Exposed Vocals Interviews Sarantos Melogia

Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?

 

Sarantos: I grew up in the Chicago area. I made a decision to become a solo music artist a few years ago because I was felt it was something I wanted to do. I got tired of watching life pass me by so I decided to go for it

 

Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?

 

Sarantos: My stage name is basically my name in Greek.

Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?

Sarantos: I think online music sharing is very important. I give away all my music for free on my website because fans love to share it. It’s all about the exposure. I just want them to listen to it even if it’s one time. If they love it, what higher compliment can an artist have than to have someone share their music or hit the replay button?

 

Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?

Sarantos: Probably the biggest tip I can give anyone is to never stop. I think a lot of people don’t realize it’s a very long road to success. They need to keep going. Always do what you love and never stop. Never give up!

 

Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?

 

Sarantos: Absolutely. I think when you first start performing you’re more paranoid about it and self-conscious. As you get more experience you realize it’s just part of the process and you just roll with it. You’d be surprised to know that most fans don’t even realize some of the smaller mistakes. Musicians and artists are so critical of their work but most fans don’t know  what chord you’re playing or what key you’re singing in. Just have fun!

 

Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?

 

Sarantos: Not currently. It’s something I’m hoping to do again soon. People always think that all this crazy and exciting stuff happens on tours but the truth is most the time it’s pretty boring. I guess the exception is if you’re someone super famous and you have crazy fans following you everywhere. But that’s not me at this time.

 

Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?

 

Sarantos: I can gather inspiration almost anywhere. I get inspired going for walks, when I’m at the gym, when I’m watching TV or even hearing another song. You can start with almost anything.

Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?

 

Sarantos: Yes, and I think a band website is the most important piece of information you need to have out there about yourself. I try to utilize all platforms including social media as some people preferred Facebook, others Twitter etc. I figure if my stuff is all over the place, it has a better chance of catching fire.

Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?

 

Sarantos:  Why. I thought this was a pretty cool rap song and very unique when I did it on my first CD but it got the worse reviews out of anything I’ve ever done. So, I guess it’s pretty embarrassing at this point. However I still think it’s got potential? Maybe? No probably not!

Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?

 

Sarantos: I’ll keep doing exactly what I’m doing now. I’d keep my day job, keep making music and putting out a new song and music video and book chapter every single month. I would take that money and make sure to get as much exposure as I could but I’d also donate  a significant amount to charity, which I do with all my music. I believe karma can only help.

Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?

 

Sarantos: I have never used a professional studio to record any of my work. People are usually pretty surprised to hear this but when you have a very limited budget like I do, you have to make do with what you can. It’s been part of the learning process, but hopefully one day I’ll be able to record consistently and in a studio. It should definitely make things easier!

Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?

 

Sarantos: That’s a great question. I don’t think I found any sort of magic bullet. I think it just takes a lot of time and I’ve tried many many things, most of which I’ve gotten me absolutely nowhere. I think as indie artist when you don’t have a big budget, you have to be very careful about where you spend your money. I don’t have an answer for you. I’m still trying anything I get my hands on while working hard to try to figure this industry out. A lot of it is BS.

Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?

 

Sarantos: I’d love to perform at the Acropolis, like Yanni did initially a long time ago. I’d love to perform with some of the bigger stars like Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, Justin Timberlake, Justin Bieber or Bruno Mars. Can you imagine that?

 

Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?

 

Sarantos:  I’m excited about my surprise CD this year November that’s a full instrumental CD. I think some of the TV and movie licensing deals that will come from this will enable me to do a lot more with my pop rock music next year.

 

Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?

 

Sarantos:  I can’t reveal my day job at this point. If I ever make it, I guess the world will know what I really do for a living.

Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?

 

Sarantos: Yeah, I do. My first album was Survivor and Michael Jackson. Love the 80s!

 

Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?

 

Sarantos: It’s quite a challenge. Like anyone else, I think time is our most precious commodity. But all you can do is do the best with your time that you can. Do what you love. It’ll all sort itself out eventually.

 

Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2016?

 

Sarantos: I’m going to continue releasing a new song, new music video and book chapter every single month. I hope you join me on this ride and I hope we grow old together, gracefully and tastefully!