Berlin-based musician Spiros Olivotos talks about his project 'Sidus' and latest release #seasonsreversed
PLEASE INTRODUCE YOURSELF FOR US WHO ARE NOT FAMILIAR WITH YOU AND YOUR MUSIC AND TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF.
Hey there! I am Spiros (Olivotos) and I am a Berlin-based musician (mostly bass player). Sidus is my personal post-rock/metal music project. I am coming from Athens, Greece and was involved in several underground rock and metal acts until 2012. For many personal reasons I decided to quit all projects that I had and focused on my personal music and university studies. After some years of experimentation and pre-production, I finally recorded my first debut EP “Seasons Reversed”, which was released on the 6th of November 2020.
TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOUR NEW ALBUM OR SINGLE?
My debut EP “Seasons Reversed” was released during November 2020. It is an instrumental, cinematic, post-rock/metal collection of five compositions, which create an intense though melodic and nostalgic atmosphere. Influenced by God is an Astronaut and Explosions In the Sky but also Deftones and Hans Zimmer, this EP combines dynamic guitars with soundtrack vibes and memorable melodies. All songs from the EP have videos which serve as visual representation of the music (find all videos here: https://bit.ly/3lElBff ).
WHAT INSPIRED THE ALBUM?
The songs in my debut EP are dealing with several topics. Existential questions like the energy in an empty mind, or how connected are we with the universe? Nature or Nurture? In addition, climate change and global warming is a very sensitive issue that I am trying to raise awareness in the song “Seasons Reversed”.
CAN YOU SUM UP THE ALBUM IN A FEW WORDS?
The concept of the album is inspired by the “Four Seasons” of Vivaldi. In this case though they are reversed. Each song represents one season and one color out of the cover artwork painting. “Envy” represents the winter (white), “Energy In Emptiness” is autumn (brown), “Stellar Sky” is the summer (red) and Prototypes/Replicas is the spring (green). “Seasons Reversed” is the one song that describes all seasons. This album for me can be described by one word. Cleansing. The process of making it was very therapeutic and intense, full of emotions.
WHAT RECORD CHANGED YOUR LIFE AND WHY?
Deftones by Deftones. This album gives me goosebumps till now. I first listened to it when it first came out and I was petrified by the low tuned guitars and the breath taking melodies of Chine Moreno. I fell in love with it immediately. The performances are amazing full of emotions.
DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE MUSIC VIDEO FILMED BY YOUR BAND OR ANOTHER ARTIST?
I believe that I really like the video clip that my good friend and colleague Ioannis Krommydas (https://bit.ly/2y0fRJq) made for my song “Stellar Sky” (watch the video here: https://bit.ly/3jbBAQL). Even if it’s a simple music video, somehow it fits so well with the music that elevates the experience to another level.
WHAT WOULD WE FIND YOU DOING WHEN YOU'RE NOT MAKING MUSIC?
Climbing. That’s my next favorite thing. Indoors climbing. It’s intense and helps me bring balance to my body and mind.
DO YOU GET NERVOUS PERFORMING LIVE, IF SO HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH THAT?
Of course I do! I am very nervous but I can still function pretty well. Every concert is like my first one. Dealing with it is a long process. I am really preparing myself physically and mentally a few days before the concert. The same day I am just so focused on making everything perfect that there is no time for conscious stress. A beer or two always helps.
HOW DO YOU WRITE?
I usually compose the songs on guitar. I pre-produce everything at my home studio and then I collaborate with my good friend Panagiotis Katsaounis who is an exceptional producer based in Athens. We end up with the final form of the song together, while picking the correct sounds is the most time consuming but amazing process.
WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
I can be inspired by many things. Usually the concepts of my songs are about social and/or philosophical topics. Existential questions like the energy in an empty mind, or how connected are we with the universe? Nature or Nurture? In addition, climate change and global warming is a very sensitive issue that I am trying to raise awareness in the song “Seasons Reversed”.
WHAT IS NEXT?
I am working on my next release right now. It is in the state of pre-production but I have a feeling that this will be better than my last release. I am very excited so far with what I have and can’t wait to share the new material with my fans! In the meantime, the merchandise page will be online very soon via Bandcamp.
PLEASE TELL US ANY SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS SO WE CAN SHARE.
You can listen to my songs in all streaming platforms. There are the ones that I personally use more:
Bandcamp: https://sidusofficial.bandcamp.com/
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2L5mCAs
Youtube: https://bit.ly/2V2TzP6
Apple Music: https://apple.co/2zscqw8 Soundcloud: https://bit.ly/3bbRS8g
You can purchase a digital copy of my debut EP and support Sidus on Bandcamp: https://sidusofficial.bandcamp.com/album/seasons-reversed