A Chat with Errikos Bloukos (05.01.23)
Sauntering through various types of metal, Greek musician Errikos Bloukos brings metal chaos in his instrumental album Wuthering Minds. We speak with Bloukos about his new EP, what music means to him, future plans and more.
OSR: Cliché, but what drew you to music? Why did you decide to pursue music as a career?
Bloukos: The allure of music has been a constant presence throughout my life, drawing me in with its ability to convey emotions, tell stories, and create powerful atmospheres. Music has always been a deeply personal and emotional outlet for me. The ability of music to connect with people on an emotional level and convey feelings that words alone cannot express fascinated me.
As an artist, I find immense joy and fulfilment in the process of creating and expressing myself through music. It serves as a form of self-discovery and a means to communicate complex emotions and thoughts. Growing up, I was influenced by a diverse range of artists and genres, from metal to classical music. Witnessing the impact of musicians who could create powerful, evocative music inspired me to explore my own creative potential.
The idea of contributing to the rich tapestry of musical expression and leaving a creative mark in the world was a driving force. I wanted to add my voice to the ongoing conversation within the realm of music. The prospect of connecting with listeners, sharing experiences through music, and creating a shared emotional space was a powerful motivator. Music has the ability to bring people together, and the idea of contributing to that sense of unity was compelling.
While pursuing a career in music often involves challenges, the passion for creating and sharing art has been the guiding force in my journey. It’s a continuous exploration, a commitment to growth and expression, and a desire to contribute something meaningful to the world of music.
OSR: What does music mean to you?
Bloukos: Music holds profound significance for me on both a personal and artistic level. It serves as a means of self-expression, a source of inspiration, and a powerful conduit for emotions and storytelling. Music allows me to express thoughts, emotions, and experiences in a way that goes beyond the limitations of language. It’s a form of self-discovery and a means to convey the intricacies of the human experience.
One of the most powerful aspects of music is its ability to evoke and amplify emotions. Whether it’s the melancholy of a slow melody or the intensity of a heavy riff, music has the capacity to connect with listeners on a deep, emotional level. It has the power to provide catharsis and healing. It can be a therapeutic outlet, offering solace during challenging times and fostering a sense of connection and understanding.
Music is a form of storytelling without words. It has the ability to create vivid narratives, set moods, and transport listeners to different mental and emotional landscapes. Each composition is like a chapter in a story, inviting listeners to interpret and connect with the music in their own way. It is a universal language that transcends cultural and linguistic barriers. It can communicate complex ideas and emotions, allowing for shared experiences and connections between people.
As an artist, music is a medium for exploration and experimentation. It allows me to push boundaries, challenge conventions, and continually evolve as a creative individual. In essence, music is a deeply ingrained and integral part of my life. It serves as a form of communication, a mode of artistic expression, and a source of inspiration that enriches my understanding of the world and my inner landscape.
OSR: What can you tell us about your EP Wuthering Minds?
Bloukos: This EP is a culmination of my passion for heavy metal and a journey into the intricate landscapes of the human mind. Each track is a sonic exploration, a glimpse into the swirling thoughts and emotions that characterize the human experience.
The title track, ‘Wuthering Minds’, serves as the heartbeat of the EP, a dynamic composition that encapsulates the intensity and turbulence of our thoughts. From blistering guitar solos to thunderous rhythms, this track sets the stage for the entire sonic journey.
‘The Void of Consiousness and Above the Sky’ takes a more melodic turn, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in a sea of harmonies and reflective moments. It’s a musical contemplation of the timeless aspects of existence, a moment of respite in the EP’s overarching narrative.
‘Parallel’ delves into darker, more mysterious realms. The track unfolds like a musical tapestry, exploring the shadows that linger in the corners of our minds. It’s a journey into the unknown, where the interplay of guitars and atmospheric elements creates an immersive experience.
The EP concludes with ‘Trapped’, a cathartic and powerful finale that ties together the thematic elements introduced throughout the collection. It’s a resolution, an emotional release that brings the listener full circle.
OSR: Did you face any challenges when creating Wuthering Minds?
Bloukos: Absolutely, the creation of Wuthering Minds was a journey filled with challenges and triumphs. Crafting an EP comes with its own set of obstacles, but overcoming them ultimately shaped the project into what it is.
One of the primary challenges was capturing the essence of the themes I wanted to explore. The human mind is a complex and multifaceted subject, and translating those intricacies into music required a delicate balance. It took time and experimentation to find the right melodies, rhythms, and tones that could convey the emotional spectrum I envisioned.
Technical challenges were also present, especially in the recording and production phases. Achieving the desired sonic quality and ensuring that each instrument and element contributed effectively to the overall atmosphere required meticulous attention to detail. There were moments of frustration, but they were overshadowed by the satisfaction of achieving the right sound.
Balancing the intensity of the metal genre with moments of introspection and melody posed its own set of challenges. I wanted Wuthering Minds to be a dynamic journey, and finding the right pacing and transitions between tracks required careful thought and experimentation.
Despite these challenges, the process of creating Wuthering Minds was an immensely rewarding experience. It pushed me as an artist, allowing me to grow and evolve. Every hurdle was a stepping stone toward creating a body of work that I’m proud to share with the world.
OSR: If you had to recommend a single song from Wuthering Minds to a new listener, which would it be and why that one?
Bloukos: It is difficult to choose a specific piece from the album Wuthering Minds because each piece is connected to the internal journey of my personal experiences, and for this reason, each one is distinct and unique.
However, if I had to choose a standout piece, I would mention ‘Wuthering Minds’. This track reflects the album’s title and serves as a significant core of the musical experience I am trying to convey. It has an intense atmosphere and expresses the profound emotional fluctuations that every person experiences in life. It is essentially like being in a constant battle, sometimes winning certain battles and sometimes losing them. However, what is important is to always be there and to keep fighting.
OSR: If you could change anything about Wuthering Minds, what would it be?
Bloukos: I believe that every artistic creation is a reflection of a particular moment in time and a journey of growth. While Wuthering Minds represents a significant chapter in my musical exploration, there’s always room for reflection and improvement. If I were to consider changes, it would be approached with a desire for evolution rather than regret.
One aspect I might consider is the constant pursuit of refining the production quality. As technology advances and skills develop, there’s an opportunity to enhance the sonic landscape and bring out the nuances in the music even more effectively. Additionally, the creative process is an ever-evolving journey. Reflecting on the themes and experiences captured in Wuthering Minds, I might explore new depths in future projects, delving into different aspects of the human experience or experimenting with diverse musical elements.
However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that every piece of art, including Wuthering Minds, is a snapshot in time, encapsulating a specific mindset and emotion. Rather than changing anything about it, I see it as a stepping stone toward future endeavors, a foundation upon which I can build and grow as an artist.
OSR: What do you believe makes you unique?
Bloukos: I believe that what makes me unique as an artist is a combination of personal experiences, musical influences, and a commitment to genuine expression.
My musical palette is painted with a broad spectrum of influences. While rooted in the powerful energy of classic and modern heavy metal, I draw inspiration from various genres and styles. This diversity allows me to create a sound that is both familiar and innovative. Each note, riff, and melody I craft is infused with a genuine emotional connection. Whether it’s the intensity of a roaring solo or the subtlety of a melodic passage, I aim to evoke a visceral response in the listener, creating a profound connection through the language of music.
Instrumental music, especially in the metal genre, has the power to tell stories without the need for lyrics. I see my compositions as sonic narratives, each track unfolding a unique tale or expressing a particular emotion. This storytelling aspect adds a distinctive layer to my work. I see myself as an artist on a continuous journey of evolution. Each project, including Wuthering Minds, is a snapshot of my artistic expression at a particular moment. Embracing change, growth, and exploration ensures that my music remains dynamic and resonant.
OSR: If you weren’t pursuing a music career, what would you be doing – workwise, I mean?
Bloukos: If I weren’t pursuing a career in music, I might find myself immersed in a profession that allows me to explore another face of creativity or personal interest. Given my passion for creative expression, I could see myself involved in visual arts. Whether it’s painting, graphic design, or another visual medium, I would likely channel my artistic instincts into creating visual narratives.
OSR: If you won the lottery, what would you do with the money?
Bloukos: If I were fortunate enough to win the lottery, my priorities would align with both personal fulfilment and contributing to the artistic and musical community.
I would allocate a portion of the funds to enhance my music production capabilities. This could involve upgrading studio equipment, exploring new technologies, and collaborating with top-notch producers to elevate the quality of my future musical projects.
Recognizing the challenges faced by aspiring musicians, I would establish a fund or foundation to support emerging artists. This could involve providing financial assistance for recording, production, and promotional efforts, fostering a nurturing environment for talent to flourish. Investing in music education programs would be a priority. This could include scholarships for aspiring musicians, funding for music schools, and initiatives that promote music education in schools and communities.
Supporting the live music scene is crucial for the growth of the industry. I might consider contributing to the establishment or revitalization of live music venues, providing platforms for artists to showcase their talents and fostering a vibrant local music scene.
OSR: Do you have future plans as an artist?
Bloukos: I am already in the early stages of conceptualizing and composing new music. The creative process is an ever-flowing stream, and I aim to release new material that continues to push boundaries and explore different sonic landscapes.
Connecting with the audience in a live setting is an exhilarating experience. I plan to organize live performances, whether solo or with a band, to bring the energy of my music to stages and share it with fans in person. I am open to collaborating with other talented musicians and artists across various genres. Collaborations bring fresh perspectives and allow for the creation of unique and diverse musical experiences.
Many thanks to Errikos Bloukos for speaking with us. For more from Errikos Bloukos, check out his Facebook and Spotify.
