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Sebu Simonian
Sebu Simonian
Sebu Simonian
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Key Information

Sebu Simonian (born October 15, 1978;[4] Armenian: Սեպուհ Սիմոնեան)[5] is an Armenian-American keyboardist, singer, and songwriter, one-half of the Los Angeles-based indie pop duo Capital Cities.

Early life

[edit]

Simonian was born in 1978 in Aleppo,[1] Syria, to Armenian parents from Lebanon,[6][7][8] whose ancestors were survivors of the Armenian genocide.[1] His paternal grandfather was from the region of Cilicia (in present-day Turkey's Çukurova region).[1][9] Simonian's parents were from Beirut, Lebanon, but "because of a civil war [his] mum had to flee and [he] happened to be born in Syria."[10] Soon after his birth his family returned to Lebanon where they stayed until 1985[11] and moved to the United States due to the civil war there.[6]

Simonian grew up in Los Angeles County.[6] His family is involved in the Armenian community,[12] while Simonian himself was an editorial assistant at the English Section of the Armenian daily Asbarez in the late 1990s.[13] He graduated from Glendale High School.[1][14] He is an alumnus of the California State University, Northridge,[15] where he studied music.[14]

Career

[edit]

Simonian started his first band when he was 15.[11] In 2004,[16] Simonian (as lead singer and keyboardist) and Ryan Welker, guitarist and backing vocals, formed the rock[17] band Aviatic.[15]

Simonian met Ryan Merchant in 2008 through Craigslist while searching for a job as a music producer.[18] Initially, they worked as jingle writers and wrote songs for other bands.[19] They formed the indie pop duo Capital Cities in 2010.[11] Simonian was featured on Brian Wilson's 2015 album No Pier Pressure, performing and producing the track "Runaway Dancer".[20] In 2017, Simonian was featured on Armenian singer Sirusho's single "Vuy Aman".[21]

Personal life

[edit]

Simonian is married and has two sons.[citation needed]

Simonian wears a long beard, which has gained significant media attention.[22][23] Rolling Stone magazine named his beard the best at the 2014 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival and described it as "luxuriant [and] Rasputin-like" and rabbi-like.[24] When asked why he doesn't shave, he responded "I'm just lazy" and added that he sees himself as "a little bit of" a hipster.

Filmography

[edit]
As himself
Year Title Notes
2017 Nice Evening (Լավ Երեկո) Special guest

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Sebu Simonian

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Sebu Simonian (born October 15, 1978) is an Armenian-American musician, singer, songwriter, and best known as one half of the Los Angeles-based duo Capital Cities. Born in , , to Armenian parents whose ancestors survived the , Simonian moved to the at age six and grew up immersed in the Armenian community in . With bandmate Ryan Merchant, he formed Capital Cities in 2010 after years of writing jingles and songs for other artists; their breakthrough hit "Safe and Sound," released in 2011, peaked at number eight on the and earned a Grammy nomination for Best . Simonian has also performed at events commemorating the and incorporated Armenian cultural elements into his work, reflecting his heritage while pursuing a career in mainstream .

Early Life and Background

Origins and Immigration

Sebu Simonian was born on October 15, 1978, in , , to Armenian parents whose families originated from and traced their ancestry to survivors of the of 1915–1923. His parents, part of the broader in the , had settled in prior to his birth, reflecting patterns of migration among seeking relative stability in Arab countries following the and subsequent Ottoman collapse. Shortly after his birth, the family returned to , where Simonian spent his early childhood immersed in a vibrant Armenian expatriate community. In 1985, amid the escalating (1975–1990)—a conflict marked by , Israeli invasions, and economic devastation that displaced over a million people and prompted mass emigration—Simonian's family relocated to the . The war's causal dynamics, including militia clashes and infrastructure collapse, disproportionately affected minority groups like the Lebanese Armenian population, estimated at around 150,000 before the conflict, many of whom fled to centers in the West. The Simonians settled in , joining one of the largest concentrations of outside , with over 200,000 residents by the late , drawn by established networks and economic opportunities. Growing up in this environment, Simonian maintained strong ties to his heritage, becoming a heritage speaker of , the dialect preserved by diaspora communities from pre-genocide . His family's involvement in local Armenian organizations reinforced cultural continuity, including and communal traditions, amid the challenges of assimilation in a new host society.

Education and Early Influences

Simonian graduated from Glendale High School in Los Angeles County, where he developed an early interest in music through participation in choirs and informal band activities. Following high school, he pursued formal musical training at , earning a degree in music with an emphasis on and voice. His studies there provided foundational skills in performance and theory, reflecting a practical approach to musical rather than reliance on prestigious conservatories. Beyond academics, Simonian's early musical development involved hands-on experimentation, including lessons from a young age and self-directed exploration of instruments like guitar and drums to support cover bands formed as a teenager. This self-reliant path underscored his entrepreneurial mindset, prioritizing accessible, skill-building pursuits over elite networks or institutional privileges. In the late , Simonian took an entry-level position as an editorial assistant in the English section of the Armenian daily newspaper Asbarez, which exposed him to community issues within the and sharpened his writing abilities. This role, independent of his musical ambitions, demonstrated early professional initiative in a culturally relevant outlet, fostering insights into and communication without formal media training.

Musical Career

Pre-Capital Cities Projects

In September 2004, Simonian co-founded the Los Angeles-based melodic rock band Aviatic, serving as and alongside and backing vocalist Ryan Welker, drummer Barrett Yeretsian, and bassist Clint Fedderson. The group drew from diverse influences including classical composers like Chopin and Beethoven, classic rock acts such as and , and modern bands like and , experimenting with songwriting and live performance in local venues. Aviatic garnered early empirical validation through a $5,000 grand prize win at Jam Fest 2005 and placement of their track "Goodbye Beautiful Day" on Yahoo Music's top 10 Adult Alternative list, alongside shows at the Roxy Theatre that attracted substantial crowds. Simonian operated Stereotrain Studios in Burbank, recording Aviatic's material and producing for other local acts, which built his technical proficiency in music production. In 2008, he placed an advertisement on seeking production gigs, prompting a response from songwriter Ryan Merchant and initiating their partnership. The duo, operating as Lazy Hooks, focused on composition for commercials—such as those for Home Depot, , and —over about two years, emphasizing efficient, hook-driven structures to meet commercial briefs and refine collaborative workflows. Simonian also produced tracks for Merchant's solo project during this phase, demonstrating output-oriented credential-building through targeted song contributions rather than broad recognition.

Capital Cities Achievements

Capital Cities, the duo formed by Sebu Simonian and Ryan Merchant in 2010, achieved initial commercial breakthrough with their debut studio album In a Tidal Wave of Mystery, released on June 4, 2013, via , which sold over 1 million copies worldwide. The album's , "Safe and Sound," released earlier in 2011 but gaining traction post-album, peaked at number 8 on the , number 1 on the Alternative Songs chart, and earned double platinum certification from the RIAA for exceeding 2 million units sold in the United States. Its infectious hooks, blending upbeat melodies with electronic production, drove streaming success, amassing over 1.7 billion plays on as of 2025, underscoring the track's enduring appeal beyond initial radio airplay. The duo supported the album with extensive touring, including headline performances at Music and Arts Festival on April 12 and 19, 2014, where they delivered sets featuring "Safe and Sound" alongside covers like Prince's "," drawing crowds with high-energy visuals and brass-infused arrangements. In 2019, Capital Cities extended their international reach with concerts in , Simonian's ancestral homeland, performing in on September 21 and on September 23, events that highlighted the band's global fanbase and connected with local audiences through accessible, dance-oriented pop. Following the debut's momentum, Capital Cities released their second album, Solarize, on August 10, 2018, maintaining their signature electro-pop style with tracks emphasizing summer vibes and collaborative production, though it received less chart prominence than the prior effort. During this period, Simonian contributed to Brian Wilson's 2015 solo album No Pier Pressure, co-writing and featuring on the track "Runaway Dancer," which fused Wilson's harmonic sensibilities with Capital Cities' modern EDM elements, demonstrating the duo's versatility in cross-generational projects. Despite perceptions of being a one-hit act tied to "Safe and Sound," the band's sustained metrics—10.5 million monthly listeners as of 2025—reflect ongoing catalog consumption, with album tracks contributing to cumulative streams exceeding billions, evidencing the causal impact of their polished, hook-driven craftsmanship on long-term listener retention.

Solo Work and Collaborations

Simonian released the solo single "Have You Ever Hurt Somebody," featuring Armenian singer , on February 6, 2020. The track incorporates , , bassline, and vocals, with Simonian having written it approximately 13 years earlier and initially recording a version featuring duduk player Jivan Jr. Earlier, in June 2017, he provided featured vocals on Sirusho's single "Vuy Aman," a collaboration that highlighted his production and vocal contributions in an Armenian pop context. In April 2020, Simonian collaborated with producer Misho and frontman on the track "Introvert (Call Me Crazy)," a one-off release tied to his emerging solo efforts and characterized by introspective and electronic elements. These projects demonstrated his versatility in blending with ethnic influences and guest features from established artists. Simonian's debut solo , Many Faces, was released on May 23, 2025, comprising curated singles, covers, and collaborations that explore themes of identity and artistic through edgy electronic-organic fusions, moody grooves, and melodic structures. The album marked a shift toward independent expression following his band work, with tracks like "Standing Rock" addressing environmental motifs and "Ultraviolet Violent" (Many Faces version, featuring Bei Ru) exemplifying experimental production. As a songwriter and producer, Simonian contributed to film soundtracks, including credits for Toni Erdmann (2016) and Tammy (2014), extending his compositional skills into cinematic contexts without leading major solo placements.

Advocacy and Philanthropy

Armenian Activism

Simonian has actively engaged in Armenian advocacy through public speaking and performances aimed at commemorating the Armenian Genocide and countering historical denialism. In October 2013, he served as a panelist at the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) Western Region's Grassroots Advocacy Conference in Glendale, California, discussing the role of "Film & the Arts" in advancing Armenian causes, including genocide recognition efforts. He has performed at multiple genocide commemorations, such as the City of Glendale's 16th annual event on April 22, 2016, where he highlighted the Ottoman Empire's systematic extermination of 1.5 million Armenians in 1915, and the 101st anniversary rally in New York City's Times Square on April 24, 2016, emphasizing themes of truth and justice amid ongoing Turkish government denials. In April 2015, Simonian performed a solo concert in San Francisco explicitly to raise awareness of the genocide, drawing on his platform to underscore the resilience of the Armenian diaspora against assimilation and erasure. As co-founder of Capital Cities, Simonian has leveraged the band's international reach to strengthen cultural ties with through live performances there. The group held concerts in on September 21, 2019, and on September 23, 2019, marking a return to his ancestral homeland and promoting musical exchange amid regional challenges. Earlier, in August 2014, he performed special shows in , including hits from Capital Cities alongside Armenian classical influences, fostering connections and cultural preservation. These events have served to highlight 's post-genocide recovery and the 's role in sustaining against external pressures, including territorial disputes and historical revisionism by neighboring states like . Simonian's fluency in the , acquired through his upbringing by Syrian-Armenian parents and early work as an editorial assistant at the Asbarez newspaper, underpins his authentic involvement in community efforts to preserve linguistic and . He has explored Armenian musical traditions, such as planning English adaptations of Vardapet's works in 2019 to broaden global access while honoring original sources, reflecting a commitment to countering assimilation forces in the . His participation in events like the 2015 "Silence the Lies, Rock the Truth!" further demonstrates use of artistic platforms to challenge narratives propagated by adversarial governments.

Charitable Contributions

Simonian serves as an for the Children's Music Fund (CMF), a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing programs for children affected by chronic illnesses, disabilities, and social challenges, including at-risk youth in underserved communities. His involvement includes public endorsements and participation in promotional efforts to highlight the therapeutic benefits of music, such as improved emotional regulation and observed in program participants. In a 2020 with CMF, Simonian described his firsthand observations of the organization's impact, noting how music sessions have facilitated measurable progress in children's engagement and resilience during . He has supported fundraisers and awareness campaigns, contributing to the delivery of instruments and professional music therapists to over 1,000 children annually through CMF's network, with testimonials from citing reduced hospital stays and enhanced family bonding as direct outcomes. These efforts underscore a focus on evidence-based interventions, where music 's is backed by studies showing reductions in anxiety and behavioral issues among pediatric patients. Simonian has also engaged with the Starmus Festival, performing to bridge music with scientific discourse and support its educational outreach initiatives aimed at inspiring youth interest in astronomy and STEM fields. The festival's events have raised funds for programs, including scholarships and public lectures that reach thousands, emphasizing practical knowledge dissemination over symbolic gestures. His contributions align with Starmus's model of leveraging artistic performances to fund and promote verifiable scientific education, as evidenced by partnerships yielding resources for underprivileged students in related disciplines.

Personal Life

Family and Relationships

Simonian is married to Tamar Simonian. The couple has two sons, one of whom is named . In 2021, Simonian noted that he and his wife had been together for 15 years, including 12 years of marriage, while raising their children alongside pets including a , fish, and . His family life underscores the emphasis on marital stability and parental roles that often bolsters professional endeavors in Armenian-American households.

Public Image

Sebu Simonian has garnered recognition for his distinctive long beard, a feature that has become a hallmark of his public appearance. magazine highlighted it as the standout at the 2014 Music and Arts Festival, describing the beard as "luxuriant [and] Rasputin-like." This unconventional trait contributes to his persona as an authentic figure in indie , eschewing polished aesthetics in favor of a rugged, unpretentious style reflective of his Armenian-American heritage. Simonian's approachable image stems from his roots as the son of Armenian immigrants raised in , fostering a grounded demeanor amid the indie scene. Media portrayals often emphasize this authenticity, contrasting with more contrived pop star archetypes through his casual event appearances and emphasis on musical substance over glamour. On , Simonian maintains a focused presence on X under the handle @sebusimonian, where posts center on releases, collaborations, and performances rather than engaging in broader cultural or political debates. This selective engagement reinforces his reputation as a dedicated prioritizing creative output over performative or trend-chasing.

References

  1. https://www.allamericanspeakers.com/celebritytalentbios/Sebu%2BSimonian/399436
  2. https://ethnicelebs.com/sebu-simonian
  3. https://www.visittheusa.com/experience/usa-through-music-los-angeles-california-sebu-simonian
  4. https://www.grammy.com/artists/sebu-simonian/18120
  5. https://musicvf.com/song.php?title=Safe%2Band%2BSound%2Bby%2BCapital%2BCities&id=142400
  6. https://armenpress.am/en/article/802073
  7. https://www.sfgate.com/thingstodo/article/Singer-Sebu-Simonian-raises-awareness-of-Armenian-6202857.php
  8. https://starmus.com/person/sebu/
  9. https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-language-therapy-with-dr-k-112988789/episode/from-komitas-to-capital-cities-sebu-292567128/
  10. https://www.armeniapedia.org/wiki/Sebu_Simonian
  11. https://anca.org/press-release/capital-cities-sebu-simonian-to-be-panelist-at-anca-grassroots/
  12. https://www.iconvsicon.com/2013/04/09/capital-cities-sebu-simonian-discusses-the-bands-debut-album-and-more/
  13. https://asbarez.com/capital-cities-sebu-simonian-to-be-panelist-at-anca-grassroots/
  14. https://sundial.csun.edu/3748/archive/rockersaviaticdrawlargefanbasetotheroxy/
  15. https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2013/06/22/on-the-verge-meet-dance-pop-duo-capital-cities/2440921/
  16. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/how-a-craigslist-ad-led-to-capital-cities-top-10-smash-194915/
  17. https://www.songfacts.com/blog/interviews/sebu-simonian-of-capital-cities
  18. https://popdose.com/the-popdose-interview-sebu-simonian-of-capital-cities/
  19. https://capitalcities.com/
  20. https://bestsellingalbums.org/artist/2049
  21. https://www.udiscovermusic.com/news/capital-cities-duo-new-gold-platinum-awards/
  22. https://www.mystreamcount.com/track/5JVbvCHX10U2pLa5DEqGav
  23. https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/capital-cities/2014/empire-polo-club-indio-ca-63c39237.html
  24. https://www.asbarez.com/capital-cities-to-perform-in-armenia/
  25. https://musicbrainz.org/release-group/9fef3fa0-c07c-466d-9d44-bb1d0079dce4
  26. https://consequence.net/2015/01/brian-wilson-announces-no-pier-pressure-his-star-studded-new-solo-album/
  27. https://open.spotify.com/artist/4gwpcMTbLWtBUlOijbVpuu
  28. https://grungecake.com/sebu-have-you-ever-hurt-somebody-sirusho/articles/62774
  29. https://style.news.am/eng/news/66764/how-they-collaborated-again-and-how-he-decided-to-shave-his-beard?-sebu-simonian-on-his-new-duet-with-sirusho.html
  30. https://wiwibloggs.com/2017/06/24/sirusho-sebu-vuy-aman-review/191922/
  31. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/sebu-misho-serj-tankian-introvert-call-me-crazy-9349352/
  32. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJ7gQVDT7tZ/
  33. https://bsideguys.com/2025/05/19/album-preview-sebu-many-faces/
  34. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKPRBWWxfYG/
  35. https://www.jiosaavn.com/song/ultraviolet-violent-many-faces-version/Jl9cfAdJYnw
  36. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6071320/
  37. https://ancawr.org/press-release/capital-cities-sebu-simonian-to-be-panelist-at-anca-grassroots/
  38. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDjiJ1RNTIs
  39. https://massispost.com/2016/04/101st-anniversary-commemoration-of-the-armenian-genocide-in-times-square-sunday-april-24/
  40. https://www.civilnet.am/en/news/386141/sebu-in-the-capital-city/
  41. https://style.news.am/eng/news/63415/sebu-simonian-on-capital-cities-concerts-in-gyumri-and-yerevan.html
  42. https://armenianlife.com/2019/08/30/capital-cities-sebu-simonian-to-present-komitas-in-english/
  43. https://en.armradio.am/2015/03/16/silence-the-lies-rock-the-truth-vii-to-commemorate-armenian-genocide-on-april-24/
  44. https://www.thecmf.org/team/sebu-simonian/
  45. https://www.thecmf.org/about/ambassadors/
  46. https://www.thecmf.org/blogs-and-news/videos/artist-sebu-simonian/
  47. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nx9KYlzW3wc
  48. https://www.thecmf.org/category/blogs-and-news/videos/
  49. https://x.com/spicestation/status/529531416951128064
  50. https://www.gettyimages.com/editorial-images/entertainment/event/focus-for-change-benefit-dinner/591369617
  51. https://www.instagram.com/p/CVbcH1lPTWB/
  52. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/50-best-things-we-saw-at-coachella-2014-10429/
  53. https://www.instagram.com/p/DFHYuNRMOp3/
  54. https://x.com/sebusimonian
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