Interview with FORTRESS UNDER SIEGE

Jarod Smith

Apr 24, 2023

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

Fotis Sotiropoulos: My parents encouraged me to start playing clasical guitar when I was eleven years old. Today, apart from playing music I also own an art gallery.

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

FS: I like playing football and tennis, reading books, watching movies or plays, having interesting conversations with friends. Everything you do can boost your creativity.

How long has your band been around? Also, please tell me about the dynamic of the band of what brought you all together.

FS: We have been in the music business quite a while, from the early nineties, except the years from 1998 to 2010 during which we had split up. Our love and passion for music keeps us all together since then.

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

FS: We are from Athens, Greece. That may gave us a touch of diversity musically.

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

FS: It does not have a special or hidden meaning. It comes from the combination of the names of two old films. "Fortress" and "Under siege".

Tell me about your most memorable shows

FS: Our very first show back in 1997 was a good one to remember. Also when we played as special guests for ACCEPT in Athens in 2015 or our participation in Winter Masters of Rock 2022 in Zlin, Czech Republic were great experiences.

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

FS: Any places are welcome.

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

FS: Don't really care about the line up, as long as there is people to play for.

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?

FS: Advises don't really seem to help anyone. Love and faith for what you do is enough.

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

FS: Can't really just pick one, there are so many songs I really like.

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

FS: I like to play the songs that suit ta a live concert the most, these ones I believe are the ones that people mostly enjoy live.

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

FS: We always compose the music first, then we let the music guide us to find a theme for the lyrics. I get inspired from everything that I consider of value to write about.

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

FS: I write about social, political, historical, psychological issues and even more.

Do you have any new singles, videos, or albums out that you would like to tell me and your fans about?

FS. New videos and singles are going to be released along with our new record that is will be out later this year.

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

FS: : Our new album titled "Envy" will be released on coming October via ROAR Rock of Angels Records. Until then we will arrange several live shows in Greece and abroad.

How can your fans best keep up to date with you, any socials you want people to check out?