Interview: FORBIDDEN MYTH

What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?

I started to learn music quite older than the usual, around 20 years old. I always had words and melodies in my mind and I started playing keyboards to express myself. As a kid and teenager, back in the 80’s, I used to listen rock, hard rock, metal and electro/pop music. So, if I had never started to be involved with music as a musician I would be a listener.

What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?

I like to read books, watch movies and play video games with my son. Also I exercise. The first two give me ideas to write lyrics for my songs. I like to listen to concept albums and I also like to write concept albums, like “Zantea Chronicles : The Dream Dominator”.

How long has your band been around?

“Forbidden Myth” is not a band, but a project of mine. I started it back in 2018. I wish to one day be a full band, but it is difficult because we are talking about eight singers…

Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?

I am Greek so I have influences both from eastern and western music. I try to choose the best parts from both worlds when I try to write a song.

How did you come up with the name of your band and what does it mean to you?

I searched for a name to describe a band that writes material based on epic stories. I believe that “Forbidden Myth” is the perfect name to describe all that I had in my mind…

Tell me about your most memorable shows.

Unfortunately, I have not played many live shows, I prefer studio work better, for now…

What is your favourite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?

I wish to play at all famous Greek venues with Forbidden Myth and my future projects!

If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?

Blackmore on guitars, Manzarek on Keys, Neil Peart on Drums, Mike Porcaro on Bass and R.J.Dio on vocals…

What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into playing in a band and some advice that you would give to your younger self?

To work hard and to improve all the time. I would tell my younger self to have started learning music earlier…

If you could go back in time and give yourselves advice, what would it be?

To follow my dreams and try as hard as possible to reach them. Concerning serious life decision, to think twice before deciding…

Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?

Back in 2017, I wrote and produced the song “353000” via the project “Unforgettable Homelands”. A song dedicated to the Pontic genocide. Our goal was to make known, one of the most tragic crimes in the modern European history, to those people that don’t know much about it, or have never heard of it.

Which songs are your favourite to play and which get requested the most?

I like to play all of the songs from the album and If I must choose one, it would be “The Revelation of Truth”. “Rotting King”, “A Ring Between Her Eyes” and “Sirin Ablaze” get requested the most.

What is the creative process for the band, and what inspires you to write your music?

As for our last record, it is based on a story by Myrto Gregoriadi, a young and very talented musician and writer. She gave the story back in 2019. I started to write the lyrics and composed the songs. Then, all the musicians and vocalists, recorded their parts and finally, I mixed the album. All this took 2 years.

My inspirations are love, religion, human relations and problems. Also movies, books and music records.

What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?

I just want to entertain and provide “food for though” with my music.

Do you ever have disagreements in your band, and how do you get past them?

Of course we have disagreements and, as a team, we discuss and find the solution to our problems.

What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?

I am working on a new project/band with an electro rock sound. We want to release our first album and to play in as many live shows as we can. Also, me and my son, are writing the story for the next Forbidden Myth album…

Thank you very much, I hope you enjoy our new record!