The OG and The New Wave | Apeh Jan Meets Arshak Stepanyan

What separates a hit… from something people actually feel? In this episode of Between the Notes, we break down the “Heart vs Algorithm Gap” — the growing divide between music made for streams… and music that actually connects. Host Paisan Kapitan sits down with DJ Jilber and Ruzanna Tovmasyan to uncover what’s really happening behind the scenes in Armenian music, comedy, and culture. From leaked hit records and viral remixes… to a stand-up career that started with a prayer answered in three hours — this episode dives deep into the mindset, faith, and raw truth behind success. 🎧 Inside This Episode: The “Crowd Energy Theory” — why great DJs don’t just play music, they read people How one leaked song turned into a massive hit Why today’s music is losing its “heart” (and how to fix it) The moment that launched a 20-city comedy tour overnight The “Purpose Pivot” — turning viral content into real impact Faith, fear, and finding your calling in unexpected ways 🔥 Standout Moments: “When you chase it, it runs… when you create from the heart, it finds you.” “A hit isn’t made in the studio — it’s felt by the people.” “I prayed for an opportunity… and got a message three hours later.” “AI can make music—but it can’t replace feeling.” “Your biggest enemy isn’t the crowd… it’s your own mind.” 🎙️ Between the Notes — where artists go beyond the music, and the real stories begin. Please support our guests: DJ Jilber: @djjilber on Instagram, https://eatdawgfood.com/ Ruzanna Tovmasyan: @iamruz on Instagram, https://workwithruz.manus.space/ Paisan Kapitan: @paisankapitan on Instagram, https://www.paisankapitan.com HYE JAMS RADIO: 24/7 Armenian Contemporary Hits...Download the Hye Jams App or listen to the iHeartRadio stream at www.HyeJams.com — Today’s Armenian Hits.  

Welcome back to Between the Notes, brought to you by Hye Jams Radio — where Armenian music, culture, and real conversations collide. In this episode, we bring you something special… two generations of Armenian music on one stage. 🎤 Apeh Jan — a true pioneer of Armenian hip-hop — joins us to talk about the early days, building the culture, and why today’s scene just isn’t the same without real competition. 🚀 Then we turn up the heat with Arshak Stepanyan, one of the hottest rising voices right now, whose viral hit has racked up 12 MILLION+ views and counting. 💥 In this episode: The evolution of Armenian rap & pop Why originality matters more than ever Behind-the-scenes of “Senorita” and Arshak’s viral success Armenian music: LA vs Armenia — who parties harder? Raw advice for up-and-coming artists Rapid-fire questions (and some wild answers 😅) 🎶 Plus: We play their latest tracks and talk about what’s NEXT… including a possible collab 👀 🔥 If you love Armenian music — from classic roots to modern hits — this episode is for YOU. 👉 Don’t forget to: 🔔 Subscribe to the channel 📲 Listen to Hye Jams Radio on iHeartRadio (24/7 Armenian hits) Hye Jams Radio — Today’s Armenian Hits.

What happens when a successful businessman walks away from everything… to chase Hollywood in his 40s? On this episode of Between the Notes, Paisan Kapitan sits down with actor Jack Topalian—a man who proves it’s never too late to rewrite your story. From starring in major productions like Euphoria, Sugar, True Detective, and more… to working alongside names like Denzel Washington and Jared Leto… Jack shares the REAL truth about Hollywood—the grind, the rejection, and what it actually takes to make it. 💥 PLUS: We bring in banker Gary Ketenchian for a powerful conversation on Armenian success, business mindset, and why culture matters more than ever. 🎙️ In this episode: The moment Jack realized he had to chase acting or regret it forever Why starting over in your 40s might be your biggest advantage The real truth about Hollywood (it’s not what you think 👀) Working with A-list actors & dealing with method actors Why Armenians dominate in business worldwide The mindset difference between dreamers and doers Exclusive preview of Jack’s upcoming project “Cost of a Life” 💡 If you feel stuck in life… WATCH THIS. This episode isn’t just about acting—it’s about taking risks, betting on yourself, and refusing to settle. 🚀 Don’t forget: 👍 Like 💬 Comment your biggest takeaway 🔔 Subscribe for more episodes of Between the Notes 🎧 Listen to Hye Jams Radio (24/7 Armenian Hits): 👉 https://www.HyeJams.com 📲 Follow for more: Hye Jams Instagram: @HyeJams YouTube: @HyeJams Paisan Kapitan Instagram: @paisankapitan http://www.paisankapitan.com Jack Topalian Instagram: @jacktopalian IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4152507 Gary Ketenchian LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-k-bbb11019/ https://www.Sunflowerbank.com

What started as a song to spark Armenian pride in one community… turned into a worldwide anthem. On this episode of Between the Notes, Paisan Kapitan sits down with rising artist Tonee Marino—the creator of “Hayastan”—to talk about the moment everything changed, performing in front of massive crowds, and what it really means to represent your culture on a global stage. From Long Island to arenas… this is more than music—it’s identity, pride, and purpose. We also welcome someone doing great things in the Armenian community. Lia Avanessian, founder of Invite Only Events, who pulls back the curtain on luxury weddings, high-pressure moments, and the real truth behind building a brand in today’s social media world. 💥 In this episode: The story behind the Armenian anthem “Hayastan” What it feels like hearing a stadium scream your song Armenian vs Italian roots—who runs the household? 😄 The truth about support in the Armenian community What people get WRONG about marketing themselves Behind-the-scenes chaos of luxury weddings Faith, purpose, and staying grounded in success 🎤 Plus: A rapid-fire round that gets real, funny, and unfiltered. 📲 FOLLOW OUR GUESTS: Tonee Marino: @ToneeMarino Lia Avanessian: @InviteOnlyEventsCo 📻 Listen to Hye Jams Radio on iHeartRadio 👉 https://www.iheart.com/live/hye-jams-radio-11447/ 👍 Don’t forget to SHARE if you’re proud of Armenian culture 🇦🇲 New episodes of Between the Notes drop regularly!

In this powerful episode of Between the Notes, host Paisan Kapitan sits down with international Armenian recording artist Shprot and renowned entrepreneur Shushan Darzian (Lady Bugz Inc.) for an unforgettable conversation about fame, faith, business, and Armenian culture. Shprot opens up about her journey from performing in restaurants to building a global name in Armenian music — and why she chose to walk away from the image that made her famous to embrace a deeper life rooted in faith. Her transformation, values, and message may surprise you. Shushan Darzian shares how she built one of the most respected catering brands in the Armenian community and beyond — from luxury events to providing healthy school lunches for children. She also reveals the mindset behind scaling a business while maintaining excellence. Plus… the story everyone will be talking about: 🚤 A wild (and slightly terrifying) night on a yacht that nearly ended in disaster with 11 people packed into a sinking dinghy. In this episode: • Fame vs. purpose in the entertainment industry • Talent vs. attention vs. character • Faith, transformation, and legacy • Building a successful business from the ground up • Hilarious and unforgettable real-life moments And yes… one guest even calls Paisan the “Italian-Armenian Joe Rogan.” 👉 Subscribe to Hye Jams Radio for more interviews with top Armenian artists, entrepreneurs, and cultural leaders. Follow Shprot: YouTube: @shprotofficial Streaming: Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, and Hye Jams (iHeartRadio) Follow Shushan Darzian: Instagram & TikTok: @ladybugz Shushan Collection: shushancollection.com Watch Entire Show on the YouTube Hye Jams page. 🌐 More from Hye Jams: https://www.HyeJams.com

What kind of artist gets bored doing just one thing? The kind who refuses to live small. In this episode of Between the Notes, Paisan Kapitan sits down with the multi-dimensional mind of Djan Edmonte — a songwriter, producer, recording artist, sculptor, and creative visionary who simply cannot be boxed in. Yes, he writes and produces music. But that’s just the beginning. Djan also builds detailed sculptures and intricate mock-ups of famous buildings and historic events — proving his creativity isn’t limited to sound. It’s architectural. It’s visual. It’s historical. It’s relentless. Show Host, Paisan Kapitan, described him as someone with a “genius mentality” — constantly evolving, constantly creating, constantly shifting into new projects because repetition bores him. Instead of staying comfortable, he expands. 🎵 In music, he’s known for respectfully re-imagining legendary songs — keeping their history alive while giving them a fresh, modern presentation. Not copying. Not chasing trends. Preserving legacy with class. And then there’s the quote that stopped the room: “My wife is my neck.” A powerful statement about strength, leadership, and the woman who supports and steadies him behind the scenes. This conversation dives into: • Creative restlessness • Reinventing classics without disrespecting them • The mindset of multi-discipline artists • Marriage, humility, and foundation • Why true talent refuses to stay in one lane. If you believe creativity should evolve — not stagnate — this episode is for you.

"What’s the one thing Armenian artists won’t say publicly… but you'll say it here?" the host asked. In this episode of Between the Notes, Paisan Kapitan sits down with international recording artist, Vartan Taymazyan — a veteran in the game who has worked with major stars, produced major recordings and is flirting with legendary status himself. In this episode, we talk about: • Longevity in the music industry • Working with big names • Respect, reputation, and reality behind the scenes • And the moment Paisan pressed him to say what most Armenian artists won’t say out loud Let’s just say… it was a battle. Also joining the conversation is Tigran Grigoryan (Coach Tig) — a powerhouse in the Armenian community. A fitness coach, dance instructor, and cultural advocate who lives what he teaches. He’s a perfect example of Armenians giving back to Armenians. No ego. No agenda. Just selfless love for the culture and the people. This episode blends: 🔥 Industry truth 💪 Community leadership 🇦🇲 Armenian pride 🎙 Real conversation It’s honest. It’s fun. And it’s one of those episodes that reminds you why culture matters.  

What do you do when your very first DJ gig falls apart… and you walk off in the middle of the show? You come back stronger. In this episode of Between the Notes, Paisan Kapitan sits down with International Recording Artist and World Renowned DeeJay, Sammy Flash along with, Nona Melkonian for two powerful — and very different — conversations about identity, resilience, and representing Armenian culture with pride. 🎧 Sammy Flash opens up about the night he quit his very first DJ set. Technical chaos. Public embarrassment. Total meltdown. Instead of pretending it didn’t happen, he tells the story exactly how it went down — and how that moment shaped the professional he became. 🇦🇲 Nona Melkonian is everywhere in the Armenian community — and for good reason. Whether she’s helping Armenians reconnect with their roots or introducing outsiders to the richness of Armenian history, language, and tradition, she carries the culture with class, authenticity, and heart. She’s not just involved — she represents. This episode is about: • Owning your failures • Turning embarrassment into fuel • Representing your culture with dignity • And building something bigger than yourself If you love Armenian music, culture, and real stories from real people making real impact — this is your show.

What happens when film, music, and Armenian culture collide? 🎬🎶🇦🇲 Krista Marina, Edgar Damatian, Arman Aloyan, and Angela Asatrian from the hit Armenian film “A Winter’s Song” join host Paisan Kapitan for the premiere episode of Hye Jams: Between the Notes. In this debut conversation, the cast opens up about: • Behind-the-scenes stories from A Winter’s Song • The role of music in Armenian cinema • Christmas in Armenia • Personal journeys in film and entertainment • Laughs, memories, and unforgettable moments. This is more than an interview — it’s a vibe.  

🎙️ From Chummy Studios, Hye Jams Radio presents “Paisan and Friends,” brought to you by Haig’s Kabob House. Tonight is different. Tonight is history. Your favorite New York Italian is behind the mic one more time for the final music-only podcast episode… and we’re calling it exactly what it is: “One Door Closes…” Paisan is bringing the hits. The classics. The anthems. The jams that built this movement from day one. The songs that made you drive a little faster, dance a little harder, and feel a little more Armenian no matter where you were in the world. But this isn’t a goodbye. It’s a thank you. A thank you for every download. Every share. Every late-night listen. Every DM. Every “Bro, that mix was fire.” Every memory we built together. We’re celebrating the journey — the laughter, the growth, the risks, the wins — and honoring the fact that this show was never just music… it was community. And as one door closes, another one swings wide open. Don’t miss this historic sign-off show as the team gears up for something even bigger — the launch on iHeartRadio and the beginning of a 24-hour broadcast starting March 1st. The music podcast may be wrapping… But Hye Jams? We’re just getting started. One door closes… And the next chapter begins.