Greek multi-instrumentalist and composer Theodore has announced yet another exceptional single ‘Towards? (for what is to come)’ set for release on 2nd March via United We Fly.
After being named Best Performance Of 2017 by the Live at Heart Festival and Reeperbahn Festival and earning support from publications such as Tsugi and Szene and gaining over 1.7 million Youtube views, Theodore has proved that he is set to do great things.
We caught up with the Greek performer before his upcoming performance at SXSW to discuss where he gets his inspiration and how he manages to stay focused and achieve his goals.
Tell us about you, how long have you been producing music? What did inspire you to start?
I have been producing music all my life. I started playing the piano at the age of three and I started learning lots of different instruments and when I was a teenager being involved in school bands writing songs and playing small gigs. By the age of 17, I realized that creating and communicating my music was what I wanted to do for my whole life. So, I moved to London to study classical composition and film scoring. I lived there for five years, created my first album and formed my band. In London, I played my first shows and I realized that although there are many things I could do in my life, without music none of it would be complete.
The music industry is super competitive these days, was there a moment in your life that you wanted to give up on music? How did you manage to stay focused and achieve what you want?
The life of a musician is not easy. It is important to truly understand why you want to do this. For me, creating music and performing on stage is highly addictive. There is an almost orgasmic feel to it; to share something that is deep inside me with a bigger and bigger audience, a feeling that I know I would never want to lose. I have passed the point of no return so there is no giving up for me. And that may be fortunate or unfortunate. But this is what gives me strength and makes me stay focused, so I can move on.
How would you describe your creative processes? Who writes the lyrics to the songs? Are the music and lyrics written in conjunction, or separately?
I write my music and lyrics, I am doing the arrangements and I am trying to communicate what I have in my mind. First, I conceive a story that leads me to the creation of an album. I then choose the overarching concept and within the album, I tell this story that has a beginning and an end unfolding through all the album’s songs. Music and lyrics might be written at the same time or not.
Where the inspiration comes from?
From philosophical questions and ideas that trouble me to personal situations and conflicts with myself. In this upcoming album, I am trying to explore battle between consciousness and unconsciousness in order to reach a better awareness and perception of human possibilities.
What’s your favorite track from the upcoming album and what other bands/artists are you listening to right now?
I treat my albums as a whole piece of work so it’s difficult for me to choose just one. But can’t wait to see how ‘Towards?’ will evolve while playing it live. I admire bands like Sigur Ros, Radiohead, Patrick Watson, The National etc. At the moment, I really enjoy listening to the new Black Rebel Motorcycle Club album while trying to study the work of Steve Reich and Max Richter.
What’s next for you?
In March I will travel to the USA for the first time to perform at SXSW Festival in Austin, Texas and at some other shows including one in New York. Soon I will finish the full production of my new album and I can’t wait to start touring.
