Describe your sound in three words
Melodic, groovy, emotional.
You release mostly instrumental music. Was it an artistic decision to not include much vocal music, or it just happened?
What I’m trying to do, at least so far, is to release two versions of each song I write (Timeless Reel being Endless Reel’s “twin”) which make -or will make- sides A & B of single vinyl (7″). One side comprises of a vocal edition of the song and the other being an instrumental version of that. I have already released a single vinyl titled “In Between” by NuN Records, of which I am a founding member. I’m also trying to keep the artwork similar between the “twins” to signal that “kinship”.
How do you relate to the Greek music scene?
I have been working as a session drummer since 2012 with several Greek songwriters (Sophocles & The Dreamwalkers, Alcmene, Alex Leventeris, Doros Demosthenous) as well as in theatre musicals, but also as a band member in bands of various genres, such as Methexis (progressive rock), Grey vs Gray (post apocalyptic hard rock), HMTA (acoustic pop/rock meets trip-hop), Belleville (blues, pop, swing), The Blue Pitch Quartet (jazz, blues, swing), The Storyville Ragtimers (swing, dixieland, New Orleans jazz) and more. Since 2019 I have been publishing material of my own as Projēct Sunlight.
Name one Greek artist (active or not) with the quality to make an international career if they had used Foreign lyrics in their songs.
If I’m honest, I have to say I only know of Greek musicians or bands of high quality who have either produced songs with English lyrics and have later on decided to use Greek lyrics to reach the domestic audience, or of Greek musicians (usually bands) who exclusively write foreign lyrics (mainly in English) and -in my opinion, at least- that is what has deprived them of establishing a name for themselves in the Greek music market and thus making a decent living as musicians -it’s not always easy to initially address the international market. Language is a strong means of communication and I respect that.
What is your favorite album of the past year?
From the albums I’ve had the chance to listen, I would definitely refer to as a highlight for 2019 Brad Mehldau’s “Finding Gabriel” for its compositional depth, the outstanding performances and the emotions that it spurts through me. Each time I hit “play” on that album I discover something new which keeps me on my toes and is bound to inspire me at some level. It’s seductive.
If you could change anything about the music industry, what would it be?
I humbly believe that the music industry is a byproduct of the audience’s choices, therefore if I had the opportunity to change anything, that would be time. I tend to observe people’s reactions, the choices they (well, we) make because I’m interested in the motives that spark those reactions and the conditions under which they are taken, in my vein effort to make some meaning from the world -and me. I see people in a hurry and in distress, striving for safety and relief from the problems, threats and responsibilities of every day life and I realise we may be neglecting our need to discover something new, to daydream, to let go of our claustrophobic tendencies. I believe time to be the currency of freedom. We deserve more than just surviving. We deserve all the time we need to experience the endless nuances of life, because we are all timeless.
What was the best film you have watched during the quarantine?
In the last few months I’ve had the opportunity to discover some great films that I had passed by, Blade Runner 2049 being one of them, for its riveting ambience, the symbolisms and the bittersweet aftertaste. Yet I also have to mention -and I do apologize for the imposition of mentioning more than one films- Birdman. Without displaying any intention to or credentials on being a film critic, I do understand why some claim that Michael Keaton deserved the Oscar. Not to mention, of course, the breathtaking music -especially being a drummer myself- performed by the drummer and composer Antonio Sanchez, which made me feel deeply moved, inspired and -I would have to admit- jealous of the interaction between the visual and the audio aspect and the sensuous and mental effect it delivered throughout the movie.
One last thing we should know about you?
I cannot imagine a life without music, love and humour. I’m a big fan of stand-up comedy and I have mostly CK Louis to thank for that.
Thank you!
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Soundcloud/Youtube
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