Exclusive Interview with YANNIS KOSER

Yannis Koser is a highly accomplished composer whose early love of art inspired him to pursue music as a career. His young abstract painting of the sea and sky served as his inspiration for delving into the world of sound and, ultimately, becoming a composer.

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1. Did you have any formal training or are you self-taught?

YANNIS KOSER: I have had a well-established academic background in music, and in parallel, I have studied the field of digital and multimedia, as well as other varied fields. As an eclectic individual, my insatiable curiosity and ability to learn new skills on my own have undoubtedly helped me develop my own unique and significant style as a professional composer. For me, art is primarily a personal and profound expression that goes far beyond technical skills or performance. The ability to learn new skills on one’s own is essential for expanding horizons and exploring new techniques and approaches, which can lead to innovative and exciting artistic achievements. As a self-taught composer, I have always found it advantageous when it comes to creating authentic music. I had more freedom to explore and experiment with different composition techniques and approaches. There was less pressure to meet others’ expectations or conform to established musical standards, and I had the freedom to compose and create music that aligns with my personal artistic vision. This creative freedom has allowed me to develop a personal style that can lead to innovative and exciting artistic achievements.

2. What do you feel are the key elements in your music that should resonate with listeners, and how would you personally describe your sound?

YANNIS KOSER: The key elements of my music are diversity, sincerity, emotion, and originality. My music reflects my life experiences, emotions, and deep convictions, and I strive to create compositions that are honest and authentic. I am also passionate about experimentation and exploring new sonic territories by incorporating elements from different music styles to create a unique and personal sound. I believe that diversity and eclecticism are key elements to inspire innovation and creativity in my music. The key element that I would add is the ability to evoke visual images and create an immersive sonic atmosphere for listeners. As a composer, I like to think of my compositions as sound art that can create visual images in the listener’s mind. I believe that music can have an incredible evocative power and can paint vibrant and realistic mental images. I try to capture this element in my compositions by using a variety of composition techniques to create evocative sonic textures and expressive melodies that tell a story. Each title or idea of a piece should be accompanied by an image or atmosphere that helps the listener visualize the music and emotionally connect with the work. This can be a concrete image, such as a landscape or specific scene, or a more abstract atmosphere, such as a feeling of calm or tension. In terms of describing my sound, I would say that it is romantic and emotional while also being innovative and experimental. I often use complex harmonies and rich sonic textures, expressive melodies, and evocative sonic textures. I believe that these elements are essential to creating music that touches listeners on an emotional level and transports them to a world of rich and deep sounds. I also explore different composition techniques to create unexpected and surprising musical structures, while maintaining a romantic sensitivity that is present in all of my compositions.

3.  Do you think is it important for fans of your music to understand the real story and message driving each of your songs, or do you think everyone should be free to interpret your songs in their own personal way?

YANNIS KOSER:  When it comes to the interpretation of music, there is no one right or wrong way to understand a song’s message or meaning. Each listener may have their own unique perspective and emotional response to the music, and that is what makes music so powerful and universal. As a composer, it is important to create music that is authentic and true to my own personal experiences and emotions. However, it is also important to acknowledge and respect the fact that listeners may interpret my music in their own way, based on their own life experiences and perspectives. Ultimately, the goal of music is to connect with listeners and evoke emotions and feelings. Whether or not listeners understand the specific message or story behind each song is less important than the emotional connection that is created through the music itself

4. For most artists, originality is first preceded by a phase of learning and, often, emulating others. What was this like for you? How would you describe your own development as an artist and music maker, and the transition towards your own style, which is known as CLASSICAL?

YANNIS KOSER:  At the beginning of my career, during my training as a performer, I studied and explored various musical genres, drawing inspiration from great classical and romantic composers as well as other contemporary musicians. Over time, I developed my own distinctive musical style, often described as Neo-Classical music. My musical style is characterised by a blend of different genres, with bold use of orchestration, rich textures, and a particular focus on harmony and melody. The transition to my own musical style happened naturally and gradually over time. I began experimenting with different styles and techniques, exploring sonic possibilities and new ideas. I also sought to delve into deeper and more personal themes in my music, using music as a means of emotional expression. My development as an artist and music creator has been an exciting and constantly evolving journey. I continue to learn and grow as a composer, while seeking to create music that is both original and emotionally meaningful and accessible to a wide audience.

5. What’s your view on the role and function of music as political, cultural, spiritual, and/or social vehicles – and do you try and affront any of these themes in your work, or are you purely interested in music as an expression of technical artistry, personal narrative, and entertainment?

YANNIS KOSER:  Music has the power to transcend genres and conventional boundaries to create something revolutionary and new, and can be a powerful vehicle for change, whether it be transforming the perception of music itself or using music to convey important social or political messages. In my work, I often strive to push the boundaries of what music can be and what it can achieve. I am interested in the fusion of different musical styles, experimenting with new sounds, and creating innovative musical structures. I aspire to create music that is both technically innovative and emotionally powerful. However, I believe that the musical revolution should not be an end in itself, but rather a natural consequence of the pursuit of the most authentic artistic expression possible. Musical innovation must always be guided by a clear artistic intention and a deep conviction, in order to create a musical work that is both revolutionary and timeless. Music is a universal language that can inspire change and transformation. By using music as a vehicle for important cultural, spiritual, political, and social messages, and by exploring new musical paths through innovation and revolution, I am convinced that music can be a catalyst for a better and more inspiring world. However, I do not believe that music necessarily has to be political, cultural, spiritual, or social to be valid. It can also be a form of pure and simple artistic expression, with no particular intention other than to create a captivating work of art. Ultimately, I think that music can have many different functions, and the beauty of art is that everyone can find something different and personal in it.

6. Do you feel that your music is giving you back just as much fulfillment as the amount of work you are putting into it or are you expecting something more, or different in the future?

YANNIS KOSER: I believe that the music I create gives me great satisfaction in return for the work I put into it. There is immense gratification in the process of musical creation and in seeing an abstract idea take shape into something tangible and concrete. Although I am satisfied with the music I am currently creating, I am always searching for new perspectives and ideas that could lead to even more rewarding creations. I am not just looking to satisfy myself, but also to touch listeners with my music. My ultimate goal is to create something that can inspire, move, and make people think. If I can achieve that with my music, then I will be fulfilled ! I do not consider music as a job or obligation. For me, it is a passion and a form of personal expression and I do not necessarily expect anything in return for my music, but I am grateful every time listeners find meaning or value in my creations.

7. Could you describe your creative processes? How do usually start, and go about shaping ideas into a completed song? Do you usually start with a tune, a beat, or a narrative in your head? And do you collaborate with others in this process?

YANNIS KOSER: My creative processes vary depending on the inspiration of the moment and the nature of the music I want to create. Sometimes, I start with a melody that comes to mind, while other times I begin by exploring rhythms and sound textures. Occasionally, I am inspired by a specific theme or story that I want to convey through music. Once I have a basic idea, I start working on it by creating different layers of sound and harmonic structures. I then spend time refining the details and adding elements that enhance the emotion and meaning of the music. I often let the music guide me and suggest the direction it wants to take. Regarding collaboration, I am open to working with other artists and musicians. Collaboration can take different forms, whether it’s co-writing a piece or even creating music for film with a director. I appreciate the different perspectives that collaborators can bring to a composition, and it can enrich the creative process.

8. With social media having a heavy impact on our lives and the music business in general, how do you handle criticism, haters, and/or naysayers in general? Is it something you pay attention to, or simply ignore?

YANNIS KOSER:  In a world where social media has a significant impact on our lives and the music industry as a whole, it is crucial to understand how to manage these elements. Firstly, I firmly believe in the value of constructive criticism when it is expressed in an informed and respectful manner. I choose not to give importance to those who deliberately seek to belittle or harm. I am very selective, and I am very grateful to have a wonderful community consisting of positive and caring individuals, such as collaborators, mentors, close friends, and fans, whose genuine opinions and support are most valuable to me. Ultimately, I am someone who remains focused on my artistic vision and strives to create authentic and timeless music that deeply and meaningfully resonates with people. Negative criticism or haters cannot stop me or prevent me from creating music that I love, or from continuing to grow as a composer and create music that resonates with my audience.

9. On the contrary, what would you consider a successful, proud or significant point in your life or music career so far?

YANNIS KOSER: There have been several moments that I would consider significant achievements in my music career. Each of these moments represents an important milestone in my artistic journey and fills me with pride. One of these moments is when I received positive feedback from the audience about my music. It was a validation of my hard work and creativity. Knowing that my music has touched, inspired, or evoked emotions in listeners is an incredibly rewarding experience. It motivates me to continue creating authentic and meaningful music. Furthermore, when my compositions was played multiple times on various international radio stations and have been used in artistic or audiovisual projects such as films or documentaries, it has been another important milestone for me. Seeing my music serve as a backdrop to visuals and contribute to telling a story reinforces my sense of accomplishment as a composer. I would consider it a point of pride to create music that resonates with people, making them feel a wide range of emotions and prompting them to reflect on their own lives and experiences. If my work can bring happiness, inspiration, or solace to people, it would be a great achievement for me as an artist.

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