Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dimitris Mahlis. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Dimitris , thanks for joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

At about the age of 11 I started to study music seriously. First guitars, then later on oud and other stringed instruments. I think pretty early on that’s what I knew I was going to be doing in life. The creative bug usually gets you early on, but there are always exceptions.
It became clearer that this would be my lifes pursuit at the age of 16 when my mother passed away. I had lost my father at the age of 9 so it was obvious that this wasn’t going to be an easy incarnation. Music became a pathway for me on my quest to make sense of the human experience. I do believe that the underlying component of all good art has some form of this at its core.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I started my professional performing career at the age of 16, first playing in clubs before I was old enough to be a patron of them, then moving on to larger venues and touring worldwide. My studio recording career began here in Los Angeles. This includes film and television projects, composing and recording my own music as well as being an in demand musical voice for a variety of musical artists personal visions.
I believe that what makes me unique in the very talent rich music circles of Los Angeles is my ability to excel authentically in multiple genres. I am well versed in both eastern and western music theory and styles, and my abilities on the oud [middle eastern lute] guitars and other stringed instruments is at a high level. What we all know however is that what really matters is what you do with the knowledge that you have. I am always looking to serve the best interests of the music that is before me.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

Art needs to be prioritized in society, it’s one of the positive things that sets our species apart. This begins with education. It is evident that when we are taught about the value of art at a young age, society as a whole improves. There should always be an emphasis on providing spaces for art to happen, whether they are privately funded or through government.
In some European countries there is support system in place for working musicians and creatives. If you are viable and working as an artist, support for basic needs is sometimes provided. This can ease the angst that a lot of artists face about survival vs creativity.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

That I get to truly explore and be myself. I feel that the best gift that you can give the world is the realization of your true self.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dimitrismahlis/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dimitris.mahlis
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJbDi8D5ezGoYcTazZKHLfA