Sarantos – Looking Up at The World

By starrymag | June 15, 2022

By: Jennifer Vintzileos

 

 

Q) How would you best describe your sound? 

A) I’ve always been a rocker at heart. I’m also an 80s child. So, the best way I can describe my music is a fusion of 80s rock mixed with modern pop and rock elements.

Q) Who are your Top 3 musical influences?

A) I’m inspired by many, many people but the top three are Survivor, Journey and Ed Sheeran.

Q) Tell us the story behind “Looking Up at The World.”

A) This sad rock song was inspired by my chronic struggle with thoracic back pain, which I got after a bout with coronavirus. It was bad, even requiring surgery. I used the brace, did rehab, worked out, stopped working out and took it easy – I did everything I could and still had nonstop debilitating pain. It was only better when I laid down flat. All I could do was look up at the world as life passed me by…

Q) You also shot a music video for “Looking Up at The World.” How did you come up with the concept for it?

A) This rock video features the guitar, which tells a story all its own. The extremely experimental song and video has two sides. The first is my chronic struggle with thoracic back pain, which I got after a bout with coronavirus. The second is a satire of the entire music industry.

The dark and sad story unfolds as the subtle instrumentals in the background make sure not overpower the vocals. This song is harder than indie but softer than alternative rock. The lighting and cinematography are a stark contrast to the lyrics, in a same way I am hoping to get over my debilitating back pain but the reality of the situation is that I am in constant pain. There are only subtle hints of unrelenting pain sprinkled in throughout the video. The overall point being, you gotta have faith that a new day will bring a new road…don’t think about the pain.

Q) So far, what has been the overall reception of the song from fans? 

A) It’s been a very humbling and people are touched at the story.

Q) What is your songwriting process? Do you need music before you can come up with lyrics?

A) I’ve done it all sorts of ways, sometimes the lyrics come first, sometimes the melody sometimes the groove. It’s never the same way twice.

Q) You also have written a song called “Father’s Day” for the upcoming holiday. What was the best advice that your father gave you that you have applied to your music career? 

A) Be yourself.

Q) With the release of “Looking Up At The World” and “Father’s Day,” is there a full-length album or an EP in the works?

A) Yes, every year in November I release the CD that has all eleven songs from that year that were released monthly.

Q) What do you hope fans take away from listening to your music?

A) Money is honestly something that I don’t care or think about at all. You know the old saying – love what you do, and you won’t work a day in your life? Well, let me be blunt here. I stay up until 12-1 am almost every night and wake up at 5-6am. I don’t even think about it. It’s like I have this hunger inside of me. Music and lyrics are all I think about. I have never considered it work and I can’t imagine ever doing that. All I think about is how I can do this full-time and give up my day job.

But it’s really important to me to also help others in need. I am proud to launch my music as a way to donate a portion of proceeds to charity, hopefully inspiring other artists to do the same. My fans help me choose the charity for the new song each month. I’m always open to ideas or collaborations with charities.

It’s never been a matter of getting rich, but to help raise money for those who truly need it. I have more than enough of what I need.

That said, my goal with my music is simple. I want anyone listening to my music to feel the need to: 1.  Sing  2. Dance/move to the groove.  3.  Play the song over and over again.  That’s it.

Q) Are there any plans for live shows and if so, when can fans expect to see you on the road?

A) I have performed live but the last time I was in front of a huge audience what’s the Toronto music festival. The last few years I’ve made the decision to focus on getting better with my songwriting, my singing and my music and I have gone on overdrive with lessons. I’ve put touring on hold until I get more traction. Though I have performed at many public venues for a wide variety of reasons, my heart yearns until I can do it again consistently! I guess I’m like The Beatles in reverse. They toured a whole bunch and then ended their careers as studio musicians. I’m flipping the script and focusing on studio work until the public really wants me out there touring all the time.

Q) Aside from being a musician you are also an author. How does writing books feed your songwriting career and vice versa?

A) Yes, I think it does. I’m doing something no one has ever done where each month I write a book chapter with the premise being based on the song that month. All eleven book chapters get put into a book for that year. The genre is fiction fantasy and it’s been a lot of fun.

Q) Who were some of your literary heroes growing up?

A) I was really fascinated by Edgar Allan Poe and his experimentation as well as edgy approach.

Q) In addition to the arts, you are also a big supporter of giving back to others. Which charities are the closest to your heart and what makes them so special to you?

A) American Cancer Society because of my dad and the American Lung Association because of my own personal battle with asthma in the past.

Q) What would you like to say to your fans and supporters of your work – whether it be music or literature?

A) YOU ARE AWESOME AND I LOVE YOU!!