After spending the last few years churning out a flurry of bright and blistering pop-rock anthems, Greek singer and songwriter Eric Alexandrakis is back to fill our hearts with good times on his uplifting new jam 'Mediterranean Sun'.
Performing the track alongside Duran Duran's John Taylor on bass, and Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers' Steve Ferrone on drums, 'Mediterranean Sun' makes for an incredibly fun and upbeat return. Filled with soaring hooks and catchy melodies throughout, this one will certainly get you up and out of your seat.
So with the new single available now, we sat down with him to find out more about his background and influences over the years.
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What was the first instrument you learned to play?
The first instrument I learned to play properly was the piano. I had 10 years of classical piano training staring at age 6.
What was the first album you remember owning?
The first album I ever bought on my own was Duran Duran's "Seven and the Ragged Tiger" for $8.32. I was short the 32 cents, and biked back home to find the rest in various couches. I remember though owning the "Grease" soundtrack prior, which I got for Christmas in Greece as a little kid, and a family friend gave me a pile of Disney records, which opened me up to the songwriting of the Sherman Brothers.
Did you ever form a band when you were younger and if so, what did they sound like?
We were called Audio Disturbances, and it was a cross between Pink Floyd, Genesis, Yes and the Chilipeppers with a Simon Le Bon wanna be on vocals (me). We had loads of airplay on college radio in Miami, but lacked focus. Then our guitarist had to move, and that killed our sound as the replacement didn't fit at all, which prompted me to bail. We definitely had our sound, and it was cool!
What is a song you wish you had written yourself?
Many really, but currently "Holy Mountain" by Noel Gallagher.
What has been the most thrilling moment about creating your own music?
Being able to put the ideas down on tape and hearing it back still doesn't get old and still thrills. Sometimes when I hear things back, it's almost like I'm hearing someone else's work, as it's sometimes hard to believe I can do all of that. Sometimes it's weird hearing some of my work after months, years, as part of me can't help but ask, "Where the hell did that come from?". A few years ago on a plane I decided to listen to my first album "9 Demos On A 4-Track", which I hadn't heard in years. Strangely it sounded like someone ready to commit suicide, which was not at all the case when I was making it. I did though have a fist sized tumor growing in me when I was making it, but listening to it actually made me a bit uncomfortable. The creative process is a really weird one, which is not at all easily compartmentalized. When I add the vocals on top of everything, it's absolutely the most satisfying feeling for some reason...like finally achieving something you've labored hard to do. The vocals are my favorite process.
And what about the most frustrating part?
I'm a bit of a creative control freak, so when people don't do what I want them to do, it actually pisses me off a little. The most frustrating part though is trying to force something out, and it just won't come out, or not feeling like what you came up with is any good, and that nothing will ever be as good as the other thing. I've had to train myself over the years to step back from tracks when I'm not feeling it, and sometimes a week later, or even 10 years later, it might click. I was always of the thought that anyone who spends more than a day on a track is forcing it, and sucks, as most of my tunes are done in a matter of hours...but everyone works how they work, and sometimes stepping away from something for a week, awakens a whole set of new ideas.
Which artist would you most love to share a stage with?
I have a band that's been in the works for a while now that's a revolving door of high profile musician friends. There are many people I'd like to share a stage with, and this week's fantasy lineup would be: Me on vocals, Steve Ferrone on drums, Mick Karn on bass, Perry Bamonte on guitar, and Brian Eno on synths.
Where do you see yourself in five years time?
Locked in an asylum.
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Eric Alexandrakis' new single 'Mediterranean Sun' is available to stream now. Check it out below.
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