Apostolos Fotiadis has had a remarkable career. Having grown up around the Sydney suburb of Canterbury, he somehow made his way to the humid town of Larissa of all places, an inland city far from beaches. There he explored his passion for music, making a name for himself not only on stage but also in the field. Fotiadis flankered his way into Greece’s fledging rugby league.
Even though Greece felt like home, when Covid hit, the heaviness of isolation away from his loved ones and the never-ending lack of opportunities brought Fotiadis to Perth for a major re-start. In the Western Australian capital, he discovered a new love, that of teaching Greek language and helping young students reconnect with their culture, while pursuing his music career and literally “giving light” to old musical instruments.
“The first 15 years of my life in and around Canterbury, there are just so many beautiful memories,” he tells Neos Kosmos, starting from the very beginning. “Larissa was my fathers’ birthplace and where we built a house and decided to return to the mother land. Well Larissa isn’t all that bad, I know it’s not Mykonos or Athens, but it has many things to see and do in and around it, the beaches by the way are only half an hour away and Larissa is very well known for its coffee shops and night life too.”
Billy Cotsis (BC): I have spent time around the Greek Cultural Centre/Hellenic Art Theatre at Marrickville over the years, so I know you are part of a talented musical/artistic family. Tell us about their influences on you and their legacy to arts in Australia.
Apostolos Fotiadis (AF): Well, I have been blessed to have been born into such an artistic, loving, and caring family. The apple didn’t fall far from the tree. I’ve definitely been influenced by them, music wise from my brother Dimitri Fotiadis, an amazing composer and arranger who has written so many compositions and scores for movies and theatre, lyrics and poetry from my mother Maria, an awarded artist, poet and songwriter. The whole family sings, my father Thanasi and my sister Electra, even my little niece Ariadne is popping and grooving. It’s just amazing how music and the arts can connect and maintain the tradition and culture. My family have left a legacy to arts in Australia working towards and enhancing the impact and education of our culture to the diaspora and to all the Philhellenes. The Greek Cultural Centre was literally our second home. They have influenced me in the way I see life, how to centre my attention on the people, how to touch them and communicate with your truth, your integrity, and your passion. My family has given me the values, strength, and determination to reach my goals, teaching me to fly, being the wind beneath my wings.
BC: What is it like getting up on a stage and playing before a Greek audience? What was the best gig you had, any crazy nights?
AF: Honestly, every time I get on a stage whether it is a small bar, music scene or concert I get that same adrenalin rush. Being able to connect and interact with people who appreciate you for who you are and enjoy the performance because they are a part of it is truly uplifting. Without them you cease to exist, that is why you must be real and genuine. You can’t fake it to you make it, you can try, but nothing can be kept from the sun for too long. It’s even more amazing now that I’m slowly getting known here in Perth too with new collaborations and challenges. The love and affection I receive is just so heart-warming.
My best gigs by far would have to be my 2 concerts for my cd launches in 2011 and 2016. The fact that I was presenting my own songs to the public in a jam-packed concert hall with incredible musicians and friends was an out of this world experience.
Being in the industry for so long and mainly working nights there have been a share of crazy endless nights with fellow colleagues and friends.
BC: You have released an EP and two albums (Ola Esi 2011 and Apogiosi 2016), no mean feat during the economic crisis. How long did these take to record and are the musicians the musos you play with live?
AF: Yes, EP’s and two albums that each took almost a year to complete. It was hard work and as you said tough times for these kinds of endeavours, but I really wanted to share a part of me and leave my legacy. The musicians are all friends of mine mostly from Larissa or nearby cities, that I admire and have the greatest upmost respect for. With most of them we have shared the stage so many times I have lost count, while with others only as session/studio artists. I am so grateful to have had the joy and honour to have worked with so many amazing artists and human beings. Imagine on the album Apogiosi, I had nearly 30 musicians take part in the recordings.
Fotiadis explores his passion for rugby in Larissa. Photo: Supplied
Fotiadis with a teammate. Photo: Supplied
Fotiadis with his rugby team in Larissa. Photo: Supplied
BC: I know you write and produce your songs. What inspires the creation of some of your songs? Isolation was a track that came out last year, was that connected to COVID-19?
AF: In my younger years I didn’t have the confidence to bring out the songs that I have written. That slowly grew in time and having the support of my amazing brother who gave my melodies, lyrics, and rhythms life with his arrangements, that gradually changed. My second album Apogiosi was nearly all me and from then on everything I have written the EP’s and the ones yet to be released are from within. I grew into a singer-songwriter, it came with a flow when words came out with a beat and a tune, I was shocked at first, but I had the support to show me that I had taken a nice, new and unique path. Everyday life, love, the struggles, the pain, the challenges, and joys can inspire, ignite the spark and arm the hand to create.
Yes, Isolation is connected to Covid, I wrote it and recorded it before I left Greece. It is the first time I have used explicit lyrics, but as I said we must be real and say things as we think without trying to create a likeable situation to gain views. In my words and belief there are so many things out there that need attention and should be dealt with. Isolation and the next songs soon to be released have been arranged by a good friend of mine George Migas and recorded at Pink Studios Trikala & Larisa, a new fresh approach and collaboration to change how my songs are delivered to the public.
BC: I recall some frustrations with record deals etc. How hard is it for smaller artists to get the support that they need?
AF: Frustrations? No, never… Record Labels care so much about us it’s scary…. Unfortunately, they suck your blood. You are literally forced to produce your own music because most music labels just release it for distribution, taking advantage of the smaller artist’s thirst for creation and recognition making them pay for everything. The music industry is a very harsh, cruel, and closed circuit. You definitely do not get back the money you have invested in your productions, and hardly get any representation that is of any significance. I have had to take out and pay back loans to record and distribute my music. Luckily, I had a day job, there was no way of surviving only by gigs and music alone.
It has never been easy for the small artists trying to make a career in music. Firstly, being away from Athens and secondly, the music genre I’ve always preferred to represent is not as pop, mainstream or “laiko” to get the desirable airtime.
I’ve felt completely on my own, still do sometimes, but it gets too intense having to create, produce, promote, perform, and represent yourself, seeing doors shut or stations not playing you, not having any more money to get noticed and literally sinking every day, it’s just exhausting. Don’t get me wrong there are artists out there that do get a break or have the luck to meet someone that believes in them and gives them a chance. I know I am not someone that is good at PR and promoting myself, it doesn’t feel right to me, it just feels weird, I hope you get me.
BC: You played first grade rugby league for Larissa. Most people would be unaware of the fledgling national footy league in Greece. I myself, favour the Rhodes Knights. What’s it like compared to the Canterbury Bulldogs and will it ever really take off?
AF: That was yet another interesting chapter in my complicated life choices…. Being brought up in Sydney and being a Canterbury Bulldogs fan myself, when the opportunity arose with a new Rugby League team in Larisa ( AEL) I thought why not go for it and train, play and help the sport grow. As I said somewhat complicated choice… I managed to have two surgeries on my shoulder and one on the wrist… even though I was gutted and basically had to pull out, the thrive was so big that I stayed on as assistant coach before I left for Perth.
The competition has had its ups and downs the past few years with bureaucracy and red tape between Federation, Government and World Federation. Imagine that we had police turn up to stop matches claiming they were illegal. It was crazy, something that a lot of people do not know, is that the Greek National Team has qualified for the World Cup but had to play all their qualifying matches away because of these issues. The League is on the up now, yes Rhodes Knights are a super strong side and there are also a couple of teams in Athens that are good. Most players that represent the country are either Aussies or play in France or England in smaller leagues.
I think it has the potential to take off once they sort out the backstage drama and realise that they have raw talent in Greece. Greece is huge in Wrestling so imagine you train these blokes tactically and physically; believe me they can hit hard… It’s like the Jamaican bobsled team, fast runners to make that sled go…think outside the box…as for the Doggies…I don’t know what we need mate, but we really have to take off sometime…soon, I hope.
BC: Did you play many games? Ouzo after training?
AF: No not many games because of the dramas and it was literally amateur level, lack of communication, weather, no fields. We had some good competition in us and fought all matches till the end. Ouzo?? We prefer Tsipouro in Larissa and yes there were those great get togethers after training or to watch rugby, also some souvlakia and beers to help with the bruising.
BC: What made you move to Perth. It’s a somewhat hermit state at the moment, though I can see the Premier has worked hard to keep Covid out. Tell us about your adventure to this part of the world?
AF: Even though I do miss my family and friends, Perth was a leap of faith. Things started drifting apart back in Greece, workwise, economy, music, personal situations, and I needed a new place to restart or to jumpstart my inner spark. It may seem a hermit State, but I enjoy all this laid back and chilled lifestyle compared to the fast-pacing speeds of Sydney, Melbourne, Athens. I have people in my life that believe in me and new friends that have welcomed me in and supported me.
The past 14 months have been a huge adventure, I have been teaching Greek at the Greek Saturday school of the Hellenic community WA where my vision and passion of helping my young students connect with the Greek language and culture is very fulfilling. I had a stint driving a truck, I was in employment services finding people jobs and then I went to TAFE and got a Cert IV in Community Services.
(continues) So being community orientated and knowing the sacrifices, barriers, and challenges of this multicultural and diverse country, I am active in the community and supportive in many ways. I am part of the IPL Radio team (Inspiring Passionate Lives) where I volunteer and co-present a community radio show, where we talk about everything and anything from mental health awareness and the importance of talking openly, empowerment, mentoring and motivating to music, news, and networking.
I’ve even started a new art project called “The Light of Music” where I upcycle old musical instruments and create lamps with them. Just utilising the flare within and giving colour, light, and a new life to these instruments.
So, you see, my move here has enlightened me and widened my horizons, doing things that I want for myself and helping and supporting others around me. Next move will be going into Support Work, mentoring, and empowering youth, and the community.
BC: Musically, what does the future hold for you?
AF: Music and the future…wow, I will only say that I’m taking it slow, enjoying and embracing life and the music opportunities that will come. I have met some really good musicians in Perth and have collaborated with bands and individuals, and not only from the Greek scene. I have a few more songs that I managed to record before leaving Greece that I want to release this year and hopefully will release them gradually in the coming months. So just bring on another adventurous and creative year ahead, being true to your values and ethics, respecting people and embracing life and the curve balls that get thrown at you.
I would like to take the opportunity to thank you personally for your support and unique friendship and congratulate you for all you have accomplished and more, you are a force to be reckoned with. To all the readers of Neos Kosmos the best of health and I hope to see you all soon in the future…