Music for Babies #3: Armen Djerrahian

“Music For Babies” is a collection of interviews exploring how music can strengthen the bond between Parents and their babies.

Armen Djerrahian is a photographer, film director and creative director who documented the rise of urban culture and worked with major artists such as Jay-Z and Usher.

Armen Djerrahian

Can you tell us a bit more about you and your little family?

Music was always part of my life. Growing up in a family of artists, my dad was a choreographer and after my mother got her diploma from École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs, she then met and join my dad in his ballet. I'm coming from a special background as before being a choreographer, my dad, from Armenian origins, was born in Syria then grew up in Beirut/ Lebanon until he was 18 years old.

Growing up during and after WW2 and of course the conflict and war in Lebanon, the family then moved to France. But my sister and I were surrounded by a huge variety of music, from traditional Armenian and Russian folklore to American musicals, Soul and Salsa music that my parents were bringing back from their trips around the globe.

Until I discovered Hip Hop in the early 80's and fell in love for the culture. Being an original B.Boy (break dancer) to graffiti artist...Freestyle BMX was also part of  my life and that's through this passion that I became a photographer. Long story short, I met my wife in Paris and we decided to move to NEW YORK where our daughter Nikita is born. 

Armen’s Daughter Nikita

How did you incorporate music into your daily routine with your newborn?

Music is the root of our everyday living. I couldn't see myself working without music and or the inspiration I get from listening to it. My favorite artists are Stevie Wonder and Prince but I have a very eclectic taste. From Hip Hop, Soul Music, Salsa, to Punk Rock and rock in general. My wife is an Elvis Presley fan, so you can easily imagine what's being played at home. Nikita grew up with all these influences. As long as I remember we have always been playing music to her.

Do you remember your baby's first favorite songs?

Of course and despite the traditional classic lullabies that we use to play for her in French and Spanish ( my wife has Chilean origins)  , it all started when we discovered the show Yo Gabba Gabba. The music programmation was just the best, from the songs inspired by the show " Party in My Tummy" amongst all to the special guest invited: MGMT, Biz Markie (R.I.P), The Roots, Chromeo, Sing Sing, Mos Def, The Postmarks, Weezer... all created special songs for the show. The music test was just crazy good. Nikita was hooked... so did we.

But there is one specific song that I remember seeing her dancing for the first time (she was just standing up on her legs) which is Rhianna " We Found Love". 

Did you use music or sounds to put your baby to sleep? 

Absolutely! And funny enough it was the sound of waves (and or rain) that was played from this little sheep stuffed toy. I use to fall asleep next to her by just listening to it. A good therapy for both parents and child. 

 Otherwise when my wife was pregnant, I remember playing her some classical music, mostly Mozart and some reggae music which apparently is very good for  babies. Nikita is 12 years old now and still very passionate about music, whether it is inspired by the TV shows she is watching or just her very eclectic taste. 

Armen Djerrahian : Instagram