contact Kris J. Kraus @ The IBCT at kris@theibct.com or 917-748-3036.