George Perris – George Perris: A Sunset in Greece

By starrymag | December 2, 2021

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

A) I grew up listening to completely different styles of music, so my sound is a mixture of pop, folk, ethnic and even classical. I know that there’s no clean-cut description of what my music is, but when I sing, I look out and see all kinds of people having a good time because they see something of themselves in me; so maybe that’s exactly what got me here.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

A) My hero is the legendary Greek singer Nana Mouskouri, who has sold more than three hundred million records in her incredible career. Celine Dion influenced me a lot in my teenage years, as did George Michael. Michel Legrand and Charles Aznavour were also huge idols for me.

 

Q) We’ll be getting to watch your third PBS Concert Special “George Perris: A Sunset in Greece” shortly. What do you continue to enjoy about working with the network?

A) I love what Public Television represents as a concept and its interaction with the audience. It’s something we don’t have in Europe. We Europeans are not used to pledging and supporting a local station; plus, the fact that PBS allows you to enjoy shows that are cultural, educational and broaden your spirit is of incredible value to me. We’ve had a fantastic collaboration with APT with my last shows, which resulted to a great audience opening their arms to me. I am deeply grateful for what it has offered to me and my music over the years.

 

Q) You are the first artist in history to perform at an ancient temple. What did this honor mean to you?

A) It was beyond my imagination. You won’t believe this, but it all started in my dream a while back during lockdown when I was in New York. When I shared my vision with my team, I was told it was “impossible”. Turns out, if you have faith, you can move mountains. I’ll never forget the day we were shooting; I felt as if I couldn’t handle the beauty and the greatness of what was happening. I just couldn’t understand why it was me. Why was I the one who was given this chance. During “Both Sides Now,” Joni Mitchell’s incredible song, I saw my entire life pass by in front of my eyes and I burst into tears. Looking back, this honor means great responsibility towards my fans and my country to always offer them the best of what I have in me.

 

Q) What made The Temple of Aphaea the perfect location for this new special?

A) The setting is incredible. This temple is located at the top of a cliff on the island of Aegina, surrounded by a forest of pine trees. You have a 360 view of the Aegean Sea. As soon as you set foot on the grounds of the temple, you can feel the energy; you can sense deep inside of you that this place has existed for thousands of years. The incredible blue color of the sea that your eyes can see all around is just mesmerizing. For this new special, my vision and what I wanted the most was to share the beauty of my country with my audiences around the world and that’s why shooting it in The Temple of Aphaea made it absolutely perfect.

 

Q) What can you tease are some songs viewers will get to hear you performing?

A) They will hear some of my classics, such as Michel Legrand’s “I Will Wait For You” and “Papa, Can You Hear Me” as well as my latest single ABBA’s “I Have Dream” and some of my original songs like “Shine” and “Picture This.” I’m also incredibly excited to have two of my country’s national treasures as my special guests: tenor Mario Frangoulis and composer Evanthia Reboutsika.

 

Q) You have recently released your cover of the ABBA song “I Have a Dream.” What was it about this single that interested you enough to make it your own?

A) I’ve loved this song ever since I was kid; I discovered it when I was around seven to eight years old. It’s always given me a sense of protection and hope. For this new album, which consists mainly of covers, I wanted to record songs that have shaped my personality and my art. “I Have A Dream” is definitely one of them. At the same, in these crazy and aggressive times we’re living, I truly believe that singing songs that are filled with innocence (and angels!) is a revolutionary act!

 

Q) What was your process for figuring out how you would put your own spin on the song?

A) From the very beginning of the process, I knew I wanted to bring a Greek sound to these iconic songs. It was important to me to allow my identity to float in the sound and the arrangement of the songs. I could hear the sound of the bouzouki in “I Have A Dream” as soon as I sang the first few lines in my living room to see if it sounded right for my voice. It doesn’t get any more Greek than that! I’m very grateful to my arranger Alexander Livitsanos for believing in my vision and bringing it to life in the studio throughout the recording process.

 

Q) When it comes to your own music, what is your song writing process?

A) I always say that I am a professional singer but not a writer. That’s why I often record albums with songs that aren’t written by me. My first instinct is always to sing. That’s where my heart is 24/7. Songwriting comes in phases in my life. I can go on for months and months without writing anything and then all of a sudden, I can’t stop writing. I always start with the story that I want to say. It can be a single line, or a whole chorus, or even just a thought. I believe in the power of the song itself. A song allows you to access your pain or your trauma safely. I think that you can keep your soul afloat with just a song.

 

Q) How much of hand do you have in the production of your music?

A) I produce all of my records and tv specials. I love the business side of what we do. It sometimes becomes too stressful, but I honestly enjoy it. Of course, I have a great team that surrounds me and allows me to do my work with ease of mind and peace. That being said, I must be one of the few singers who enjoy reading contracts and reviewing invoices in bed before they sleep!

 

Q) Certainly, Greece holds a special place in your heart, as you work closely with the Greek National Tourism Organization, but where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

A) I have had the tremendous chance to perform in jaw-dropping venues in so many countries. Every time I visit a theater (and I know this sounds corny) I am overcome with gratitude: all I’ve ever wanted since I was four years old was to sing. The Odeon of Herodes Atticus under the Acropolis will always be one of my favorite places to perform, along with Lincoln Center in New York. I have incredible memories from both theaters; the electricity with my audience was just something else.

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

A) Oh, the list is endless!! Celine Dion, Adele, Billie Eilish, Christine and the Queens and Pablo Alboran are just a few of the artists who come to mind. They’re all so unique and their artistry just moves me.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

A) It allows us artists to be in direct contact with them. That’s so fulfilling and exciting! We have a direct line of communication between us. I have to admit that I don’t live my life through social media nonstop; maybe because it’s not in my mentality to take a photo out of everything I do, but I do enjoy sharing moments and interacting with my fans tremendously.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

A) An immense thank you. You will never know the gratitude and the love I have for you. You have carried me through my most difficult times. Thank you for listening. Thank you for giving me freedom. Here’s to spending the rest of our lives together.

 

 

George Perris – A Sunset In Greece – Sizzle Reel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdXrGIOil_s

George Perris “I Have A Dream” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TVdONnlWHE

iTunes : http://itunes.apple.com/album/id1592814325?ls=1&app=itunes

Apple Music : http://itunes.apple.com/album/id/1592814325