Sakis Gouzonis gave an interview to CountryHome

Interview with Sakis Gouzonis

Interview by Christian Lamitschka
Editor of CountryHome
Germany
Thursday, 8 July 2010

Electronic Music has many new fans in Europe, who may be hearing about you for the first time. How would you describe yourself and the music you play to someone who's never seen or heard you before?

My name is Sakis Gouzonis, I come from Greece, and I have been writing and playing music all of my life. I am an international award-winning composer, orchestrator, arranger and producer of electronic music. On 8 August 2008, my debut album, First Contact, was released internationally, and on 9 September 2009, my second album, New Earth, was released internationally. My music is influenced by great composers, such as James Horner, Yanni, Jean-Michel Jarre, Vangelis, Danny Elfman, John Williams and Alan Silvestri. I live for touching people's souls with my music, for giving them a little bit of heaven.

How was the last year for you? What were the highlights?

2009 was the year of birth of my second album, New Earth. I took part in the UK Songwriting Contest 2009 that was held in the United Kingdom, and I was awarded a Semi-Finalist Certificate for my original music composition Elohim. My second album, New Earth, was awarded 1st prize in the 2nd Meeting of Music and Poetry 2009 that took place in Greece. I also took part in the international Composition Competition 2009, and I was awarded a medal and a diploma for my original music composition Elohim. I was #1 on the Pop, Electronica and Electroacoustic Music Charts throughout the year 2009 among all Greek pop, electronica and electroacoustic artists / bands on MySpace. I was also #1 on the Greek Music Charts throughout the year 2009 among all Greek artists / bands of all genres on MySpace.

There's a lot of work that goes into a number one hit. What did it take to make it in your case?

Obviously, it takes working extremely hard at your music. To get on the charts and reach number one you need to promote your music many hours a day. You have to send your music to the reporting radio stations and ask them to play your music. You also have to send your music to newspapers and magazines. Of course, your music has to be awesome. Prayer helps a lot too.

As an artist you have to do so many different things, such as recording, touring, doing interviews, etc. What do you like best, what's your favorite activity?

I like the studio and the creative process. I like seeing my visions come to life in a recording; this feeling is really indescribable. I like getting up in the morning with the hope that today I will write something that really matters to people. But my favorite part has always been communicating with my fans. My fans support me and encourage me every day. I love the live shows, the energy on stage, the give-and-take with the audience.

Before you become a star, were your friends and family supportive or was it a struggle?

My family and friends have been very supportive. They believed in me from day one and I wouldn't be the person I am today without them. They helped me become a successful music composer, not through money, but through love and encouragement.

Who's your biggest critic, yourself or others?

Me, myself and I! I must be the most nitpicking person on planet Earth! Most people wouldn't even notice the things I can pick on myself about. In my opinion, you have to be a perfectionist to be a successful artist.

What can your fans expect to see when they see you in concert?

A dynamic, powerful, exciting and full of positive energy performance that people can be a part of. I want my fans and friends to be as much a part of the show as possible. I want people to leave happy and can't wait to come back again and again!

Many music fans today get their information about artists via the internet. Do you have your own website and what will fans find there?

Yes, I do. My official website is https://www.sakisgouzonis.com, where fans can read all the latest news about me and my music, listen to audio clips, buy my music, take part in contests, and more.

What's the best compliment a fan has ever given you?

One of the best compliments I got from one of my fans was, "your music makes me feel heaven."

What message would you like to send to your European fans?

Thanks for taking the time to read this interview. I hope you will check out my official website at https://www.sakisgouzonis.com. I can't wait to see you all at my concerts! Bring your hearts with you. God loves you all.