Ani Aronian Releases Debut Music Video "Friends"

by Rasika Ratnaparkhi - 20/07/2026

For years, chess fans have seen Ani Aronian, the wife of GM Levon Aronian, cheering him on from the sidelines. But long before that, she was nurturing a dream of her own. She has been writing songs since childhood, pouring her thoughts and emotions into notebooks, though she wasn't ready to share them with the world. Now, with the release of her debut music video, Friends, Ani takes the first step in a new chapter. Read on to know the story behind her music video. Photo: Elena Tash

Finding Her Voice

Some dreams wait for years before finding their voice. For Ani Aronian, the wife of GM Levon Aronian, music was one of them. Although she had been writing songs since childhood, it took years to find the courage to share them with the world. Now, with the release of her debut music video, Friends, she opens the door to a deeply personal collection of stories that, as she says, belong to her in detail but to everyone in emotion.

Ani's first-ever music video, "Friends", directed by Marina Soloyan and shot by Gabriella Mkrtchyan. | Video: Ani Aronian

Interview with Ani

Q: Ani, congratulations on your new music video! What inspired this project and how did it come about?

A: I’ve been writing songs since I was a child, but for years they stayed in my notebooks because I wasn’t brave enough to let people read my diary in the form of music. At some point I realized that the things we are most afraid to share are often the things that connect us the most. I stopped trying to invent stories and started writing my own. The details belong to me, but the emotions belong to everyone. That’s really what this project is: a collection of moments from my life that somehow became other people’s stories too.

On stage and in her element! Ani performing at the Armenian-German Jazz Festival organized by Ani Aghabekyan. | Photo: Elena Tash

Q: How did you decide on the name Friends, and what is the music video about?

A: The hardest part of a breakup isn’t always losing your partner. Sometimes it’s losing a friend. That question stayed with me for a long time: "Why can’t we be friends?" It became the opening line of the song because it captures that stage of heartbreak where you are not asking for the relationship back. You just miss the person.

The video follows that emotional space between love and letting go, where you are desperately trying to hold on to something that’s already lost.

A behind-the-scenes look at the "Friends" music video.

Q: Can you tell us a bit about your journey as a singer? Did music come to you from a young age?

A: Music has always been my first language. I started on the piano, but I used to skip piano lessons just to sneak into choir rehearsals. I was six years old and completely fascinated by harmony. I would go home trying to sing every vocal part by myself. Then I discovered jazz, and nothing was ever the same again. I fell in love with Jazz forever.

Ironically, I was studying marketing when I realized I was building a life that didn’t belong to me. One day I decided to leave everything behind and audition for Jazz College. It was terrifying, but it was the first decision that truly felt like mine.

One of the most unforgettable moments of this journey happened recently, when I had the honor of closing the Nouvelles Vagues Festival in France. Performing my original music at the festival with special guests like Monica Bellucci, Kristen Stewart, Rami Malek and Isabelle Huppert was surreal.

Ani closing the Nouvelles Vagues Festival in France with a trilogy of her original songs. | Photo: Deb Puente

Thanks to Solène Léger and Holly Hock for believing in me. Watching people connect with very personal songs was something I’ll never forget. That’s when I realized that we are so different, yet so similar to each other.

Ani with Holly Hock, one of the people she credits for believing in her music.

How it feels like choosing music! This image is from the cover photoshoot for "Friends," on Spotify and Apple Music. | Photo: Armen Aghayan

Q: You have been a rock-solid support to Levon’s chess career. What role has Levon played in your own musical journey?

A: Levon has always believed in me; even during the years when I stopped believing in myself. I took nearly three years away from music because I felt I needed to find my direction. I wanted to blend jazz, R&B, and soul with a modern sound.

I remember one day he looked at me and said: “That’s enough. It’s unfair to the gift you’ve been given. Stop wasting our time and sing.” Thankfully, I listened.

Q: Will there be more songs coming soon?

A: Absolutely. I already have a full album waiting: fourteen songs. I’m releasing them one at a time because every song represents a different chapter of my life. I don’t want people to simply hear the music; I want them to live through the journey with me.

Q: Having been a part of the chess world for so many years, what parallels do you see between chess and music?

A: At first they seem like opposites. Chess is built on logic. Music is built on emotion. But both reward creativity. The players I admire most are the ones who improvise, who aren’t afraid to take risks and create something unexpected. That’s exactly what Jazz is about- improvisation.

After watching Levon play so many beautiful, imaginative games, I started joking that instead of saying “All That Jazz,” I now say “All That Chess.”

"All that jazz!" Ani performing with the Jazz Big Band in Karlsruhe, Germany. | Photo: Elena Tash

Q: How difficult has it been supporting Levon’s career, raising Zabelle, and building your own music career?

A: Honestly, I couldn’t do it without my family. Whenever I have concerts, recordings or writing sessions, they step in without hesitation. And we are always there for each other, always. That’s how our team works together. That kind of support is priceless.

Team Aronian. | Photo: Aditya Sur Roy

And then there’s Zabelle. She’s my toughest critic and my biggest fan. Not long ago I asked her who her favorite singers were. She looked at me very seriously and said, “Mama… and Michael Jackson.” I thought… that’s pretty good company. If I can stay in second place behind Michael Jackson, I’ll happily take it!