In this interview spotlight, I chat with Steve Katsikas about his Hidden Village project, challenges, technology and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Where are you from and what style of music do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.)
I grew up in Miami, Fl, though I’ve lived part of my adult life in Nashville, Fayetteville, AR, and Louisville, KY. I currently live in Louisville. I find the “Style” question difficult. My approach to music is pretty varied, but I’ve heard it described as “Indie Piano Rock”, “Progressive Pop”, and “Art Rock”. The album, Hidden Village, is impossible to peg. It is jarringly wide in terms of genres. For instance, there is a jazz waltz piece, a couple of “Prog Rock” type songs, and a smattering of Americana folkiness. Yeah, its a genre disaster.
What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to keep going?
I get incredible joy from creating music in all its phases. I love the process of songwriting and also love the production end of building all the pieces to convey the song’s meaning and lyrical content. When I am creating music, I am centered, focused, and connected. Sharing music is also a joy for me, and I have been fortunate enough to be able to release 8 albums with different bands over the years.
How is this new release different than previous ones? Were you trying to accomplish anything specific?
Its a bit weird that I’ve released a bunch of music in the past, and only now have I decided to release a “solo album”. I wanted to challenge myself as a producer and engineer. I also wanted to work with a ton of great musicians, who could all add their unique touches wherever needed. So, I wanted to create a diverse album filled with friends (who happen to be musical masters) without limiting it to a single “band”.
Name one or two challenges you face as an indie musician in this oversaturated, digital music age? How has technology helped you (since we know it does help)?
I’ve seen a tremendous boom in great music since the digital revolution. The new models of music recording and delivery have made it possible for almost anyone to share their music. That also creates a TON of releases, all battling to be heard. I worry that great music is being missed. Technology has allowed me to build a high end production studio to support my own songwriting and band output. I love that I can create a commercial release in the comfort of my own space (without the clock running).
What was the last song you listened to?
On my drive in this morning, I was listening to Beck’s Morning Phase. Gorgeous album. It actually inspired the vocal sound I was shooting for across many tracks on the album (lush and large).
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
Lossless digital these days (24 bit when possible)
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
I have a spotify account, which is my music-discovery tool. Bandcamp is a great way to support independent musicians (and small labels). I’ve stopped buying cds unless that’s the only way to get lossless music from a band (or if I am seeing a band live that is selling them).
Where is the best place to connect with you online and discover more music?
I use Facebook regularly (for you young kids, ask your parents what that is…heheh). www.facebook.com/SteveKatsikas. You can find me there or at www.stevekatsikas.com
Anything else before we sign off?
I hope your listeners enjoy what they hear and find a way to connect with me online. I love talking to folks who love music.
