Welcome to the Press Center.
Here you will find useful information related to Sakis Gouzonis in plain text and PDF format, as well as press releases, album reviews, newspaper/magazine articles, and interviews. If you are a journalist, blogger, or other media representative, and you would like to receive Sakis's new CD, please contact us. We will happily send out a promo. Thank you for your interest.
Sakis Gouzonis: Press
Artist Name: Sakis Gouzonis
Title/Skill: 6 times International Award Winning Composer
Other skills: Orchestrator, Arranger, Producer, Keyboard/Piano Player, Researcher, Writer.
Current CD: New Earth (Awarded 1st Prize)
Genre: Electronica/Instrumental
Other genres: Soundtrack/Film Music, Christian, Synth Pop
Location: Greece (European Union)
Official Website: http://www.sakisgouzonis.com
Contact: contact@sakisgouzonis.com
Points of note:
Albums
- On 8 August 2008, Sakis released his debut album "First Contact" internationally.
- On 9 September 2009, Sakis released his second album "New Earth" internationally.
Fans
- Sakis Gouzonis is one of the very few Greek artists who have more than 100.000 fans/friends.
- His music is played in 196 countries/territories.
Music Awards
- Winner of 3rd Prize in the 5th International Music Composition Contest 2007. Sakis was awarded a medal and a diploma for his original music composition "Anthem Of Love".
- Winner of 1st Commendation Award in the 5th International Music Composition Contest 2007. Sakis was awarded a diploma for his original music composition "Give Me A Chance".
- Winner of 3rd Prize in the 6th Composition Competition 2008. Sakis was awarded a medal and a diploma for his original music composition "Elegy".
- Semi-Finalist in the 8th UK Songwriting Contest 2009 among 6.000 entries from all over the world. Sakis was awarded a Semi-Finalist Certificate for his original music composition "Elohim".
- Winner of 1st Prize in the 2nd Meeting of Music and Poetry 2009 for his "New Earth" album.
- Winner of 2nd Prize in the 7th International Music Composition Contest 2009. Sakis was awarded a medal and a diploma for his original music composition "Elohim".
Live Shows
- Sakis has an extensive history of touring and playing live. He has given more than 900 live performances so far.
Social/Music Networking Sites
- Sakis Gouzonis is the most popular Greek artist on MySpace. Currently he has more than 100.000 fans/friends.
- Number 1 on the Christian Music Charts throughout the year 2007 among all Greek Christian Artists/Bands on MySpace.
- Number 1 on the Christian, Electroacoustic, and Electro Music Charts throughout the year 2008 among all Greek Christian, Electroacoustic, and Electro Artists/Bands on MySpace.
- Number 1 on the Greek Music Charts throughout the years 2008 and 2009 among all Greek Artists/Bands of all genres on MySpace.
- Number 1 on the Pop, Electronica, and Electroacoustic Music Charts throughout the year 2009 among all Greek Pop, Electronica, and Electroacoustic Artists/Bands on MySpace.
- Sakis is the most popular Greek artist on iSound and PureVolume as well. He has more fans/friends on iSound and PureVolume than any other Greek artist/band.
- Sakis is one of the most popular international artists on IMRadio. He was featured on the home page of the IMRadio in November 2009.
Latest Update: 22 February 2010
The New Earth album is out now
New Earth is Sakis's second personal album of electronic instrumental music. The album consists of ten new tracks that captivate you, lift you up, revitalize you, and open your heart and mind.
(To save the image, right click on the image
and choose "Save Image As...")Prepare yourself to get into a world of music which is really heavenly. New Earth features beautiful, fresh and original music that has everything you need to energize yourself, feel alive, dream, and get inspired!
The New Earth album should be in the music collection of everyone who loves beautiful electronic instrumental music.
Click here to listen to 30 second samples from the New Earth album and get more information on the album.
(9 September 2009)
The First Contact album is out now
First Contact is Sakis's first contact with the world as a composer, orchestrator and producer of his own music pieces. The album features ten new music compositions of electronic instrumental music that excite the senses in a very unique way.
(To save the image, right click on the image
and choose "Save Image As...")Inspirational and extraordinary compositions with a vast number of beautiful music parts. Superb and dynamic orchestrations with many wonderful synth sounds. Every second of this impressive album keeps you wondering what comes next.
First Contact is a highly recommended album. Producing the finest new music, Sakis defends and protects our right to the best possible music.
Click here to listen to 30 second samples from the First Contact album and get more information on the album.
(8 August 2008)
New Earth album review
By MC Rydel
Poet and IMRadio Founding Partner
Monday, 9 November 2009Let Sakis Gouzonis transport you to another world with songs from his recently released “New Earth” album. One of the most popular artists on IMRadio, Sakis has given us “From the Sky”, “Eternal Peace”, and “Elohim”. These instrumentals can mesmerize and inspire any listener anywhere on the globe. Visit our Greece station today and let Sakis Gouzonis show you the world!
(9 November 2009)
First Contact album review
By Kenneth Morton
Highwire Daze Magazine Editor
Tuesday, 9 June 2009Checking out the world of electronic music as presented by Sakis Gouzonis is like traveling on a journey to the most wondrous and mystical of places. Based out of Greece, Gouzonis is an award-winning composer who has just released a debut collection of tunes entitled First Contact. The results are simply magical!
Definitely a world class act, tunes such as Anthem Of Love, A Star Brighter Than Others, and Give Me A Chance enchant the senses with their sheer vibrancy. Elegy is especially sweeping, sounding like a grand score to a big Hollywood epic. Influenced by film composers as well as by electronic musicians, Gouzonis has nevertheless developed his own signature style, which is utterly breathtaking.
With over 800 live performances to his credit and a collection of Grecian music awards, Sakis Gouzonis has a bright and glorious future ahead of him. First Contact is a stunning effort that is sure to greatly enrich all that encounter its harmonious musical tapestries.
(9 June 2009)
*All articles below are written in the Greek language and have been published by Greek newspapers.
Διάκριση του Ελασσονίτη Sakis Gouzonis σε διαγωνισμό τραγουδιού
Μετά την πρόσφατη κυκλοφορία του νέου του album με γενικό τίτλο New Earth και την πρόκρισή του στον Ημιτελικό του Παγκόσμιου Διαγωνισμού Τραγουδιού 2009 της Αγγλίας, ο 5 φορές διεθνώς βραβευμένος Έλληνας μουσικοσυνθέτης Sakis Gouzonis θα εμφανιστεί στη 2η Συνάντηση Μουσικής και Ποίησης Βόλου, που διοργανώνεται από το Ωδείο Φουντούλη.
Η 2η Συνάντηση Μουσικής και Ποίησης Βόλου θα πραγματοποιηθεί το Σάββατο 14 Νοεμβρίου στις 6μμ στην περιοχή του Μεταξουργείου. Περιλαμβάνει πολλές εκδηλώσεις μεταξύ των οποίων και την απονομή των βραβείων του 7ου Διαγωνισμού Σύνθεσης Βόλου και του 4ου Διαγωνισμού Ποίησης Βόλου. Κατά τη διάρκεια της βραδιάς ο Sakis θα εκτελέσει τη μουσική του σύνθεση Elohim, που ξεχώρισε ανάμεσα από 6.000 συνθέσεις διεθνώς και προκρίθηκε στον Ημιτελικό του Παγκόσμιου Διαγωνισμού Τραγουδιού 2009 της Αγγλίας, ενώ για την ίδια μουσική σύνθεση ο Sakis θα βραβευτεί και από το Ωδείο Φουντούλη.
Αξιοσημείωτο είναι το γεγονός ότι παρά το νεαρό της ηλικίας του η μουσική του ήδη παίζεται σε 190 χώρες και ημιαυτόνομες περιοχές, κάτι που ελάχιστοι Έλληνες καλλιτέχνες έχουν καταφέρει ως σήμερα.
Η επίσημη ιστοσελίδα του Σάκη Γκουζώνη είναι www.sakisgouzonis.com από όπου μπορείτε να πάρετε περισσότερες πληροφορίες.(14 October 2009)
Η νέα δουλειά του μουσικοσυνθέτη Σάκη Γκουζώνη
Sakis Gouzonis New Earth
Ο διεθνώς βραβευμένος Έλληνας συνθέτης ηλεκτρονικής ορχηστρικής μουσικής Sakis Gouzonis μόλις κυκλοφόρησε το δεύτερο προσωπικό του album με γενικό τίτλο New Earth.
Το album αποτελείται από δέκα νέα μουσικά κομμάτια που αναζωογωνούν και ανοίγουν την καρδιά και το πνεύμα. Όμορφη, φρέσκια, πρωτότυπη μουσική, που έχει ό,τι χρειάζεται κανείς για να αναζωογωνήσει τον εαυτό του, να νιώσει ζωντανός, να ονειρευτεί και να εμπνευστεί!
Η σύνθεση, η ενορχήστρωση, η μίξη και το mastering έχουν γίνει από το Σάκη Γκουζώνη. Με ένα fan club που ξεπερνά τα 100.000 μέλη, με τη μουσική του να παίζεται σε 190 χώρες και ημιαυτόνομες περιοχές, με εξαιρετικές κριτικές από το Διεθνή και Ελληνικό Τύπο, με 3 Διεθνή Μουσικά Βραβεία στο ενεργητικό του και όλα αυτά μέσα σε λιγότερο από 2 χρόνια, δικαίως θεωρείται από πολλούς ως ο καλύτερος ανερχόμενος Έλληνας συνθέτης ηλεκτρονικής μουσικής.
Το επίσημο website του Σάκη Γκουζώνη είναι www.sakisgouzonis.com όπου μπορείτε να εγγραφείτε για να λαμβάνετε δωρεάν στο e-mail σας όλα τα τελευταία νέα του καλλιτέχνη.
Το album New Earth θα πρέπει να βρίσκεται στη μουσική συλλογή κάθε ακροατή που αγαπά την πολύ όμορφη και εμπνευσμένη μουσική.(7 October 2009)
"New Earth" από τον Sakis Gouzonis
Sakis Gouzonis New Earth
Ο διεθνώς βραβευμένος Έλληνας συνθέτης ηλεκτρονικής ορχηστρικής μουσικής Sakis Gouzonis μόλις κυκλοφόρησε το δεύτερο προσωπικό του album με γενικό τίτλο New Earth. Το album αποτελείται από δέκα νέα μουσικά κομμάτια που αναζωογωνούν και ανοίγουν την καρδιά και το πνεύμα. Όμορφη, φρέσκια, πρωτότυπη μουσική, που έχει ό,τι χρειάζεται κανείς για να αναζωογωνήσει τον εαυτό του, να νιώσει ζωντανός, να ονειρευτεί και να εμπνευστεί! Η σύνθεση, η ενορχήστρωση, η μίξη και το mastering έχουν γίνει από το Σάκη Γκουζώνη. Με ένα fan club που ξεπερνά τα 100.000 μέλη, με τη μουσική του να παίζεται σε 190 χώρες και ημιαυτόνομες περιοχές, με εξαιρετικές κριτικές από το Διεθνή και Ελληνικό Τύπο, με 3 Διεθνή Μουσικά Βραβεία στο ενεργητικό του. Το επίσημο website του Σάκη Γκουζώνη είναι www.sakisgouzonis.com.
(29 September 2009)
Νέο CD ηλεκτρονικής ορχηστρικής μουσικής
Είναι το δεύτερο του βραβευμένου συνθέτη Σ. Γκουζώνη
Ο διεθνώς βραβευμένος Έλληνας συνθέτης ηλεκτρονικής ορχηστρικής μουσικής Sakis Gouzonis μόλις κυκλοφόρησε το δεύτερο προσωπικό του album με γενικό τίτλο New Earth.
Το album αποτελείται από δέκα νέα μουσικά κομμάτια που αναζωογωνούν και ανοίγουν την καρδιά και το πνεύμα. Όμορφη, φρέσκια, πρωτότυπη μουσική, που έχει ό,τι χρειάζεται κανείς για να αναζωογωνήσει τον εαυτό του, να νιώσει ζωντανός, να ονειρευτεί και να εμπνευστεί!
Η σύνθεση, η ενορχήστρωση, η μίξη και το mastering έχουν γίνει από το Σάκη Γκουζώνη. Με ένα fan club που ξεπερνά τα 100.000 μέλη, με τη μουσική του να παίζεται σε 190 χώρες και ημιαυτόνομες περιοχές, με εξαιρετικές κριτικές από το Διεθνή και Ελληνικό Τύπο, με 3 Διεθνή Μουσικά Βραβεία στο ενεργητικό του και όλα αυτά μέσα σε λιγότερο από 2 χρόνια, δικαίως θεωρείται από πολλούς ως ο καλύτερος ανερχόμενος Έλληνας συνθέτης ηλεκτρονικής μουσικής.
Το επίσημο website του Σάκη Γκουζώνη είναι www.sakisgouzonis.com όπου μπορείτε να εγγραφείτε για να λαμβάνετε δωρεάν στο e-mail σας όλα τα τελευταία νέα του καλλιτέχνη.(18 September 2009)
Το δεύτερο προσωπικό άλμπουμ του Σάκη Γκουζώνη κυκλοφόρησε
Sakis Gouzonis New Earth
Ο διεθνώς βραβευμένος Έλληνας συνθέτης ηλεκτρονικής ορχηστρικής μουσικής Sakis Gouzonis μόλις κυκλοφόρησε το δεύτερο προσωπικό του album με γενικό τίτλο New Earth. Το album αποτελείται από δέκα νέα μουσικά κομμάτια που αναζωογωνούν και ανοίγουν την καρδιά και το πνεύμα. Όμορφη, φρέσκια, πρωτότυπη μουσική, που έχει ό,τι χρειάζεται κανείς για να ξεφύγει από τη γήινη πραγματικότητα και να νιώσει τον ουρανό πάνω στη γη. Η σύνθεση, η ενορχήστρωση, η μίξη και το mastering έχουν γίνει από το Σάκη Γκουζώνη. Με ένα fan club που ξεπερνά τα 100.000 μέλη, με τη μουσική του να παίζεται σε 190 χώρες και ημιαυτόνομες περιοχές, με εξαιρετικές κριτικές από το Διεθνή και Ελληνικό Τύπο, με 3 Διεθνή Μουσικά Βραβεία στο ενεργητικό του και όλα αυτά μέσα σε λιγότερο από 2 χρόνια, δικαίως θεωρείται από πολλούς ως ο καλύτερος ανερχόμενος Έλληνας συνθέτης ηλεκτρονικής μουσικής. Το επίσημο website του Σάκη Γκουζώνη είναι www.sakisgouzonis.com όπου μπορείτε να εγγραφείτε για να λαμβάνετε δωρεάν στο e-mail σας όλα τα τελευταία νέα του καλλιτέχνη. Το album New Earth θα πρέπει να βρίσκεται στη μουσική συλλογή κάθε ακροατή που αγαπά την πολύ όμορφη και εμπνευσμένη μουσική.
I Ekdosi tis Elassonas Newspaper
(16 September 2009)
Μουσική Πρόταση απ' τον Σάκη Γκουζώνη
Μία νέα μουσική πρόταση από τον διεθνώς βραβευμένο Έλληνα συνθέτη ηλεκτρονικής μουσικής Σάκη Γκουζώνη. Γεννημένος στη Θεσσαλονίκη και με καταγωγή από την Ελασσόνα κάνει την πρώτη του επαφή με το μουσικόφιλο κοινό μέσα από το πρώτο του άλμπουμ "First Contact" (Πρώτη Επαφή), το οποίο κυκλοφορεί στην Ελλάδα από την Logos Music, ενώ διατίθεται και στο εξωτερικό μέσα από την CD Baby.
Το "First Contact" περιλαμβάνει 10 νέες συνθέσεις ορχηστρικής ηλεκτρονικής μουσικής, εκ των οποίων ήδη οι 3 έχουν αποσπάσει ελληνικά και διεθνή βραβεία. Πρόκειται για ένα άλμπουμ υψηλής ποιότητας, με εμπνευσμένες μουσικές συνθέσεις και επιβλητικές ενορχηστρώσεις που συναρπάζουν τις αισθήσεις με ένα μοναδικό τρόπο. Κάθε δευτερόλεπτο αυτού του εντυπωσιακού album σε κρατά αναρωτώμενος για το τί επακολουθεί. Δημιουργώντας πάντα την πιο εκλεπτυσμένη μουσική, ο Σάκης Γκουζώνης υπερασπίζεται και προστατεύει το δικαίωμά μας στην όσο το δυνατόν καλύτερη μουσική.
Track Listing:
01. Anthem Of Love
02. Journey To The Sky
03. Give Me A Chance
04. With All Of My Strength
05. Elegy
06. Electronic Ballroom
07. A Star Brighter Than Others
08. Sea Of Sorrow
09. Exodus
10. Time To Say GoodbyeΒραβεία και Διακρίσεις του Σάκη Γκουζώνη:
Μουσικά Βραβεία
International Music Composition Contest 2007 - 3o Βραβείο για τη Σύνθεσή του "Anthem Of Love"
International Music Composition Contest 2007 - 1o Βραβείο Επαίνου για τη Σύνθεσή του "Give Me A Chance"
Composition Competition 2008 - 3ο Βραβείο για τη Σύνθεσή του "Elegy"
Διακρίσεις
MySpace Electro Charts (Unsigned Artists, Greece)
Από τις 23/01/2008 στη Θέση Νούμερο 1 για 51 μέρες τουλάχιστον
MySpace Electroacoustic Charts (Unsigned Artists, Greece)
Από τις 09/01/2008 στη Θέση Νούμερο 1 για 144 συνεχόμενες μέρες τουλάχιστον
MySpace Christian Charts (Unsigned Artists, Greece)
Από τις 25/12/2007 στη Θέση Νούμερο 1 για 160 συνεχόμενες μέρες τουλάχιστον
MySpace Greek Charts (All Unsigned Artists, All Music Genres)
Στις 25/07/2008 στη Θέση Νούμερο 1Ο Σάκης Γκουζώνης διαθέτει το μεγαλύτερο fan club (πάνω από 43.000 μέλη) που έχει σήμερα Έλληνας Καλλιτέχνης στο μεγαλύτερο site κοινωνικής δικτύωσης MySpace.
Επίσημο Website: www.sakisgouzonis.com
Επίσημη MySpace Σελίδα: www.myspace.com/sakisgouzonis(date not set)
SAKIS GOUZONIS - FIRST CONTACT
Νέα Δισκογραφική Δουλειά
Μία νέα μουσική πρόταση από τον διεθνώς βραβευμένο Έλληνα συνθέτη ηλεκτρονικής μουσικής Σάκη Γκουζώνη. Γεννημένος στη Θεσσαλονίκη και με καταγωγή από την Ελασσόνα κάνει την πρώτη του επαφή με το μουσικόφιλο κοινό μέσα από το πρώτο του άλμπουμ "First Contact" (Πρώτη Επαφή), το οποίο κυκλοφορεί στην Ελλάδα από την Logos Music, ενώ διατίθεται και στο εξωτερικό μέσα από την CD Baby.
Το "First Contact" περιλαμβάνει 10 νέες συνθέσεις ορχηστρικής ηλεκτρονικής μουσικής, εκ των οποίων ήδη οι 3 έχουν αποσπάσει ελληνικά και διεθνή βραβεία. Πρόκειται για ένα άλμπουμ υψηλής ποιότητας, με εμπνευσμένες μουσικές συνθέσεις και επιβλητικές ενορχηστρώσεις που συναρπάζουν τις αισθήσεις με ένα μοναδικό τρόπο. Κάθε δευτερόλεπτο αυτού του εντυπωσιακού album σε κρατά αναρωτώμενος για το τί επακολουθεί. Δημιουργώντας πάντα την πιο εκλεπτυσμένη μουσική, ο Σάκης Γκουζώνης υπερασπίζεται και προστατεύει το δικαίωμά μας στην όσο το δυνατόν καλύτερη μουσική.
Track Listing:
01. Anthem Of Love
02. Journey To The Sky
03. Give Me A Chance
04. With All Of My Strength
05. Elegy
06. Electronic Ballroom
07. A Star Brighter Than Others
08. Sea Of Sorrow
09. Exodus
10. Time To Say GoodbyeΒραβεία και Διακρίσεις του Σάκη Γκουζώνη:
Μουσικά Βραβεία
International Music Composition Contest 2007 - 3o Βραβείο για τη Σύνθεσή του "Anthem Of Love"
International Music Composition Contest 2007 - 1o Βραβείο Επαίνου για τη Σύνθεσή του "Give Me A Chance"
Composition Competition 2008 - 3ο Βραβείο για τη Σύνθεσή του "Elegy"
Διακρίσεις
MySpace Electro Charts (Unsigned Artists, Greece)
Από τις 23/01/2008 στη Θέση Νούμερο 1 για 51 μέρες τουλάχιστον
MySpace Electroacoustic Charts (Unsigned Artists, Greece)
Από τις 09/01/2008 στη Θέση Νούμερο 1 για 144 συνεχόμενες μέρες τουλάχιστον
MySpace Christian Charts (Unsigned Artists, Greece)
Από τις 25/12/2007 στη Θέση Νούμερο 1 για 160 συνεχόμενες μέρες τουλάχιστον
MySpace Greek Charts (All Unsigned Artists, All Music Genres)
Στις 25/07/2008 στη Θέση Νούμερο 1Ο Σάκης Γκουζώνης διαθέτει το μεγαλύτερο fan club (πάνω από 43.000 μέλη) που έχει σήμερα Έλληνας Καλλιτέχνης στο μεγαλύτερο site κοινωνικής δικτύωσης MySpace.
Επίσημο Website: www.sakisgouzonis.com
Επίσημη MySpace Σελίδα: www.myspace.com/sakisgouzonisI Ekdosi tis Elassonas Newspaper
(7 January 2009)
ΔΙΑΚΡΙΣΗ ΕΛΑΣΣΟΝΙΤΗ ΜΟΥΣΙΚΟΥ
SAKIS GOUZONIS - FIRST CONTACT
Νέα Δισκογραφική Δουλειά
Μία νέα μουσική πρόταση από τον διεθνώς βραβευμένο Έλληνα συνθέτη ηλεκτρονικής μουσικής Σάκη Γκουζώνη. Γεννημένος στη Θεσσαλονίκη και με καταγωγή από την Ελασσόνα κάνει την πρώτη του επαφή με το μουσικόφιλο κοινό μέσα από το πρώτο του άλμπουμ "First Contact" (Πρώτη Επαφή), το οποίο κυκλοφορεί στην Ελλάδα από την Logos Music, ενώ διατίθεται και στο εξωτερικό μέσα από την CD Baby.
Το "First Contact" περιλαμβάνει 10 νέες συνθέσεις ορχηστρικής ηλεκτρονικής μουσικής, εκ των οποίων ήδη οι 3 έχουν αποσπάσει ελληνικά και διεθνή βραβεία. Πρόκειται για ένα άλμπουμ υψηλής ποιότητας, με εμπνευσμένες μουσικές συνθέσεις και επιβλητικές ενορχηστρώσεις που συναρπάζουν τις αισθήσεις με ένα μοναδικό τρόπο. Κάθε δευτερόλεπτο αυτού του εντυπωσιακού album σε κρατά αναρωτώμενος για το τί επακολουθεί. Δημιουργώντας πάντα την πιο εκλεπτυσμένη μουσική, ο Σάκης Γκουζώνης υπερασπίζεται και προστατεύει το δικαίωμά μας στην όσο το δυνατόν καλύτερη μουσική.
01. Anthem Of Love
02. Journey To The Sky
03. Give Me A Chance
04. With All Of My Strength
05. Elegy
06. Electronic Ballroom
07. A Star Brighter Than Others
08. Sea Of Sorrow
09. Exodus
10. Time To Say GoodbyeΒραβεία και Διακρίσεις του Σάκη Γκουζώνη:
Μουσικά Βραβεία
International Music Composition Contest 2007 - 3o Βραβείο για τη Σύνθεσή του "Anthem Of Love"
International Music Composition Contest 2007 - 1o Βραβείο Επαίνου για τη Σύνθεσή του "Give Me A Chance"
Composition Competition 2008 - 3ο Βραβείο για τη Σύνθεσή του "Elegy"
Διακρίσεις
MySpace Electro Charts (Unsigned Artists, Greece)
Από τις 23/01/2008 στη Θέση Νούμερο 1 για 51 μέρες τουλάχιστον
MySpace Electroacoustic Charts (Unsigned Artists, Greece)
Από τις 09/01/2008 στη Θέση Νούμερο 1 για 144 συνεχόμενες μέρες τουλάχιστον
MySpace Christian Charts (Unsigned Artists, Greece)
Από τις 25/12/2007 στη Θέση Νούμερο 1 για 160 συνεχόμενες μέρες τουλάχιστον
MySpace Greek Charts (All Unsigned Artists, All Music Genres)
Στις 25/07/2008 στη Θέση Νούμερο 1Ο Σάκης Γκουζώνης διαθέτει το μεγαλύτερο fan club (πάνω από 43.000 μέλη) που έχει σήμερα Έλληνας Καλλιτέχνης στο μεγαλύτερο site κοινωνικής δικτύωσης MySpace.
(7 January 2009)
The Grand Artistry of Sakis Gouzonis
By Kenneth Morton
Editor of Highwire Daze magazine
Tuesday, 2 February 2010Sakis Gouzonis is a composer from Greece who’s work has excited and enchanted music aficionados from all across the world. With two CD releases (New Earth and First Contact) and an impressive collection of awards he has achieved throughout his career, the electronic artistry found within the work of Sakis Gouzonis is inspiring to behold. Here is a recent interview we conducted with this talented composer...
Introduce yourself and tell me how long you have been doing electronic music -and who were some of the bands or musicians who influenced you to take on this style of music?
First of all, I would like to thank you for your interest in my music. It really means a lot to me. I am a Greek composer, orchestrator, arranger, and producer of electronic music. I have been playing and writing music since I was a little boy, and I have taken part in many musical projects. However, I began to work on my own a few years ago, and my personal discography counts two albums to date. My first album, First Contact was released internationally on 8 August 2008, and my second album, New Earth was released internationally on 9 September 2009. My music is influenced by Jean Michel Jarre, Vangelis, Yanni, James Horner, Danny Elfman, John Williams, Alan Silvestri, and many other talented composers. I listen to a lot of different music though, and I love digging for things that are new, different, and appealing.Is there any story or concept behind the title of the CD New Earth?
We are living in a powerful and transformative time when greater light shines from the Heavens onto the Earth. This influx of light is triggering a series of inner shifts and transformations that will ultimately change our outer world. A New Earth is coming in which tears and pain will be a thing of the past. I have worked countless hours to express this change through my music.What city are you from and what is the music scene like in Greece?
I was born and grew up in Thessaloniki, Greece. The music scene in Greece is very diverse and full of hidden treasures. All kinds of music are performed in Greece and people of all ages and backgrounds come to the shows and support the local scene.How easy or difficult is it to decide on a title for an instrumental piece?
Very good question. I wouldn’t say it is difficult, but it is very intense. I title my instrumental pieces very carefully. I always try to find a title that reflects the theme and atmosphere of an instrumental composition using the process of elimination.Do you participate in any other musical projects or bands outside of your solo work? If so, who are they and what are they like?
I used to participate in other musical projects and bands as a keyboardist and orchestrator, but the last couple of years or so I have been working on my own music compositions.Describe your music to someone who has never heard it before.
Melodic electronic music that lets you escape to some place in your mind that you have never visited before.You have mentioned that your music is on the Myspace Christian music charts. How does Christianity and the teachings of Christ influence your music?
My music is an expression of my being made in the image of a creative God. The joy that I give away to people has come out of experiences I have had on my own and how through them God has revealed many things. When I write a music composition or give a concert I pray a prayer to God asking Him to guide me and help me be helpful to other people.Any strange or unusual MySpace stories you could share with us?
A Greek man sent me a message telling me that he had a fight with singer Lyndsay Jackson, and he needed me to pass a message to her. He needed to apologize himself and ask for her forgiveness. He even gave me his telephone number in order to call him and help him out.You have won quite a few live competitions in Greece. How exciting and nerve wracking is it to perform in these competitions?
It is very exciting and nerve cracking. I think every artist is pretty nervous before and during a music composition contest. Everybody wants to win. The adrenaline is at its peak and the atmosphere is electrified. But at the same time, it is a great way for us artists to obtain a reliable and valued response to our music from professional judges.Outside of the competitions you have entered, have you ever performed a live set or would you want to do so in the future?
Up to now, I have given more than 900 live performances. Thousands of people of all ages and backgrounds have come to my live performances, and I personally feel very blessed. It is so great seeing so many people enjoying my music. And their comments on my live performances are very encouraging.With your music being so cinematic, have you ever wanted to compose film scores -and what are some of your favorite film scores or soundtracks?
Yes. I would love to write music for a movie or a documentary some day. It is one of my dreams. Some of my favorite film scores and soundtracks include My Heart Will Go On by James Horner, Edward Scissorhands by Danny Elfman, Jurassic Park by John Williams, Lord Of The Rings by Howard Shore, Star Wars by John Williams, and Harry Potter by John Williams.What is it you’d like a listener to remember the most after hearing New Earth for the very first time?
I would like my listeners to remember the emotional melodies of the New Earth album, and feel stronger and happier each time they listen to it.How close are you to writing and recording all new material?
I am currently in my home studio working on my next album. About half of the album is ready at the moment and I am very excited. There is a lot of energy and emotion in my new tracks. I am sure my fans are going to like it.Do you have any messages for your fans all over the world and/or people now reading about you for the very first time?
Be proud for what you are. Love one another. We are all one. I hope you will check out my New Earth album by visiting my Official Website www.SakisGouzonis.com. Thank you for taking the time to read this interview.(2 February 2010)
40 Q&A with Sakis Gouzonis
By 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.Fans
(9 September 2009)
40 Q&A with Sakis Gouzonis
By 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 the 3rd Prize and the 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 CD/Mp3 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".Fans
(8 August 2008)