Interview of singing instructor John Scott on February 26, 2010
John:
You were born in one of the cradles of artistic civilization - Vienna. What was growing up in Vienna like?
Christos:
I know.. thats what everyone says, the cradle of art, but to be honest, it is not like that at all. Classical musicians (in Vienna) are simple reproducers of originals, and modern music is almost non existent. It is a crossover between traditional folk (jodeling) music and so called 'schlager'', at the end there is very shallow music with no deepness in meaning at all. Famous Austrian popsongs would be sung in Austrian dialect and tell about going skiing to the mountains. A sensitive artist should consider leaving this place as soon as possible. Growing up in Vienna... well, it is a beautiful city, a good place to raise your kids as long as you are into a more conventional profession. If you are a creative person, then it is especially hard, since there is no market.
John:
As a child, were you encouraged to follow the classical music route rather than a more universally-accessible alternative/pop route?
Christos:
Nobody ever encouraged me to anything, I discovered everything on my own.
Well at least what I could discover, but for sure, more into jazz and pop/rock.
John:
I see you studied medicine and science before turning to music.Do you incorporate those themes into your song writing and creative work?
Christos:
Music was my first love, science came later on. I could not afford to leave Austria when I had finished school. I was 18 and I wanted to go to Boston, become a guitar player and dreamt of playing guitar for Michael Jackson. My mother freaked out. I got no financial support. Yes (those themes) do appear in my songwriting a lot. Things I am saying in my songs are things I am telling to my patients too... it's part of the therapy. The difference, with my songs I can reach millions of people at a time, where it's one person at a time as a doctor.
John:
You have also produced films...are any of those films geverally available today for people to see?
Christos:
Yes the films are available. I only composed and produced the soundtracks to these films, mainly wildlife documentaries, but (they have been) shown all over the world, as in National Geographic or BBC.
John:
You collaborated with the drummer from Depeche Mode....how did that come about?
Christos:
I knew Christian Eigner before he became the Depeche Mode drummer and co-song writer. He is Austrian and always loved my music, and I love his drumming as well as his producer skills.
John:
What inspired you to pay tribute to the song "Horse With No Name?
Christos:
I always liked the song. I love the lyrics. Somehow with this song I can always come up with new ideas on how to interpret it.
John:
Congratulations on the Ruefa TV spot and your connection with Universal Records. Can you tell us more about that?
Christos:
The spot was on air last year, I wrote it just before leaving for my summer vacation and finished it when I got back. Three months later a major travel agency would choose the song for their summer holiday TV spot.
John:
You are a student at John Scott Voice. How long have you been studying, and how have your studies improved your songwriting and musicianship?
Christos:
I did improve a lot with only two lessons, so far. I am looking forward to continuing to work with him, which we do via Skype. (John) has a great personality and is very convincing when singing, especially using the mix, seems so effortless.
John:
You list a lot of great influences -- Lou Reed, Pink Floyd, Jack Johnson – all of these artists have longevity in terms of signature vocal style and of their careers. Do you have any tips for singing students and artists who are new to the business?
Christos:
The best they can do is find out about speech level singing, since the voice you speak with is unique, it is the voice you should sing with. Most singers start off by singing other artists songs by imitating what they do. That can lead to a certain style of singing and might have nothing to do with who you really are. Singing is about finding yourself.
John:
What are some of the advantages of studying with a vocal teacher?
Christos:
If (the instructor) knows what he or she is doing, then they can show you where the tone has to be placed in your throat to get an easy and smooth access to your entire range.
John:
What advantages have you found from studying at John Scott Voice in particular?
Christos:
I found the way to access my headvoice and mix by blending one into each other without changing the sound of my voice. In other words be and stay myself. I still have to practice, but two new songs have a much broader spectrum in my perfomance already, which used to be a little too held back.
John:
How do you find the time to practice with so much going on in your music career?
Christos:
To me, the most important thing is the live perfomance, as well as the quality of songs. My priority therefore, is practicing and songwriting. In my life, I would rather have less money and become an exceptional artist in exchange.
John:
Do you have any tips or tricks for on-the-road music/vocal practices and drills?
Christos:
Well, there are specific exercises all instructors are using, so if you know where to place your tone then these exercises are very good even if done 10 minutes a day only. I personally like playing guitar along with these exercises, with funky jazzy grooves, so it is a lot of fun for me too.
John:
Are you touring or performing at this time, or just focusing on studio work right now?
Christos:
I am focusing on moving to London and improving my singing performance. I am facing some of the best artists in the world when going there, so I better be as good as they are.
John:
What are some upcoming creative projects we can look forward to from you in the future?
Christos:
For now it is all about getting ready to perform live in the UK, as well as the US. Though I am not connected to the US as much at the moment. I just love playing live, and would love to play at all possible cool festivals on this planet. The event organizers will be finding out about me soon.
John:
Are you still going to be able to find time to surf?
Christos:
I surf every summer, for at least three weeks at my home in Greece, but in the future I would love to perform where I can surf as well.
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