Welcome to the Q&A subsection of the website. Here you can read in plain text and download in JPG format questions & answers with Sakis Gouzonis. Every year, a few months before the release of a new album, Sakis's fans from all over the world have the opportunity to submit an original question to Sakis. The best questions are answered by Sakis here.
Q&A #04
40 Q&A with Sakis Gouzonis
Questions by International Fans
Worldwide
Friday, 11 November 2011Fan: How does it feel knowing that your music has changed many people's lives, including mine?
Sakis Gouzonis: I feel thankful for the gift of music.
Fan: How long did it take you to build up this many fans?
Sakis Gouzonis: I began promoting my music on the internet 4 years ago.
Fan: What advice would you give to someone getting started using social media to promote his/her music?
Sakis Gouzonis: One of the most common mistakes first-timers make is trying too much at once. Start with one social networking site you feel most comfortable with, and then expand slowly. And work hard. It takes years of hard work to get somewhere.
Fan: Love or money?
Sakis Gouzonis: Love. Where there is love, nothing is missing.
Fan: Are you right-handed or left-handed?
Sakis Gouzonis: I am right-handed.
Fan: What was your favorite subject in high school?
Sakis Gouzonis: The arts (music, painting, theater).
Fan: What do you think about sweat?
Sakis Gouzonis: It naturally cools the body down.
Fan: Do you shower daily?
Sakis Gouzonis: Yes, I shower at least once a day. If I don’t, I feel gross.
Fan: What's the best track you have ever created?
Sakis Gouzonis: All my tracks are special to me in their own way.
Fan: What was your worst ever show and what made it so bad?
Sakis Gouzonis: I always forget negative things really fast.
Fan: Do you swear?
Sakis Gouzonis: No, I don’t.
Fan: Have you ever been drunk?
Sakis Gouzonis: Never.
Fan: Have you ever been psychologically or physically dependent upon any drug or alcohol?
Sakis Gouzonis: No, I haven’t.
Fan: What is your favorite European music festival?
Sakis Gouzonis: A Swedish music festival called Melodifestivalen. I would also like to participate in it.
Fan: How would your friends describe you?
Sakis Gouzonis: Happy, mysterious, and a little hard to get to know.
Fan: Do you play rugby?
Sakis Gouzonis: No, but I used to play rugby when I was younger.
Fan: Describe your perfect pizza.
Sakis Gouzonis: My perfect pizza would have tomato sauce, lots of cheese, and Greek olives. Very yummy!
Fan: Hot tea or ice tea?
Sakis Gouzonis: Hot tea.
Fan: Do you like coffee or cocoa milk?
Sakis Gouzonis: Cocoa milk.
Fan: Strawberry or watermelon?
Sakis Gouzonis: Can I have them both?
Fan: What is your best physical feature?
Sakis Gouzonis: My smile is my best physical feature.
Fan: Do you ever smile for no reason?
Sakis Gouzonis: I smile all the time.
Fan: Do you own a dog?
Sakis Gouzonis: No, I don't.
Fan: Do you like thunderstorms?
Sakis Gouzonis: Yes, I do. They are an awesome way to see the power of nature.
Fan: Summer or winter?
Sakis Gouzonis: Spring. It’s my favorite season.
Fan: How easily do you trust people?
Sakis Gouzonis: I have to get to know someone very well before I can trust them.
Fan: Do you hate anyone?
Sakis Gouzonis: I don’t believe in hate. You can feel burdened for life if you vow to hate and never take it back.
Fan: What color is your laundry basket?
Sakis Gouzonis: Green.
Fan: Do you have a cell phone?
Sakis Gouzonis: Yes, but I cannot give you my number publicly.
Fan: How many rings until you answer the phone?
Sakis Gouzonis: Four, maybe five.
Fan: What's your favorite ice-cream flavor?
Sakis Gouzonis: I like vanilla.
Fan: How are you feeling right now?
Sakis Gouzonis: Great. How about you?
Fan: Are you single or taken?
Sakis Gouzonis: Single.
Fan: Have you ever loved someone so much that it made you cry?
Sakis Gouzonis: Yes, I have.
Fan: Which country did you last visit?
Sakis Gouzonis: Turkey.
Fan: Name three of your favorite vegetables.
Sakis Gouzonis: Cabbage, lettuce, and potato!
Fan: Do you have any birthmarks?
Sakis Gouzonis: I have one on the back of my right leg.
Fan: What do you find most satisfying when creating music?
Sakis Gouzonis: Creating music is so fulfilling. It makes me feel free, proud, and grateful.
Fan: What is wrong with the world?
Sakis Gouzonis: There is too much fear, and not enough love.
Fan: Do you believe that world peace is possible?
Sakis Gouzonis: All things are possible, if we believe.
Size: 0.53 MB
Sakis Gouzonis: Press
Q&A
Q&A #03
40 Q&A with Sakis Gouzonis
Questions by International Fans
Worldwide
Sunday, 10 October 2010Fan: Why do you make music? What is your primary goal?
Sakis Gouzonis: I make music because music drives me more than food, sleep, and sex. I make music because it was one of my earliest comforts. I make music because I like to spread happiness to people of all ages and cultures. I make music because music is my breath. I make music because I am a musician. Music lifts the spirit up. My goal is to lift people's spirit up; up to the living God. But also just to enjoy the music, and have fellowship and a good time!
Fan: Where did the tree of knowledge of good and evil go to?
Sakis Gouzonis: Eden is the name of the geographical spot where God planted a garden. God’s garden was a little bit of heaven on earth where the presence of God was manifested. The tree of knowledge of good and evil, and the tree of life, are not to be taken literally. When Adam and Eve ate from the tree of knowledge of good and evil and sin entered our world, God said, "The man has now become like one of us, knowing good and evil. He must not be allowed to reach out his hand and take also from the tree of life and eat, and live forever." Because of the disobedience of Adam and Eve, God removed that heavenly atmosphere from where they were. Only after they disobeyed God and gained the knowledge of good (right) and evil (wrong) did God drive them out of the garden. Adam and Eve didn’t actually leave that geographical spot of Eden. God just lifted that paradise setting, which was a little bit of heaven, from where they were, and all they saw from then on was the natural vegetation of the natural life around them. The tree of knowledge of good and evil, and the tree of life, didn’t grow out of the ground. Those symbolic trees represented a beautiful law that was pictured right there. When that heavenly setting was lifted by God, the tree of life was lifted too. On the other hand, the tree of knowledge of good and evil was left here on Earth, and every human being is born with it in its mind. Every human being on earth is surrounded by earthly things and can no longer see what is taking place in the spiritual world.
Fan: What inspired you to write your third album, The Tree Of Life?
Sakis Gouzonis: The Holy Bible. In particular, Genesis 3:22-24, Revelation 2:7, 22:1-2, 22:14, 22:19.
Fan: When you admire the starry sky at night, what are the stars telling you? Perhaps the biggest star on earth is still alive?
Sakis Gouzonis: What I see in the sky are beautiful stars of all colors and sizes!
Fan: What is the most valuable lesson that you learned from your parents growing up that you still apply today?
Sakis Gouzonis: Wash your hands before dinner!
Fan: When is your birthday?
Sakis Gouzonis: My birthday is on 16 March.
Fan: Is there a person of the opposite sex who means a lot to you?
Sakis Gouzonis: My mother!
Fan: Is there anyone you couldn’t live without?
Sakis Gouzonis: Definitely a select few.
Fan: Does it bother you when someone lies to you?
Sakis Gouzonis: Doesn't it bother everyone?
Fan: Have you got any tattoos?
Sakis Gouzonis: No, I haven’t.
Fan: Could you picture yourself getting married and having kids?
Sakis Gouzonis: Not at the moment.
Fan: Would you take $30.000 or a brand new car?
Sakis Gouzonis: Definitely the money.
Fan: What is the last thing that you ate or drank?
Sakis Gouzonis: Chocolate milk.
Fan: Could you go a day without eating?
Sakis Gouzonis: Yes! I’ve done this before.
Fan: Have you ever been in love?
Sakis Gouzonis: Once upon a time.
Fan: What is your favorite season?
Sakis Gouzonis: Spring!
Fan: Do you sing?
Sakis Gouzonis: Everyone can sing, but not everyone can become a professional singer.
Fan: Which is your favorite aftershave?
Sakis Gouzonis: Gillette Fusion Hydra Soothe by Gillette.
Fan: Do you wear socks to sleep?
Sakis Gouzonis: No, I don't.
Fan: At the moment, are you more warm or cold?
Sakis Gouzonis: Very warm.
Fan: What exactly are you wearing right now?
Sakis Gouzonis: I’m wearing a T-shirt, jeans, a belt, a pair of ankle socks, and sneaker shoes.
Fan: If you could share the stage with any Christian artist in the world who would it be?
Sakis Gouzonis: Xenophon Ioannidis. He is a talented singer/songwriter from Cyprus. His voice is truly unique.
Fan: Are you planning any praise & worship release with English or Greek lyrics?
Sakis Gouzonis: I'd love to release a praise & worship album. Praise & worship is one of my favorite kinds of music. When I find the right lyricists and singers, I will definitely make a praise & worship album. And I am sure you will love it!
Fan: Do you have a Facebook account?
Sakis Gouzonis: No, I don’t. Facebook was not designed to help independent artists promote their music. I don’t like wasting my time on non-artist-friendly social networks. Instead, I use MySpace, and other social networks that have been designed to help independent artists get heard. The traffic I receive from MySpace to my official website, www.SakisGouzonis.com, is tremendous. My official website is the #1 most visited artist website in Greece, and one of the most popular artist websites worldwide! Artist-friendly social networks like MySpace are one of the reasons for this success. In the future, if Facebook becomes an artist-friendly social network, I’ll definitely create a Facebook account.
Fan: Do you care what others think about you?
Sakis Gouzonis: Not really. I only care what God and the people that I love think about me.
Fan: Do you know anybody whose last name is a color?
Sakis Gouzonis: Yes! My gym professor’s name at Senior High School was Mr. Kokkinos. Kokkinos means Red.
Fan: Tea or coffee?
Sakis Gouzonis: Tea for me please.
Fan: Everything happens for a reason, right?
Sakis Gouzonis: Right. Things fall out of place so that better things can fall into place.
Fan: Would you prefer to die young surrounded by loved ones or die old and alone?
Sakis Gouzonis: Actually, I am going to live forever; and I won't be alone!
Fan: What is the last film that you watched at the cinema?
Sakis Gouzonis: Inception by Christopher Nolan.
Fan: What’s your favorite animated movie of all time?
Sakis Gouzonis: There are quite a few animated movies that have touched my heart. One of them is definitely Peter Pan.
Fan: What is the last CD that you listened to?
Sakis Gouzonis: The Tree Of Life!
Fan: If you won a Grammy, who would you thank?
Sakis Gouzonis: I would thank my faithful God, my great parents, my lovely brothers, and my loyal friends and fans!
Fan: What's the longest you've ever talked on the phone?
Sakis Gouzonis: Approximately 3 hours.
Fan: Do you want a hug right now?
Sakis Gouzonis: Always!
Fan: Describe Senior High School in one sentence.
Sakis Gouzonis: Senior High School was definitely one of the best periods of my life.
Fan: When was your last visit to Thessaloniki, the city that you were born?
Sakis Gouzonis: I visited Thessaloniki a few months ago.
Fan: Which song reminds you of your childhood?
Sakis Gouzonis: "Ta Mathitika Ta Hronia" performed by Anna Vissi.
Fan: Name the last person that made you laugh today.
Sakis Gouzonis: My little brother, Peter.
Fan: Would you like to send a message to the electronica fans that are reading this and would like to know more about your faith and who Jesus is to you?
Sakis Gouzonis: I've been a Christian since I was 5 years old, and I was raised in a Godly home with two great parents. I have peace and the joy of knowing Jesus. There is no peace or joy bigger than that of God and the Lord Jesus Christ. Come to Jesus, give him your life, and you will be blessed beyond your expectations! That's my message.
Size: 1.08 MB
Q&A #02
40 Q&A with Sakis Gouzonis
Questions by International Fans
Worldwide
Wednesday, 9 September 2009Fan: Tell us a little about the place where you were born. Where in Greece is it located?
Sakis Gouzonis: 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.
Fan: If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?
Sakis Gouzonis: Where I have my loved ones and I feel I have something meaningful to do.
Fan: When did you write your first music composition and what's the title of it?
Sakis Gouzonis: When I was about 12 years old. "Message from Heaven" is the title of my first music composition.
Fan: How important do you feel that competition successes are for your musical career?
Sakis Gouzonis: 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.
Fan: Would you participate in the Eurovision Song Contest?
Sakis Gouzonis: 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.
Fan: Would you like to write music for a movie or a documentary?
Sakis Gouzonis: 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.
Fan: What do you feel makes your music unique at or above the rest?
Sakis Gouzonis: 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.
Fan: Where did you get your inspiration for your second album, New Earth?
Sakis Gouzonis: Heaven is my inspiration.
Fan: What is your favorite city to perform in?
Sakis Gouzonis: 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.
Fan: How often do you perform?
Sakis Gouzonis: About 2-3 times a week for the last 10 years.
Fan: How often do you practice and how long?
Sakis Gouzonis: 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.
Fan: Can you read music? If yes, do you write your compositions using musical notation?
Sakis Gouzonis: I can read piano notes, but I don't use paper and pen. I write my compositions to keyboard sounds and record them.
Fan: What are your views on the present state of major and independent music?
Sakis Gouzonis: 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.
Fan: Share some experience, good or bad being independent or unsigned.
Sakis Gouzonis: 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.
Fan: Do you download music without paying for it?
Sakis Gouzonis: 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.
Fan: Do you prefer a CD or a digital download, and why?
Sakis Gouzonis: 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.
Fan: Is there any person to whom you would like to pay particular tribute, for their inspirational effect on your musical career and life?
Sakis Gouzonis: Yes. James Horner, John Williams, Benny Andersson, Bjorn Ulvaeus, Max Martin, Yanni, Vangelis, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Jean Michel Jarre, and many more.
Fan: Name something non-musical (e.g. book, person, building) that has inspired or influenced you.
Sakis Gouzonis: The Holy Bible.
Fan: What do you do for when you're not busy making beautiful music?
Sakis Gouzonis: I love painting, walking in the streets, surfing the internet, meeting my friends, etc.
Fan: Name some people in your life that have helped inspire you to be the person we all see.
Sakis Gouzonis: My Heavenly Dad, my wonderful parents, my beautiful brothers, and my loyal friends.
Fan: Are your parents still together?
Sakis Gouzonis: Yes, they are. My parents have been married for 32 years!
Fan: Is there anyone you would do anything for and who?
Sakis Gouzonis: My God, my family, and my friends.
Fan: When was the last time you talked to one of your best friends?
Sakis Gouzonis: Today.
Fan: Do you like being single?
Sakis Gouzonis: Sometimes.
Fan: Do you have any pets?
Sakis Gouzonis: No, but I had a dog when I was a child.
Fan: Do you believe in true love?
Sakis Gouzonis: Yes, I do.
Fan: Would you ever camp out on a beach, under the stars?
Sakis Gouzonis: Yes, that sounds beautiful.
Fan: What is life to you?
Sakis Gouzonis: 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.
Fan: What do you think about abortions?
Sakis Gouzonis: 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.
Fan: Were you happy when you woke up today?
Sakis Gouzonis: Yes, very happy.
Fan: What is your current mood?
Sakis Gouzonis: Happy!
Fan: What's your favorite drink?
Sakis Gouzonis: Orange Juice.
Fan: Do you smoke?
Sakis Gouzonis: No, I don't.
Fan: If you could be someone else for a day, who would you be?
Sakis Gouzonis: 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!
Fan: What's your favorite means of transportation?
Sakis Gouzonis: Train. Travelling by train is both magical and enjoyable.
Fan: What are your more immediate career objectives and where do you want your career to go from here?
Sakis Gouzonis: I wish to bring more harmony to fellow artists. As for my career, I wish to continue making people happy through my music.
Fan: What can we expect to hear from you and when can we expect it?
Sakis Gouzonis: Hopefully more albums in the near future.
Fan: If there was one message you wanted to convey to humankind through your music, what would that message be?
Sakis Gouzonis: Let us love one another as God has loved us.
Fan: What advice or words can you leave for up-and-coming artists?
Sakis Gouzonis: 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.
Fan: Would you like to give a message to your fans?
Sakis Gouzonis: Keep supporting beautiful electronic music.
Size: 1.32 MB
Q&A #01
40 Q&A with Sakis Gouzonis
Questions by International Fans
Worldwide
Friday, 8 August 2008Fan: You 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?
Sakis Gouzonis: 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!
Fan: Can you describe us how you felt when learned that you had won 3rd Prize and 1st Commendation in the International Composition Competition 2007?
Sakis Gouzonis: I was so excited, extremely happy and very pleased with my achievement. The two awards I won in the International Composition Competition 2007 gave me courage and motivation and they are very important to me. I will continue working hard and I will always remember that day.
Fan: For people out there that have never heard of you, give us two reasons why they should.
Sakis Gouzonis: 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.
Fan: Where do your songs come from? What’s your inspiration?
Sakis Gouzonis: Heaven.
Fan: Would you like to tell us more about First Contact? What's the concept of this album? How did you come up with the title First Contact?
Sakis Gouzonis: 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.
Fan: Have you ever considered adding lyrics to your music?
Sakis Gouzonis: Find a good lyricist and a great singer and bring them to me immediately!
Fan: The CD Cover is very inspirational. What's the concept behind it?
Sakis Gouzonis: 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.
Fan: What or who is the greatest love of your life?
Sakis Gouzonis: My God and my family, mother, father, brothers, uncles, aunts, cousins – it's an unconditional love.
Fan: What three things could you not live without?
Sakis Gouzonis: My Music Workstation, my Portable MP3/CD Player and my PC.
Fan: What's your favourite colour?
Sakis Gouzonis: Blue.
Fan: What's your favourite spot?
Sakis Gouzonis: The Harbor of Thessaloniki.
Fan: Of all the people you have met as an artist, who made you go "I can’t believe I’m talking to…"?
Sakis Gouzonis: 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!
Fan: We know that for the moment you’re still a bachelor. What’s in your refrigerator right now?
Sakis Gouzonis: Natural mineral water, orange juice, cocoa milk, chocolate, marmelade, fresh fruits and vegetables, feta cheese, butter, frozen fries and ketchup.
Fan: What's your favourite food?
Sakis Gouzonis: Grilled steak with potatoes.
Fan: Tell us one thing you don’t like to do.
Sakis Gouzonis: To give up.
Fan: What is the trait you most deplore in others?
Sakis Gouzonis: Bad behavior in a social situation.
Fan: Is it better to give or to receive?
Sakis Gouzonis: To give. If you give, you will receive.
Fan: What is the best piece of advice someone has ever given you and did you take notice?
Sakis Gouzonis: "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!
Fan: To whom would you most like to say sorry and why?
Sakis Gouzonis: My wonderful grandmothers, because I didn’t spend enough time with them when they were alive.
Fan: If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
Sakis Gouzonis: Nothing. I am not perfect but I thank God for who I am and what I've got.
Fan: If you could go back in time, where would you go?
Sakis Gouzonis: To 30 A.D., to see Jesus.
Fan: If your life flashed before your eyes, what would the highlights be?
Sakis Gouzonis: 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.
Fan: What is the closest you've come to death?
Sakis Gouzonis: A car accident when I was 8 years old and another one when I was 9.
Fan: What kind of vehicle do you drive?
Sakis Gouzonis: I don't drive.
Fan: What is the most important lesson life has taught you so far?
Sakis Gouzonis: To truly live is to follow your heart, to realize that you can achieve your dreams and be who you were meant to be.
Fan: When were you happiest?
Sakis Gouzonis: When my parents bought me my first keyboard! You can't imagine how happy I was that day!
Fan: What do you owe your parents?
Sakis Gouzonis: Everything.
Fan: Apart from your family, which living person do you most admire and why?
Sakis Gouzonis: 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.
Fan: Where would you most like to be right now?
Sakis Gouzonis: Playing music.
Fan: How many hours do you work in a day?
Sakis Gouzonis: 10-12 hours.
Fan: What would your super power be?
Sakis Gouzonis: To heal incurable diseases.
Fan: What keeps you awake at night?
Sakis Gouzonis: Worrying or thinking about a music piece I'm working on.
Fan: What is your greatest fear?
Sakis Gouzonis: Losing someone I love.
Fan: Name three of your favorite movies.
Sakis Gouzonis: The Ten Commandments, Titanic, and The Matrix Trilogy.
Fan: If push comes to shove, what is your all-time favorite album?
Sakis Gouzonis: Praise 11 by Maranatha Singers.
Fan: How much artist control do you possess over your music? Are you interested in how the album looks and how you’re marketed?
Sakis Gouzonis: 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.
Fan: How do you get ready for a performance?
Sakis Gouzonis: 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.
Fan: What does music mean to you?
Sakis Gouzonis: 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.
Fan: Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?
Sakis Gouzonis: 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.
Fan: I know you are good at telling jokes. Tell us one.
Sakis Gouzonis: 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".
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