Electronic star Takis chatted with Digital Journal’s Markos Papadatos about his new solo album “Season 1: Welcome Home,” and being an artist in the digital age.
On the song selection process of the new solo album, Takis said, “I tried to share the conflicting emotions I felt on the come-up as an artist who took a leap of faith. Every song is as open and honest as possible. The stories range from the fear that my friends would forget about me (Wait for Me) to the constant questioning of nostalgic memories from high school (From The Start and Don’t Say I Love You) to feelings of pure hope and optimism (All Time and This Feeling).”
When asked about his personal favorite track on the album, he responded, “That’s a really tough question because every song builds upon each other. But the first song I wrote on the project was Wait for Me with Goody Grace and Ant Clemons, it has a special place in my heart because Goody Grace & I grew up together, and creating something 10 years into our friendship feels extra special. It’s the intro and current single off Welcome Home.”
The digital age
On being an artist in the digital age, he said, “Especially during the pandemic, having the ability to do virtual writing sessions is what kept me motivated and inspired. Some of my best songs were created on a Zoom call while everyone was sitting in their own apartments in different cities around the world, without that connectivity this project doesn’t happen.”
For young and aspiring artists, he encouraged them to “have patience.” “This journey can be (will be) lonely and painful. If you want fast results you’ll struggle with self-doubt but if you take a long-term approach the tough days, weeks, or even months can be reframed as building blocks and not brick walls. Look ahead three years, not three months,” he said.
Regarding his dream collaboration choices, he said, “Oh wow, that’s a great question. I’ve always loved Dua Lipa’s voice and the style of music on Future Nostalgia, so for sure Dua. And to be honest, Jamie Fine was a dream collab of mine for years. She has one of the most incredible voices in Canada and doing “All Time” with her was truly a bucket list moment for me.”
Takis opened up about his Greek heritage. “I am Greek, my father came to Canada as a teenager and I am incredibly proud of my heritage. One of the coolest moments of my career was finding out that a few pop radio stations in Greece were playing ‘All Time.’ I remember texting my dad and being surprised to see how far that song went around the globe. I hope to play a show there very soon,” he exclaimed.
On his definition of success, Takis said, “Success to me means doing what you love. Music has been my passion and mission for over a decade. Being able to wake up and make songs is my definition of success and the metrics and chart positions are all a distant afterthought.”
“Season 1: Welcome Home” is available on digital service providers by clicking here.
“I hope you feel the honesty and hear the growth. While it took about two years to make this collection of songs, it really took 26 years (my entire life) to get to the point of a debut project that I’m proud of. To work with the team and the collaborators I have been blessed to work with on Welcome Home was a 26-year journey and I hope I can keep elevating for the next one,” he concluded.
To learn more about electronic sensation Takis, follow him on Instagram.