Where are you currently based?
I currently split my time between New York and Athens.
You have a new track called ‘ Stick Around’ that’s coming out very soon. What inspired the songwriting for ‘Stick Around’?
I began by producing the track prior to the studio session with the co writer of the song (when it comes to working on a new record I usually work in reverse, writing the song first and producing the track after that). I wanted the track to have melodic and atmospheric elements as well as more dynamic and punchy characteristics.
After I produced most of the record in one night, I went to the studio session the next day and presented a few tracks to the co-writer. I didn’t actually show her the record I made the previous night because I felt that it wasn’t as strong as some of the other tracks I had (due to the lack of time I had to produce it).
Right before we started writing to a completely different track, I felt the urge to show her the track I produced the night before. Within the first few seconds of hearing the track, she told me that’s the one we should write over.
We wrote the entire song during that studio session. Lyrically, we wanted a song that was edgy, witty but also just like the track a song that played between emotional and more dynamic. The chorus/drop has a very prominent bass riff, so I was really into the idea of the vocal doubling a part of it’s melody, consequently making it very hooky.
With regards to the vocal delivery, I wanted something that had both an underground and mysterious vibe to it but also something that would draw you in from the first note.
Additionally, I decided to add a break beat to the second verse of the track and so I jumped on the studio’s drum set and played it myself.
Where and when did you record?
We recorded in a studio in New York City and it was May of 2017
Which label will you be releasing with?
Sirup Music will be releasing Stick Around and I am very excited to have my first collaboration with the label!
Your previous two tracks ‘Places’ and ‘Under These Lights’ both went to #1 in Billboard’s dance chart, and ‘Places’ featured a video that starred Teen Wolf’s Ryan Kelley and the track’s vocalist and former The Voice US contestant Raquel Castro. What do you enjoy most about collaborating with other artists?
One of my favorite things in the world is having the ability to collaborate with talented people. I had the pleasure of working with really incredible artists and members of the entertainment industry who most importantly were amazing people too! When you are in a space with other creative people who you have chemistry with the results are truly magical.
How do the collaborations usually come about?
Each collaboration so far has been completely unique. Sometimes it happens completely by chance, you’re at the same place, you meet and you connect. Other times it happens because either I have expressed an interest to collaborate or the other way around.
Where will we be able to download and listen to ‘Stick Around?
Stick Around will be available on all digital stores and streaming platforms
Image credit : Mark J Davis
How did you first get into music and songwriting?
I have been involved with music since a very young age. I started playing the classical piano and flute at the age of 5 and later, when I was 15 I picked up the guitar and the drums. I formed an alternative rock band and began songwriting for the first time. That was when I realised that creating music was my true passion. When I graduated from high school I went to the UK to study Music Composition, Film Scoring and Production. Initially I was going to follow a career as a music composer and film scorer, however while studying in the UK I got completely infatuated by DJs who were performing with vinyl records and turntables. I invested in buy a couple of second hand Technics 1210s and 5 House vinyl records and started teaching myself how to mix. One thing led to another and I began playing small shows near my University. During one of these shows, a promoter approached me and told me that he organised parties at the Ministry of Sound in London and that he wanted me to play at one of them. As such, I had the incredible opportunity of playing at one of the legendary clubs in the world, and consequently my career as a music producer and a DJ began from that point onward.
What do you have planned for 2018?
I’m kicking off the year with the release of my new single and music video “Stick Around”. After that you can expect more releases from me as well as live shows and touring.
Favourite food and place to hangout?
Greek cuisine and place to hang out… That’s a tough one! Due to the nature of my work and my travel schedule, probably my apartment!
Featured Photo Credit : Maria Dela
