Hye Jams: Between the Notes

What does a rising Armenian rapper with a story of redemption have in common with a Belgian-Armenian artist bringing a fresh global sound to Armenian music?

One artist turned pain into purpose. Another is blending Armenian heritage with a modern international sound.

In this episode of Between the Notes, Paisan Kapitan welcomes two rising artists from opposite sides of the world. Jake Balmain opens up about overcoming a troubled past, 2nd chances, and channeling life's challenges into music. Meanwhile, Monika Ani joins us from Belgium to discuss her unique blend of deep house, pop, R&B, and Armenian influences, along with her mission to introduce Armenian culture to a new generation of listeners around the globe.

From faith and second chances to creativity, identity, and the future of Armenian music, this episode delivers two inspiring stories from artists determined to leave their mark.

🎤 Jake Balmain discusses:
• Turning pain into music
• Leaving a difficult past behind
• Finding purpose, peace, and a second chance
• Working with Kolo and producers Jay Specs & MGO
• Upcoming collaborations and what's next in his career

🌍 Monika Ani joins via webcast from Brussels to discuss:
• Blending Armenian roots with modern global sounds
• Deep house, R&B, synthwave, and Armenian influences
• Representing Armenian culture on an international stage
• Being a female independent artist in today's music industry
• Why authenticity matters more than chasing trends

This episode is about more than music. It's about resilience, identity, and the next generation of Armenian artists creating their own path.

🔥 Featuring music, behind-the-scenes stories, artist insights, faith, redemption, and plenty of laughs along the way.

👇 Tell us in the comments:
Which artist's story resonated with you most?

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🎙️ SUPPORT OUR GUESTS
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🎤 JAKE BALMAIN

Instagram: @jakebalmain

YouTube: @jakebalmain

🌍 MONIKA ANI

Instagram: @monika.anii

YouTube: @monika-ani

🎙️ PAISAN KAPITAN

Instagram: @paisankapitan

www.PaisanKapitan.com

📻 HYE JAMS RADIO

Instagram: @hyejams

www.HyeJams.com

📱 Download the Hye Jams App in the App Store

🎵 Listen 24/7 to your favorite Armenian hits on the Hye Jams iHeartRadio channel

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🎬 PRODUCTION NOTES
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Featured music videos used in this production were provided by, approved by, and used with permission from the writers, producers, and performers of the featured songs, who also appeared as guests in this episode.

Background Music:

Morning Light Music

License #: 2510-71789

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🎥 PRODUCED BY
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Wayne Lewis

Chummy Inc. © 2026

All Rights Reserved.

On this explosive episode of Between the Notes, Paisan Kapitan brings together two powerhouse Armenian hip-hop artists and one of the most recognizable Armenian voices in entertainment media for a wild mix of music, culture, comedy, and real conversation.

International recording artists HAK and Narek Face join the studio to talk about the evolution of Armenian urban music, balancing mainstream success with authenticity, underground rap culture, social media pressure, AI’s impact on music, and the future of the Armenian entertainment scene. The chemistry between these two artists is undeniable as they break down their creative process, collaborations, and the challenges of building careers in Armenian music while staying true to themselves.

The episode takes an unforgettable turn when HAK and Narek Face deliver a surprise LIVE impromptu in-studio performance of an unreleased track — putting their raw talent on full display in one of the most spontaneous moments ever featured on Between the Notes.

Joining the conversation is Vanessa Ansoorian — social media personality and Chief of Staff to the President of one of the world’s biggest entertainment companies, Disney Television. Vanessa dives into Armenian culture, viral Armenian sayings, preserving language and identity online, corporate entertainment culture, and gives inspiring career advice to young Armenian women looking to succeed in media and entertainment.

From hilarious cultural moments to deep industry insight, this episode delivers nonstop energy, laughs, music, and authentic conversation the way only Hye Jams can.

 

🔥 LIKE • COMMENT • SUBSCRIBE 🔥

 

SUPPORT OUR GUESTS:

HAK

IG: @hak_92_offf

YouTube: @officialHAK

*Also on Spotify, Apple Music and Hye Jams Radio

For booking USA +1 (818) 804-7666 - Galust Armenia +37477033400 (viber) - Arsen

 

Narek Face

IG: @narekface

YouTube: @narekface

*Also on Spotify, Apple Music and Hye Jams Radio

 

Vanessa Ansoorian

IG: @vanessaveee

TikTok: @vanessaveeee

 

Paisan Kapitan

IG: @paisankapitan

www.PaisanKapitan.com

Hye Jams Radio

IG: @hyejams

www.HyeJams.com

(Download Hye Jams app in the App Store)

Listen 24/7 to your favorite Armenian jams on Hye Jams iHeartRadio page

 

Featured Music Videos used in this production were provided by and approved by the writers, producers and performers of both tracks who coincidentally appeared in this interview.

Background Music by:

Morning Light Music

Lic# 2510-71789

Produced by: Wayne Lewis

Chummy Inc (c) 2026

What happens when a world-renowned singer/songwriter sits down with one of the 'sweetest' and most driven personalities in the dessert world… and neither one is afraid to laugh, open up, and keep it real? You get “BOMBA AND THE BONBON” — one of the most unexpectedly fun and heartfelt episodes of Hye Jams: Between the Notes to date.

Hosted by Paisan Kapitan, this episode features international recording artist Bomba Lia alongside Rose from Anna's Delights, who not only brought warmth and humor to the conversation, but also brought tasty goodies and stepped in throughout the show as Lia’s translator — creating a unique chemistry that made the entire interview feel personal, authentic, and wildly entertaining.

From music and culture to personality, passion, and a few hilarious moments in between, this episode proves that great conversation doesn’t always need perfect translation… sometimes the vibe says everything.

Expect stories, laughter, inspiration, and enough sweetness to spike your blood sugar just watching it. Somebody get Paisan an espresso and a pastry immediately.

Featuring:

Bomba Lia IG: @bombaliaofficial YoutTube: @LIA-jo2gj *Also on Spotify, Apple Music and Hye Jams Radio Bookings: (310) 600 2006

Anna's Delights IG: @annas_delights TikTok: annasdelights1

Paisan Kapitan IG: @paisankapitan www,PaisanKapitan.com

Hye Jams Radio IG: @hyejams www.HyeJams.com (Download Hye Jams app in the App Store)

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Background Music by: Morning Light Music Lic# 2510-71789

Produced by: Wayne Lewis, Chummy Inc

On this episode of Hye Jams: Between the Notes, Paisan Kapitan welcomes Armenian hip-hop heavyweight Big E Mastermindz and international singer/guitarist Hicham Touhami for one of the most entertaining and unpredictable episodes yet.

Big E opens up about his unbelievable 130+ pound transformation, working alongside Krayzie Bone from Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, the evolution of Armenian hip-hop, and the new music he’s preparing to unleash. From street anthems to real-life struggles, Big E keeps it raw, honest, and inspiring.

Then things go international when Morocco’s own Hicham Touhami joins the show with his incredible multilingual sound, blending Arabic, Spanish, English, French, and Armenian influences into one unforgettable performance. What starts as a casual interview quickly turns into a spontaneous live jam session that completely takes over the studio.

And yes… Paisan finally learns how to make fresh Armenian GATA at Grandridge Market — proving once and for all that “GATA” is actually short for “GATA HAVIT.”

This episode has:

🔥 Live performances

🔥 Crazy stories

🔥 Weight loss motivation

🔥 Armenian culture

🔥 International music vibes

🔥 Spontaneous comedy

🔥 And enough GATA to feed Glendale

SPECIAL FEATURE: • Paisan learns how to make fresh Armenian GATA at Grandridge Market in Granada Hills

FOLLOW & SUPPORT:

🎤 Paisan Kapitan

www.PaisanKapitan.com

@paisankapitan on Instagram

 

🎧 Hye Jams Radio

www.HyeJams.com

@hyejams on Instagram

@hyejams on YouTube

 

🔥 Big E Mastermindz

@mastamindz on Instagram

@Big-E on YouTube

 

🎸 Hicham Touhami

@hichamtouhami.officiel on Instagram

@hichamtouhami9367 on YouTube

 

🥐 Grandridge Market

11118 Balboa Blvd Granda Hills, California 91344

@grandridgemarket on Instagram

747-239-1600 (Call for Catering)

 

Hye Jams: Between the Notes is brought to you by Chummy Inc. ©2026 All Rights Reserved.

Paisan Kapitan is back with another must-watch episode of Hye Jams: Between the Notes—the show that takes you beyond the music and into the lives of the people shaping Armenian culture.

In this episode, we sit down with a true icon and a rising force.

🎤 Harout Khatchoyan — a legendary Armenian singer whose journey started in heavy metal before evolving into one of the most recognizable and soulful voices in Armenian music. From Elvis inspiration to wedding halls, nightclubs, and global stages, Harout shares never-before-heard stories about his career, the industry, and what it really takes to become legendary.

⚖️ Ojen Ojenian — a powerhouse attorney who started her journey in law at just 15 years old and built her own firm while raising a family. She opens up about the realities of law, balancing life as a mother and business owner, and the common legal mistakes people make without even realizing it.

From music to law, from past to future—this episode blends experience, wisdom, and real talk.

💥 Topics include:

Harout’s transition from heavy metal to Armenian superstardom

What separates a good singer from a legend

Behind-the-scenes truth about Armenian weddings

The dangers of lip syncing in today’s music world

Real-life legal pitfalls people fall into every day

Balancing career, family, and purpose

This is The Legend & The Lawyer — and it delivers.

👉 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more episodes of Between the Notes.

Connect with our guests:

Paisan Kapitan — www.PaisanKapitan.com | @paisankapitan on Instagram

Harout Khatchoyan — @harout_khatchoyan on Instagram as well as Spotify, Apple Music and wherever his music is played.

Ojen Ojenian — www.ojenianlaw.com | 855-OJENIAN | esq.gina on Instagram

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Hye Jams: Between the Notes is brought to you by Chummy Inc, (c)2026 All Rights Reserved.

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.

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🎧 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

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🔥 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.”

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🎙️ 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 👀

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🔥 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)

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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