We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Stefanos. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Stefanos below.
Hi Stefanos, thanks for joining us today. Can you tell us about a time that your work has been misunderstood? Why do you think it happened and did any interesting insights emerge from the experience?
Yes, I’ve definitely experienced being misunderstood as an artist, several times. For example, I vividly remember performing a composition I had poured my heart into at a live show, only to have it dismissed as ‘meh’ or ‘not interesting enough’ by certain listeners, some of them my friends. I had actually asked for their honest perspective, and while I welcomed their opinion, that feedback stung deeply because I knew the authenticity and technical craft behind the work, and really believed in its potential.
What I’ve come to understand through such experiences is that there’s a gap between artistic intent and audience reception in every creative field. For me, it was particularly challenging during auditions where I felt my musical voice wasn’t being properly heard or appreciated – especially for projects I was passionate about.
In those moments of rejection, I feel it’s essential to remind myself that the outcome doesn’t define my worth as a musician and, most importantly, as a human being, and then reflect on what I could do better, what I can work on for the next one.
The most valuable insight I’ve gained is that while constructive criticism is essential for growth, I must ultimately create music that genuinely reflects who I am. I do embrace my failures, as they help me grow, but not every piece of art will resonate with everyone – and that’s not just perfectly okay, it’s inevitable. What matters is that my work finds its authentic audience, even if that audience is smaller than I might initially hope for.
This understanding has fundamentally changed my relationship with my art. Of course I want people to connect with my music, but I embrace my creative freedom rather than seeking universal approval. This approach has, ultimately, led to more meaningful connections with listeners who truly resonate with my musical perspective.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Wow, this might take a bit (laughs). I’m a world percussionist, composer, and educator coming from Athens, Greece. My musical journey started at age six with traditional Greek percussion and piano, and it was just a hobby until I was 15-16. That’s when people started telling me that I needed to figure out what I’d do with my life, and I wasn’t ready – in the least bit. I couldn’t imagine myself working in an office for the next 40 years, I wasn’t comfortable adhering to rules without question, and I felt trapped having to make a decision that would “define” me; that’s how I thought about it back then. All I knew was that playing music felt right – the way it allowed me to communicate with others, the creativity and freedom music embodies, it was just fun. So, I decided to dive deeper into it, and it just clicked. It’s never been easy, but it feels so rewarding and heartwarming to be able to do what I do!
My passion lies in blending diverse cultural rhythms with electronic and drum set elements into a multi-percussion setup, mostly playing ethnic, jazz-fusion, and world music. My time at Berklee was transformative – being immersed in so many vastly different cultures, ideas, and personalities expanded my horizons immensely. I love experimenting with sounds, genres, and concepts, seeing what might emerge. Most of the time, it results in gibberish, but every now and then, something truly beautiful takes shape, and that’s a magical feeling.
As for what sets me apart? Maybe that’s a question for my collaborators and listeners (laughs). But if I had to pinpoint something, I’d say it’s my fusion of rich musical cultures – Mediterranean, Middle-Eastern, Afro-Cuban, West African, to name a few – with a forward-thinking approach. I believe in exploring, evolving, and pushing boundaries – not statically mimicking. I feel I honor these traditions by expanding their horizons to create something fresh and new.
What I’m most proud of is the people I’ve had the privilege to create with. Choosing to express oneself through music can be daring; choosing the right people to do it with is essential. I don’t just want to make art for the sake of art – I love being part of projects with a greater cause. In that sense, I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with individuals who share mutual respect, understand each other’s visions, and believe in music’s power to shape a better world.
In a nutshell, I play a variety of percussion instruments, compose in a style I’d describe as “Mediterranean Jazz-World,” and have a deep passion for teaching. I strive – most of all – to be happy, and to keep contributing to a better world through music.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
Spring 2018 was a very pivotal period in my life. I had already been working for several years back in Greece, I was well established with what appeared to be a secure future. However, something was missing – I felt I lacked the space and opportunity to express myself musically the way I wanted, and my path seemed predetermined. I craved experimentation, learning, meeting new people, and broadening my vision. The possibility of going abroad had always been in the back of my mind, but I hadn’t seriously considered it until then.
When I got accepted to Berklee, I faced a genuine dilemma. Would it be worth leaving everything I had built in Greece to enter a completely different environment and culture as an international student pursuing a dream? It resembled a leap of faith, knowing I might have to come to terms with the brutal reality that I wasn’t “good enough.” However, as one of my favorite writers, William S. Burroughs said, “Knowing you might not make it… in that knowledge courage is born.” I decided to “jump” and, looking back, this decision has transformed my life – and continues to do so – in ways I never imagined.
Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?
I think the biggest struggle for non-creatives is understanding why someone like myself would make seemingly poor decisions that don’t make financial or logical sense.
Artists don’t have that kind of filter – we simply “have” to make choices in order to express ourselves, without requiring a sensible incentive. It feels kind of like an addict’s behavior sometimes – making irrational decisions searching for fulfillment (laughs). But seriously, I don’t think it’s much of a choice, and for what it’s worth, neither is the addict’s – that’s the point.
Artistic individuals use their art to express their world, even when there’s no apparent advantage or profit. That’s something people who think primarily with their left hemisphere often have trouble understanding. When you’re driven by creative impulse rather than practical outcomes, your path naturally looks different. Not wrong, just different.
Non-musical people might struggle to understand my journey, but it helps to think in terms of purpose rather than outcomes. The purpose is to express oneself, hoping it resonates with someone and maybe makes their day, or life, a little better. If you focus on that, the journey makes more sense.
If it still doesn’t, just concentrate on the art, not the artist! Find your way to interpret it, make it your own, and enjoy it. Does it really matter what I thought when creating it, compared to how you feel when experiencing it? That’s the beauty of it all.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sathinaiosmusic.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stefanos.af/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stefanos.athinaios/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefanos-athinaios
Image Credits
Dave Green
Matthew Muise
Ronjue Studio
Knar Bedian
Panagiotis Skylogiannis