Ontronik "Andy" Khachaturian | |
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Native name | Անդրանիկ Խաչատուրեան |
Also known as | OnTroniK™ |
Born |
Los Angeles, California, USA |
May 4, 1975
Genres | Electronica, alternative rock, progressive rock, alternative metal, house |
Occupation(s) | Musician, Producer, DJ |
Years active | 1990–present |
Associated acts | OnTronik™, System of a Down, The Apex Theory |
Ontronik "Andy" Khachaturian (Armenian: Անդրանիկ Խաչատուրեան; born May 4, 1975) is an Armenian–American, musician, producer and DJ. He is known for being the original co-founder/drummer (1993–1997) of the Grammy Award-winning metal band System of a Down and founder/lead vocalist (1999–2002) of the alt-progressive rock band The Apex Theory.
Andy Khachaturian was born to Armenian parents in Los Angeles, United States. He met Daron and Shavo in high school. Khachaturian then met Serj, when they decided in 1994 to form the band System of a Down. Together they recorded a demo titled "Untitled 1995 Demo" and "Demo Tape 1". In 1996 they recorded "Demo Tape 2" and in 1997 recorded "Demo Tape 3" and "Demo Tape 4". In 1997, after spending four years with System of a Down, Andy had to leave the band due to an injury inflicted while practicing Jeet Kune Do and was replaced by John Dolmayan, current drummer of System of a Down.
In 1998, Ontronik with Art Karamian, David Hakopyan and Sammy J. Watson decided to form the band The Apex Theory, bringing to market 2 music albums and 1 EP. Then they decided to rename the band Mt. Helium. In 2002 Ontronik left the band because of musical differences. After leaving The Apex Theory, Ontronik formed a rock band in 2004 with a group of friends, called VoKee. Currently Ontronik is working in Los Angeles, California in his "OnTronik ™" project as his solo project.