9+1 Q&A with Secret Theory

What inspired you to first start making music? And how did you come to be in your current incarnation? Or if you prefer, a brief bio about you.

ST: Well, first of all, thank you for this interview. To begin with, all of us knew each other back in the day. In mid-nineties, George, Johnny and Nick (our original drummer) were in a band or bands of their own. Nick and Johny are professional musicians so I suppose making a living out of music and playing your own is quite interactional. George heard me singing in a cover band I was in 203 so we decided to form a new band and work on some of his old songs but also try to write some lyrics and music to see what happens. Started rehearsing, got together and then we realized that the potential was there. We wrote quite a few songs and decided to make a release in 2018 and start playing some shows. However, the constant comings and goings of drummers and bassists due to personal reasons, my absence in England for a while, hindered the band’s progress but now I think we are in good shape.

Provide us with some info about your latest release…

Our new track is written for some good friends of ours, Chopper Riders Club Hellas, they wanted to make an anthem for their club, liked our music style and decided to fund the making of the song. It is called Still On The road and it is a pure heavy rock song. We tried to infuse it with an Americana desert sound and powerful basslines, really love the track; it has been the highlight of our shows up to now. I really enjoy singing it, gives me a sense of inner freedom and power. I must also point out that the lyrics were written by my good friend Alexandra Krikeli, member of the CRC Hellas.

Which ones would you consider your main influences both music-wise & non-music-wise?

Well, as far as music is concerned I think it is pretty obvious. Seattle bands were a big inspiration, the nu metal explosion, classic heavy metal that we all have listened. Our bass player Theo and drummer Dimitris are more into heavier music but we are all music lovers, some of us more open minded, others more eclectic. Non music influences I would say past experiences, the human soul, social issues, human relationships, emotional distress all of these issues are in the lyrics of our songs.

In what way does your sound differ from the rest genre-related artists/bands and why should we listen to your music? In other words, how would you describe your sound?

Very good question, our sound has a base but it does not have a clear definition I would say. We like rock guitars and heavy riffs, but we also love to incorporate inspirational parts which distinguish us from the others. I f you take a listen to our album, you will conclude the sound variation throughout. Take “The Sea” for instance, it has an ethnic influence, “All Cranked Up” sound more like nu metal, “Empty” is a grunge song, “Bitchin In The Sea” has that funky 90s bassline. These are just to name a few but let’s not forget the female backing vocals we have in some songs give a more ethereal essence to the songs.

Please name your 3 desert islands albums, movies & books…

Definitely “First and Last and Always” by The Sisters Of Mercy, “We Sing of Only Blood Or Love” by Dax Riggs and “Louder Than Love” by Soundgarden.

Now when it comes to movies surely “The Big Lebowski”, “True Romance” and “Confessions Of A Criminal Mind”.

Books are the tricky part, too many to choose from, “Skagboys” by Irvine Welsh, basically any three I could grab from my favorite author.

Do you prefer studio or performing live and why?

These are two different processes and interactions. We love syudio time when we are trying out new songs, experimenting with riffs and tempos, sounds or when recording. It is good fun and time flies. Playing live is much more exhilarating, to see how the crowd reacts to your music, we are trying to have a good time with them because at the end of the day if it is not enjoyable for us, it won’t be for them. I would say playing live as we are hungrier for this.

Is there any funny-unique story you would like to share with us, always in relation to your music ‘career’?

To be honest, no, do not have any stories for you, lets’ try again in five years’ time.

Which track of your own would you point out as the most unique and why?

I think that I must go with “Leaving You Behind” in this question. The bagpipes intro and the powerful heavy drumming make a wall of sound. The bagpipes and the drumming are all over this song, this is what makes it unique, has great backing vocals, guitar riffs of another magnitude, I wrote the lyrics about a painful moment in my life that “I left behind” after many years, it is quite a parabolic song. My band are great musicians, awesomely talented and this song is a depiction of their immense ability but also the inspiration we draw from one another.

Would you like to share with our readers your future plans?

Future plans eh? Well, for the time being and the next few months, try to promote the album as much as we can paly gigs as frequently as we can. That’s it. More news after the summer.

Free question!!! (Ask yourself a question) you wish to answer and haven’t been given the opportunity…

(OK. This one comes from a friend of mine ’cause I couldn’t think of anything really!)
What kind of food / drinks would you like to find in the backstage at a gig?

To tell you the truth, regarding food, would not be that interested unless there is some finger food to nibble on after the gig and maybe a fruit salad.. Drinks, beers for sure, some colas and some Jack Daniels, and loads of ice and water of course.

Photo credits: Konstantinos Besios

Curated by: Christos Doukakis

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