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Sakis Gouzonis: Press
Q&A with Sakis Gouzonis
40 Q&A with Sakis Gouzonis
By International Fans
Wednesday, 9 September 2009Tell us a little about the place where you were born. Where in Greece is it located?
I was born in Thessaloniki, aka Thessalonica or Salonica. The city is Greece's second major economic, political, commercial, and industrial centre. It is also a major transportation hub for the rest of southeastern Europe. The city was founded around 315 BC by the King Cassander of Macedon. He named it after his wife Thessalonike, a half-sister of Alexander the Great. The White Tower of Thessaloniki is widely regarded as the symbol of the city. The city's industries center around oil, flour, steel, cement, petrochemicals, liquor, machinery, pharmaceuticals, and textile. Thessaloniki lies on the northern fringe of the Thermaic Gulf.
If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?
Where I have my loved ones and I feel I have something meaningful to do.
When did you write your first music composition and what's the title of it?
When I was about 12 years old. "Message from Heaven" is the title of my first music composition.
How important do you feel that competition successes are for your musical career?
International Music Composition Contest semifinalists, finalists and winners are often featured on national and international radio, television and press. Sometimes, they are offered management and publishing deals as well. International Music Composition Contests are ideal for composers, lyricists, and singers who want to break into the music business. Doing well in some international contests gave me confidence in my writing. It is a great way for us artists to obtain a reliable and valued response to our music from professional judging panels.
Would you participate in the Eurovision Song Contest?
Many people from all over Europe have been asking me this question lately and I’m really happy for that, because it is one of my dreams to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest. It would be great pleasure and honor for me to represent Greece in the Eurovision Song Contest.
Would you like to write music for a movie or a documentary?
Yes. I'd love to write music for a movie or a documentary. I have always been interested in doing that, so if you know a director or a movie producer, send me an e-mail.
What do you feel makes your music unique at or above the rest?
I don't really think it is above anyone. I just pure my heart into it and hope someone likes it. Actually I'm the only one that has to like it.
Where did you get your inspiration for your second album New Earth?
Heaven is my inspiration.
What is your favorite city to perform in?
It actually doesn’t matter in which city I am. Every city has its own charm and beauty, and every performance is unique. It's really not so much about the city but rather the type of the venue and the audience that makes a performance memorable.
How often do you perform?
About 2-3 times a week for the last 10 years.
How often do you practice and how long?
Two or three times a week depending on whether I have a live performance that week or not. A typical practice normally lasts for about 2 hours.
Can you read music? If yes, do you write your compositions using musical notation?
I can read piano notes, but I don't use paper and pen. I write my compositions to keyboard sounds and record them.
What are your views on the present state of major and independent music?
Well, most of the indie labels are owned by major labels so it all ends up at the same place. But the industry is really going through some major changes and it's going to be very interesting to see what the landscape will look like in a few years from now. With the internet and all that it is easier to get your music out there but it also makes it easier for people not to pay you for it.
Share some experience, good or bad being independent or unsigned?
It's good to have creative freedom because one thing that many record labels do is to "mold" the artist into what they believe the artist should be. It's also nice being able to keep more of your profits! The downside, though, is that the distribution of your album is limited and there are more obstacles to getting into a major venue and commercial radio. But on the flip side, being signed to a record label doesn't necessarily ensure that your material is even going to reach public ears. As an independent, the artist has almost complete control of his career. I'm not advising to not seek a record label nor am I saying that I will never do so. But I am saying choose wisely and do your homework. You don't want to sign a deal where you will end up losing the rights to your material or worse. I think at this point in time, I'd prefer a distribution deal more than anything else.
Do you download music without paying for it?
Never. Every artist must get paid for his work. I like supporting artists and bands that write good music. I respect their hard work. Plus it makes them money so they can produce better albums with better equipment in the future.
Do you prefer a CD or a digital download, and why?
I always go out and buy the physical CD. I just love the whole experience. Waiting for the CD to come out, going out to buy it, take it home, stick it on the hi-fi, read the booklet, listen to it, and discuss what I thought of it with my friends. I really think downloads are killing the whole experience. However, digital download is the future. The CD format will disappear soon.
Is there any person to whom you would like to pay particular tribute, for their inspirational effect on your musical career and life?
Yes. James Horner, John Williams, Benny Andersson, Bjorn Ulvaeus, Max Martin, Yanni, Vangelis, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Jean Michel Jarre, and many more.
Name something non-musical (e.g. book, person, building) that has inspired or influenced you.
The Holy Bible.
What do you do for when you're not busy making beautiful music?
I love painting, walking in the streets, surfing the internet, meeting my friends, etc..
Name some people in your life that have helped inspire you to be the person we all see.
My Heavenly Dad, my wonderful parents, my beautiful brothers, and my loyal friends.
Are your parents still together?
Yes, they are. My parents have been married for 32 years!
Is there anyone you would do anything for and who?
My God, my family, and my friends.
When was the last time you talked to one of your best friends?
Today.
Do you like being single?
Sometimes.
Do you have any pets?
No, but I had a dog when I was a child.
Do you believe in true love?
Yes, I do.
Would you ever camp out on a beach, under the stars?
Yes, that sounds beautiful.
What is life to you?
Life is a gift from God. This gift calls us to appreciate the inestimable value of what we have been given and to take responsibility for it.
What do you think about abortions?
Human life must be respected and protected from the moment of conception. From the very first moment of his existence, a human being must be recognized as having the rights of a person -among which is the inviolable right of every innocent being to life. God says: Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you.
Were you happy when you woke up today?
Yes, very happy.
What is your current mood?
Happy!
What's your favorite drink?
Orange Juice.
Do you smoke?
No, I don't.
If you could be someone else for a day, who would you be?
I am quite comfortable with the person I have learned to deal with all of my life. So I'll stick to being myself. Thank you!
What's your favorite means of transportation?
Train. Travelling by train is both magical and enjoyable.
What is your more immediate career objectives and where do you want your career to go from here?
I wish to bring more harmony to fellow artists. As for my career, I wish to continue making people happy through my music.
What can we expect to hear from you and when can we expect it?
Hopefully more albums in the near future.
If there was one message you wanted to convey to humankind through your music, what would that message be?
Let us love one another as God has loved us.
What advice or words can you leave for up-and-coming artists?
Just don't give up and remember why you do what you do. The music is supposed to be for you and not about getting loaded with cash.
Would you like to give a message to your fans?
Keep supporting beautiful electronic music.
International Fans
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40 Q&A with Sakis Gouzonis
By International Fans
Friday, 8 August 2008You are one of the most successful Greek Internet Artists with many thousands of friends and fans around the world. How important is the Internet for today's bands and solo artists?
Internet technology allows solo artists and bands to introduce their music to an enormous audience without necessarily affiliating with a major recording label. Nowadays, the design of digital music software encourages the discovery of new music. The social networking sites, such as MySpace, can help you succeed. These sites give you the opportunity to get exposed to millions of people around the world. This way, you can meet new and exciting people from all over the world, become friends and communicate. If your music appeals to thousands of people, you can build a very strong fan base too. You can also create your own website to promote your music. You never know who might be on your website listening to your music!
Can you describe us how you felt when learned that you had won 3rd Prize and 1st Commendation Award in the 5th International Music Composition Contest?
I was so excited, extremely happy and very pleased with my achievement. The two awards I won in the 5th International Music Composition Contest gave me courage and motivation and they are very important to me. I will continue to work hard and I will always remember that day.
For people out there that have never heard of you, give us two reasons why they should.
Because my music will let you escape to some place in your mind that you have never visited before. Because my music will leave you feeling stronger and happier.
Where do your songs come from? What’s your inspiration?
Heaven.
You released your debut album First Contact ten days ago. I personally think that this is the most beautiful original music album I've ever heard for the last couple of years. Would you like to tell us more about it? What's the concept of this album? How did you come up with the title First Contact?
First Contact is my first personal album. My first contact with you as a composer, orchestrator and producer of my own music pieces. It is an electronic instrumental album and it includes ten original music compositions. I worked very hard so that the melodies and orchestrations of every music piece to be as powerful and full of energy as possible. The concept of the album is to create awesome music.
Have you ever considered adding lyrics to your music?
Find a good lyricist and a great singer and bring them to me immediately!
The CD Cover is very inspirational. What's the concept behind it?
It is an expression of heaven and its reflection on earth, the divine and its reflection in creation. The stairway symbolizes the connection between heaven and earth, between spirit and matter.
What or who is the greatest love of your life?
My God and my family, mother, father, brothers, uncles, aunts, cousins – it's an unconditional love.
What three things could you not live without?
My Music Workstation, my Portable MP3/CD Player and my PC.
What's your favourite colour?
Blue.
What's your favourite spot?
The Harbor of Thessaloniki.
Of all the people you have met as an artist, who made you go "I can’t believe I’m talking to…"?
Efi Sakellariou. Efi is a Greek singer whose voice is divine to say the least. In 1998, I was attending a two-day music seminar in Athens, and she generously offered to accommodate me. I hope one day to work together with Efi on a project!
We know that for the moment you’re still a bachelor. What’s in your refrigerator right now?
Natural mineral water, orange juice, cocoa milk, chocolate, marmelade, fresh fruits and vegetables, feta cheese, butter, frozen fries and ketchup.
What's your favourite food?
Grilled steak with potatoes.
Tell us one thing you don’t like to do.
To give up.
What is the trait you most deplore in others?
Bad behavior in a social situation.
Is it better to give or to receive?
To give. If you give, you will receive.
What is the best piece of advice someone has ever given you and did you take notice?
"The most important requirement to attaining power and success is trusting God, then believing in yourself. Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him". Words to live by!
To whom would you most like to say sorry and why?
My wonderful grandmothers, because I didn’t spend enough time with them when they were alive.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
Nothing. I am not perfect but I thank God for who I am and what I've got.
If you could go back in time, where would you go?
To 30 A.D., to see Jesus.
If your life flashed before your eyes, what would the highlights be?
Running in the park with my friends, riding my bicycle for hours, playing and writing music, falling in love, walking many miles listening to music.
What is the closest you've come to death?
A car accident when I was 8 years old and another one when I was 9.
What kind of vehicle do you drive?
I don't drive.
What is the most important lesson life has taught you so far?
To truly live is to follow your heart, to realize that you can achieve your dreams and be who you were meant to be.
When were you happiest?
When my parents bought me my first keyboard! You can't imagine how happy I was that day!
What do you owe your parents?
Everything.
Apart from your family, which living person do you most admire and why?
Jesus, because He was wounded for my transgressions and bruised for my iniquities. He suffered one of the most gruelling and painful forms of capital punishment ever devised by man, so that I could have eternal life with God.
Where would you most like to be right now?
Playing music.
How many hours do you work in a day?
10-12 hours.
What would your super power be?
To heal incurable diseases.
What keeps you awake at night?
Worrying or thinking about a music piece I'm working on.
What is your greatest fear?
Losing someone I love.
Name three of your favorite movies.
The Ten Commandments, Titanic, and The Matrix Trilogy.
If push comes to shove, what is your all-time favorite album?
Praise 11 by Maranatha Singers.
How much artist control do you possess over your music? Are you interested in how the album looks and how you’re marketed?
Having complete artistic control is really important to me, of course. As far as marketing goes I just try to be honest and present myself and my music in a way that is true to its intentions. I just want people to hear it and be moved. My music is atmospheric, so I try to market it in a way that reflects this.
How do you get ready for a performance?
About three hours before a live performance I check my instruments to make sure that if something goes wrong, it’s not something I could have fixed beforehand. Just before entering the stage I don’t speak to anyone and I pray.
What does music mean to you?
Everything. It means absolutely everything. Music can cheer me up, but it can also make me feel sad. It can make me hyperactive or chill me out. Music can also help me out when I feel completely alone.
Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?
Jesus, Bill Gates, Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Meryl Streep, Jim Carrey, Sandra Bullock, Keanu Reeves, Tom Cruise, Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus, Anni-Frid Lyngstad, Agnetha Faltskog, Celine Dion, Enrique Iglesias, Madonna, James Cameron,… my friends and my family. It would definitely be a very big dinner party.
I know you are good at telling jokes. Tell us one.
An Australian decided to write a book about famous churches around the world. So he bought a plane ticket and took a trip to England thinking that he would start by working his way across Europe.
On his first day he was inside a church taking photographs when he noticed a golden telephone mounted on the wall with a sign that read "€10.000 per call". The Australian, being intrigued, asked a priest who was strolling by what the telephone was used for. The priest replied that it was a direct line to heaven and that for €10.000 you could talk to God. The Australian thanked the priest and went along his way.
Next stop was in France. There, at a very large cathedral, he saw the same golden telephone with the same sign under it. He wondered if this was the same kind of telephone he saw in England and he asked a nearby nun what its purpose was. She told him that it was a direct line to heaven and that for €10.000 he could talk to God. "O.K., thank you", said the Australian.
He then travelled to Spain, Italy, Germany, Sweden and Czech Republic. In every church he saw the same golden telephone with the same "€10.000 per call" sign under it.
The Australian, upon leaving the Netherlands, decided to travel to Greece to see if Greeks had the same phone. He arrived in Greece, and again, in the first church he entered, there was the same golden telephone, but this time the sign under it read, "40 cents per call". The Australian was surprised so he asked the priest about the sign. "Father, I've travelled all over Europe and I've seen this same golden telephone in many churches. I'm told that it is a direct line to Heaven, but in all of Europe the price was €10.000 per call. Why is it so cheap here?" The priest smiled and answered, "You're in Greece now, my son; it's a local call".International Fans
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