What made you decide that music is a thing for you?
From the first time I listened to music, I was so impressed and knew that was my path. I started studying music at the age of six and never stopped.
Introduce us you / all to the members and your musical history.
I am an electronic music producer, composer, and sound artist based in Athens, Greece.
At an early age, I took violin and piano lessons at the National Conservatory of Athens, when growing up my interests were focused on electric bass, guitar, and synthesizer, I took lessons at the Philippos Nakas Conservatory. Eventually, I studied Electronic Music Production at the SAE Creative Media College. During my career, I have implemented projects at the National Theatre and the National Opera House and have collaborated in productions of other musicians, both as a musician and producer.
I’ve also been involved in creating interactive installations and performances, creating soundtracks for art exhibitions, experimental theatre performances, and short animations. Among my most recent works is the collaborative, sonic, cross-experimental project ‘Vei Scale’, a compositional approach to connecting electronic sound with contemporary poetry.
Since 2014, I’ve been releasing all my solo projects under the name Electrohead.
Name me your 3 favorite Albums.
Hard to decide on just three, but if I had to choose I would say: Can – Cannibalism, Aphex Twin – Druqs, Steve Reich music for 18 musicians that had a strong influence on me.
What was the first song you heard that steered you into a music path?
Once again, it’s hard to decide: The Future Sound Of London – Cascade (Shortform)
The music industry is the hardest industry in the world to progress in, How do you feel you are doing?
Indeed, it’s not easy considering I’ve been walking in this field for a few years now. I think progress has to do with several factors, such as the genre of music, timing, collaborations, promotion budget, etc. It takes perseverance and patience. However, the most important thing is to turn to what motivates you and keep going, for me it’s an inner and unstoppable need to create. Success is defined differently. Success can be some magical moments of connecting with the audience at a live show, hours of co-creating with other artists, or a day of inspiration while traveling alone. Since I never stop exploring and composing, I feel satisfied with myself.
I’m seeing a lot of debate about women not feeling safe at music gigs, any thoughts on what we need to do to help?
I would say that all forms of femininity do not feel safe, not only in gigs but in the world we live in, in general. The demand for pluralism, equality, and justice is an ongoing demand that needs to be expressed collectively and carried out in our everyday lives at the same time. We need to act on the change we want to see in the world. Artists should address these issues in every way they can whether through lyrics or through their stance in public and private. A zero tolerance policy towards sexism, violence, and racism should be in place at every event big or small. We must insist on a more diverse crowd composition so that all femininities feel safe. We should embrace a greater participation of femininity in the wider concert environment, in artistic performances, in security staff, in organizers, to balance the gender mix, build trust and continually create open, colorful, inclusive spaces.
As you develop as an artist and develop using socials what ways do you get new ears on your music? Any tips?
There are several ways to reach new ears. One productive way is to collaborate with other artists to help you gain access to other audiences and vice versa, also posting your music on major music streaming platforms. Performing live shows regularly, participating in festivals, and exploring ways to connect with different art forms.
Tell us Two truths and a lie about you.
I will answer with Camus’ phrase “Fiction is the lie through which we tell the truth”.
What’s your thought on Spotify’s monopoly on the music industry?
It essentially determines the market and in this case, the artists’ remuneration, which without them would not exist.
Do you sign up for any conspiracy theories?
No, I got the Covid-19 vaccine hoping for a good 5g, but in the end it didn’t even have the microchip. But what can you expect in a world ruled by human lizards. Only aliens can save us, or God…
Did you buy anything you don’t need during the pandemic?
I had love and companionship. These were the most needed.
What was the worst experience on stage?
At my first life. I was playing bass with a band, I was so nervous I couldn’t face the audience. So I played the whole gig with my back turned. This is the worst experience I can mention at least in the context of the interview.
Tell us something about you / each member that you think people would be surprised about.
No surprises. No excuses.
What makes you stand out as an artist?
I really like to experiment with different sounds. That’s why I don’t belong to a certain pure genre of music and why I use sound artistically by combining it with other arts in many different fields. I do many different things that are connected in a way. I think the result of that combination is always better and it’s what keeps me moving forward. Like in life, the stimuli are varied, so I try to express myself in music as I live my life.
hear you have a new music, what can you tell us about it.
I am excited about this project. My new album “Magma” is an electronic soundscape consisting of 10 tracks with intersections of different musical styles with main references to ambient, IDM, minimalism, avant-garde, and experimental, drawing influences from nature, ancient Greek tragedy and the contemporary environment. It is a heterogeneous mix with many surprises waiting for the listener to discover.
Talk me through the thought process of the new tune/s.
The whole idea of the album as a concept is the creation after the destruction. In the natural world, after a volcanic eruption, a new earth can be formed. This can be linked to various aspects of life, such as birth and death, human relationships, personal goals, coming of age, healing from trauma, and more.
What was the recording process like?
Recording is a very creative process for me. It took many hours in the studio to produce the album using digital and analogue instruments, recording samples and of course mixing. But also, many hours outside with the microphone for recordings. Some of the tracks were created from samples I recorded from everyday life such as the carbon of a soda or the purring of my cat, the barking of dogs in the fields, the sound of rustling leaves, balloons, metal, wood, plastic and many other sounds of nature or objects that I found interesting and tried to use them creatively to turn them into something new through sound design and music production techniques.
What was the biggest learning curve in writing the new tunes?
Learning how important observation is.
Would you change anything now it’s finished?
No.
Is there anything else you would like to share with the world?
Music is an exploration. Don’t miss the joy of discovering new sounds out there. One more thing, I’m looking forward to the live performances starting in September.
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