Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with Nicolas Tartaras
What is your earliest memory connected to music?
My first memory connected to music was when I was 5. I was singing Greek songs, and rhymes with my grandfather, while slamming random notes on the piano.
How did your passion for creating music begin?
I always had a passion for performing and playing music, but in 2021, after moving countries, I had an urge to share my story, thoughts and emotions, as I felt that my voice had gotten lost. I began writing songs and expressing myself and found joy in sharing my stories, and seeing people connect with them.
What’s the story behind your current music project?
My newest single “cards” is a song about a relationship which is slowly degrading, and my fear that it will turn into something that isn’t salvageable. Almost like a game of cards, that you know you will lose, but you keep playing, you haven’t folded yet.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
I think that my sound is a blend of all the music I listen to. It’s hard to pinpoint, but I think my music fits into folk, indie, singer-songwriter, and my songs are mostly always melancholic in some sort of way, so I guess “yearning” and “heartbroken” are two words to describe my sound most of the time ahaha.
What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?
I believe that the most crucial thing in music, and especially when creating music, is patience, and trusting the process. I used to get frustrated so easily when making music, when something wasn’t perfect, but I grew to have patience and trust the process, and let everything come together naturally, and when it does, it is the best feeling.
What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?
Always a notebook, and then a piano or guitar. That’s always how I begin writing my songs. In terms of bringing the song to life, I strive to always use real physical instruments. I like to improvise melodies and harmonies on my cello, or try out some basslines on the bass, having something real always helps.
Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
Abby Powledge!! She’s really such a great songwriter and she has inspired me in so many ways.
How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?
My personal experiences are what allow me to write music like I do. Every song I write is personal to me, and inspired by a real event. I believe that these experiences allow me to put so much emotion, depth and meaning in my song, that otherwise wouldn’t be present, and I think that also allows listeners to interpret the song in their own way.
What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?
Any. If anyone listens to my music, and can relate to it, or gets emotional, or feels something, then I am happy. Everyone has a different reaction and different emotions when listening to songs, and I think that’s the most beautiful thing about music.
What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?
Patience, and to always believe in myself, but to remain humble because I still have so much to learn.
What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?
San Siro. It’s one of the most impressive stadiums in the world, I dream of filling it out, everyone there listening to my music, it would be so humbling. In terms of festivals, Glastonbury for sure, nothing beats that.
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
I would love to work with Tom Odell. I love his songs and he is such an inspiration. I believe I could learn so much from him.
Where can our listeners follow and support your music? (Website,Spotify, IG, links)
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicolastartarasmusic/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nicolastartaras
spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1eWFF9EoKYZKIulqi8lAkd?si=LTXDzJ3vRNWCNfdTT7Ymiw
website: https://beacons.ai/nicolastartaras
Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
I’m currently working on my first EP, which sould come out in the spring. My dream for next year is to be able to perform in venues and just share the music that I have held so close to my heart.
What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?
Who I am as a person. I think that the more songs I release, and the more I post on social media, the more people will learn about me as a person, and that’s so exciting to me!
