Stelios Trichandiris
How did you first get started in music? Can you tell us a little about your early musical influences and what inspired you to pursue music professionally?
Music was a huge part of our household growing up. My Dad played guitar and my Mom was a music teacher. It was through Mom that I started playing piano but I was enamored with Dad’s guitar. If I recall correctly, he traded some extra guitar gear he had to be able to buy an acoustic guitar for me. I still have it to this day. My musical influences are definitely all over the place but I started out listening to artists like Petra, Whiteheart, Joe Satriani, and Steve Vai. Around the time that I was probably 13-14 years old, my horizons were starting to broaden and I got the idea in my head that I wanted to play professionally. Ultimately, that probably came from Steve Vai and learning about his career. However, that was more of a detour back to what I really liked which was all lyrics-based music. I came full circle back around to the Top 40 session era. Lukather, Landau, Mason, Huff—those guys are some of my favorite players and have definitely contributed to where I’m at now.
You’re known for your incredible guitar skills. Did you pick up any other instruments along the way? How has your multi-instrumental approach influenced your overall musical style?
I studied a little percussion in college and I’ve kept up with the piano over the years. Piano specifically has been vital to production for me. I wouldn’t be able to survive without it. Bass has also become more common place for me—also because of production. But..above all except maybe piano, singing has become one of the biggest assets for me as not only an artist, but also a producer and sideman. Singing forces you to look at everything differently—in fact, anytime you learn a different instrument, you are forced to look at music from a different perspective which strengthens your awareness.
When you’re creating new music, what does your creative process look like? Do you have any specific routines or methods that help you stay inspired?
These days, I start with a song or set of lyrics in most cases, then build from there. Almost everything that I love starts from that place–a singable hook backed up by some amazing instrumentation. The instrumentation only works because the hook is already great. I try to get lyrics and melody worked out first with either a guitar or piano before ever going into demo anything up. I don’t really have a specific routine per se but I’m influenced a lot by emotion so I tend to be on the lookout for things that either make me feel a certain way or some kind of emotion or reaction to a situation from someone else that I find intriguing.
How do you see the role of a guitarist evolving in today’s music industry, especially with so many genres blending and technology changing?
Good question. I think the guitar as a dominant center-piece (think 80s) is probably not going to come back anytime soon as far as commercial/airplay-ready songs are concerned. BUT … and this is the silver lining for us working dogs, the guitar gets utilized as a support role in the vast majority of concerts out there regardless of style so there is no end to its uses in live music. That said, I think folks will continue to experiment and grow the instrument in many ways regardless of the tech. No matter how flashy tech gets—there is still nothing cooler to many kids than playing Thunderstruck.
Are there any upcoming projects or musical endeavors that you’re particularly excited about?
Well, I have a few new singles waiting for release at the moment so I’m excited to get those out. I also have several artists that I’m producing who have written some really fantastic music so I’m excited for them!! Definitely follow Tatiana Erse and Melia Scaletty!
What’s a musical goal or dream project that you haven’t accomplished yet but would love to in the future?
I would love to play for Richard Marx. What a fantastic catalogue of music! I think it would also be really cool to produce something with Dean Castronovo and Jack Blades.
What advice would you give to aspiring guitarists looking to develop their own sound and style?
Allow yourself to be influenced by what you dig but…but also don’t be afraid to experiment. Everyone has influences—everyone. Finding a balance between those influences and then who you are is the trick. It takes time and exploration and it doesn’t come without allowing the journey to happen.
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
See my earlier answer!
What’s one non-musical passion or hobby that inspires your music or gives you balance outside of your career?
I really try to stay in shape. I have to travel a lot and that can be hard on the body so I try to eat really healthy and work out. This helps to pull my mind away from music for a bit and clear my head.
Do you have a favorite guitar or piece of gear that has been with you throughout your journey? What’s the story behind it?
Hmm … I’ve gone through a lot of gear over the years … I would have to say my Anderson T-Style guitar. It’s very unassuming looking but it is by far the most powerful workhorse I’ve ever owned. It goes on every session and every gig. Even if I have other axes I have to use, it’s always there because I have yet to find a situation where I can’t use it.
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Aaron Kusterer – Learning to Feel (Official Lyric Video)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bx8oiX2aiek
