A Chat with Stefanos Barbalias (28.06.23)
A songwriter, composer, sound designer and actor, Stefanos Barbalias has a unique style tapping into a diverse pool of sound. You might know Barbalias as a former member of the UK-based folk-rock band Cook and the Case, but he has also made waves as a musician performing at various festivals and collaborating on projects like, among others, the Venice Biennale, National Museum of Contemporary of Art in Athens, Hellenic American Union, and Onassis Cultural Centre. We speak with Barbalias about his EP Lullaby For Two, what music means to him, things that instantly annoy him, and future plans.
OSR: Why did you decide to become a musician?
Barbalias: Why not? What better way to spend your time?
OSR: What does music mean to you?
Barbalias: A shelter in a crazy world inside and out, a flashlight pointing to what is important and in its greatest moments. Α doorway to the mystery of existence.
OSR: What can you tell us about your new EP Lullaby For Two?
Barbalias: I was all alone on the island of Kea last summer when I wrote it, reminiscing about a recent breakup, taking in a sudden sunset, messing around with an all-time favourite song.
OSR: How do you feel Lullaby For Two differs from Shark In A Pool, if at all?
Barbalias: I guess it’s different shades of the same musical palette, maybe a promise of something new.
OSR: What do you hope people take from Lullaby For Two and your music in general?
Barbalias: If someone sheds a tear I’m very happy, ha ha ha ha (evil laughter), your tears my joy!
OSR: What was the most difficult and enjoyable aspect of making music?
Barbalias: Nothing is difficult, I love connecting with people in real-time when I play!
OSR: have you ever seen a movie that you thought was better than the book?
Barbalias: One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest, what a movie!
OSR: What is something that will instantly annoy you?
Barbalias: Rudeness.
OSR: What future plans do you have as a musician?
Barbalias: A gig in a beautiful open-air theatre in Athens at the end of July and a trip to South Africa participating at the Music Imbizo festival at the end of August. Hopefully new material, new colours of the same palette or even turning the palette upside down!
For more from Stefanos Barbalias check out his official website, Facebook and Spotify.
