Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with Alcestice
Alcestice is an Athenian band formed after the release of the record “Watch Me” in 2024. “Watch Me” is a collection of nine songs and three videos. It’s a personal take on raising children, human interactions and attempting to redefine oneself after trauma.
What is your earliest memory connected to music?
My grandma would blast really trashy Greek music to wake us up. She wanted to have a party for no reason and demanded we went along with it.
How did your passion for creating music begin?
I was studying piano and flute, and I used to write lots of lyrics. I never wrote music until I was 13 or 14. At the time, I was in school bands, and we wanted to play our own songs instead of merely covers, so I offered to write them myself. Then, in senior high, I got involved with more projects and met better musicians, and I really felt I was creating with other people and expressing myself.
What’s the story behind your current music project?
“Watch Me” is about recovering from harassment both from within the family and in the school environment. It was formed when I decided to reclaim myself and all the times I was too terrified to respond to their faces. A personal reminder that I can survive anything, showing them that they weren’t able to break me. It’s a giant middle finger.
Presently, we are working on a new collection of songs, which are interconnected in a different fashion and tell another story. The overall vibe and sound will probably differ from our first work, though the DNA is the same.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
I think it is not easily digestible. I would propose that they go into it trying to see it as a whole. The work is extreme at places, maybe theatrical. My intention was to approach the songs as expressions of raw emotion, having no care for rules. It certainly balances between rock and alternative metal, sprinkled with pop sensibilities.
What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?
Making this record was a long process and a new experience for me. Never before did I have faith that any of my songs or art would be of interest to other people. The main producer of “Watch Me”, Petros Petropoulos, was the first person to verbalize the notion that we aren’t obliged to create music that is liked or accepted, but rather be true to ourselves. After that, my approach was very different. I no longer felt that the goal was compliments or approval. I was excited to go to the studio and enjoy the process. I felt grateful that I was working with a group of people who were happy to be there.
What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?
I’m very old-fashioned. I use pen, paper, many different notebooks, an acoustic guitar, and my phone. After the original idea is conceived and shared with the group, its development continues in the studio, starting with the electric guitar, drums and bass. We let the song guide us and are open to using different tools when it comes to software, but we prefer a sound that is as raw as possible.
Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
I’m currently listening to Xara. She is a Greek rap singer and composer. I truly identify with her lyrics, and love the style and voice, mostly enjoying the honesty of what she does.
How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?
As I mentioned before, all my writing derives from personal experiences. I cannot perform without believing in what I’m saying. Symmetry is very important to me; I like full circles of projects, that being connected songs, videos, drawings, artwork, etc. It certainly reflects my personality and process of thought. Sometimes it all feels like a puzzle that needs to be solved, not unlike my life.
What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?
I want some people to be disturbed, and others consoled. I believe it is instantly clear which side you are on after listening to the record. I also enjoy when people find it absurd or undecipherable. However, all interpretations are welcome, as when you publish your work, it belongs to whomever connects with it.
What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?
If you try to be someone else, you just make a clown of yourself.
What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?
Any opportunity to perform in front of a live audience is a dream coming true. I’ve enjoyed both smaller indoor venues and outdoor performances. Anything would be welcome. The more people you perform in front of the greater the experience, supposing they’re interested in your act, hence I’ll be really glad to sing at any festival when I have the chance.
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
Lzzy Hale. I find this woman extremely gifted. I believe in her voice, lyrics and music and have spent long periods of time during which she was my only company.
Where can our listeners follow and support your music? (Website, Spotify, IG, links)
Website: https://alcestice.com/
Bandcamp: https://alcestice.bandcamp.com/album/watch-me
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alcestice.music
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alcesticemusic/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alcestice
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0oOLn97dGIs7OsFi3W7jJS
Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
I hope to be able to realize all the ideas in my head, create songs I’m proud of and perform live more. The stage is my natural environment, and I look forward to connecting with more bands and audiences.
What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?
Nothing. Please don’t go looking. Seriously.
