Interview with STELIOS VENTAS

Jarod Smith

Nov 23, 2022

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

I‘m a semi-pro musician. My main job is firefighter and I love this job. I got into music trying to imitate my favorite guitar heroes. I bought an electric guitar at the age of 14 and soon became a member of a local school band. Since then I never gave up.

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

Everything you do can inspire you. This can be going for a walk, meeting a person, smelling the wet ground, hearing the rain, smoking a cigarette. Personally, I like riding my classic bike, drinking a coffee or a beer with friends, listening to music, reading books, going to the gym.

How long has your band been around?

It‘s mainly a personal project and is around from 2014. Sotiris, my bass player, is the only permanent member but I‘m making a full band at the moment.

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

I‘m a city kid. I live in the city of Athens which is a very interesting and thematic city.

Tell me about your most memorable shows.

I remember a show which all the members of the band changed instruments. I got the drums for a few songs!

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

My favorite venue is the crowded one! Even a full small honky bar is better than an empty luxury hall. Some day I would like to play in a full big stadium. This is the real arena rock!

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?

First of all, music is endless, and takes time to dig in. My first advice is playing with other musicians. If you are good enough to play in a band just do it. This is the best lesson. There is a chain reaction when you play with others. You can share with them feelings, ideas, you get the sense of rhythm better, and generally, you can communicate through music. To my younger self, I would give the advice to take some lessons and save some time because I‘m completely self-taught and learn the hard way.

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

Every song means something. I never record a song that is not important at least for me.
I can’t name just one.

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

From my previous records are ‘Escape’ and ‘Faded Flower’ and the last one I think it will be ‘Love’.

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

I write a song with some basic staffs and after this, we are working on details until be happy.

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

My songs are little stories about human relationships, dead ends, self-awareness, and redemption. I try to have an optimistic approach. It‘s not everything black.

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