Armenian producer and beatmaker Armen Zabunyan—also known as Peyote Beats—was part of the creative team that contributed to the Grammy-winning album Alligator Bites Never Heal, recognized as Best Rap Album. Zabunyan was credited as producer and composer of the track “Boiled Peanuts.” This summer, he and fellow producer Aram Tserunyan took their industry experience back to Armenia—leading a special session for students at the Tumo Center for Creative Technologies in Yerevan.
During the masterclass, Zabunyan shared insights on music creation, production techniques, and the realities of making music at an international level. “At first, the kids had no idea what it was all about—but once they saw, their interest grew,” he said, describing how he worked to create a relaxed atmosphere. “I want them to see that they can do what I’m doing in the U.S., if they work and follow the right path. Dreams can come true.” Zabunyan added that although three weeks is short for deep training, staying connected as friends allows for ongoing learning “like friends.”
This was Zabunyan’s third visit to Armenia, his first return since 2013. He noted that this trip felt more emotionally anchored: “I want to bring my experience and success from the U.S. to Armenia and prove to students that opportunity is real. Their talent can be seen and heard worldwide.”
Born in Los Angeles and raised in Palm Springs to Syrian and Lebanese Armenian parents, Zabunyan highlighted his multicultural background. “I wasn’t surrounded by Armenians growing up, didn’t have Armenian friends. But my grandparents wanted me to speak Armenian, and I cherish that. When I started playing piano at 5 or 6, my parents encouraged me to practice works by Arno Babajanian and Aram Khachaturian.”
