Sakis Gouzonis gave an interview to Highwire Daze

The grand artistry of Sakis Gouzonis

Interview by Kenneth Morton
Editor & Publisher of Highwire Daze
United States of America
Tuesday, 2 February 2010

Sakis Gouzonis is a composer from Greece, whose work has excited and enchanted music aficionados from all across the world. With two CD releases (First Contact and New Earth) 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 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 https://www.sakisgouzonis.com. Thank you for taking the time to read this interview.