On April 24th, Greek progressive metal band from Athens Mother of Millions is coming to Savino Live, and we’re expecting an evening full of unique sounds and atmosphere. Special guests, responsible for fine-tuning the souls of music fans at Savino Live, will be Joakem. So today, we’re interviewing Stelios Ioakim, the vocalist, songwriter and author of the Joakem’s music concept.
Stelios, hello! Welcome to Afternoiz! Let’s be honest – we’ve been following your work for some time now and are thrilled you took the time to share the latest news and insights from the music industry with us.
1. We can’t wait to ask about the single, the new music video, and the upcoming album! But let’s start from the beginning. April 17th marks the release of “Origins” – a new music video you’ve been teasing fans about on Instagram for weeks. Tell us about the filming process, who shot it, and your overall impressions?
First of all, thank you for having me! it’s a pleasure to share what we’ve been working on. Now regarding the music video, we shared our vision with Juno12, and under the direction of Vaggelis Santamas, they brought it to life. The entire process, from conceptualizing the idea, to writing the track, to filming, is one of the most addictive experiences one can have as a musician. There were definitely challenges along the way, but seeing your vision come to fruition makes it all worthwhile.
2. Why “Origins”? What makes this song special for Joakem? Are you reimagining the band’s sound, or have you gone further in experimentation?
“Origins” is the opening track of the album, and the title reflects the beginning of a story that unfolds track by track throughout the record. It also marks a new era for Joakem’s sound. You’ll still hear our core identity: modern progressive metal with diverse vocal styles, music shifting between melodic hooks and aggressive guitars, supported by atmospheric layers and heavy synth elements. However, this time we’re returning with a heavier, more refined, more technical direction.
3. Your last album Mind Matter was released in 2018. I’m sure those familiar with your work are eagerly awaiting the new one. Can you lift the veil of secrecy a little regarding the upcoming album and tell us what fans can expect?
Without giving away too much, the album concept explores the balance between untamed, primal instinct and conscious choice through a narrative of creation, evolution, adaptation, and species ascension that unfolds across centuries, all accompanied by a detailed lore (I went all geek mode with this one). Expect more extreme vocals, intricate guitar and bass work, crazier synths and engaging drum patterns.
4. Stelios, you’re a musician with a rich background and experience: composer, vocalist, and keyboardist. You write a lot of music for the band. What inspired you this time around? Where did you get your ideas, and has your approach to writing changed at all?
I’ve always been drawn to evolutionary biology, philosophical and existential concepts, space/ the universe and sci-fi themes and this time I’ve decided to incorporate all of these into an elaborate story which delves into themes of sentience, morality, ruthlessness and greed, to name a few. Origins is the first chapter of that story.
My approach to writing hasn’t changed much: inception of the concept, write the music, write the lyrics, refine everything with the guys and then go record it. Don’t try to fix what isn’t broken!
5. Let’s discuss the fact that the other band members can also be considered very experienced, having participated in other successful projects. How is their style and manner of playing reflected in Joakem, and how difficult is it to share your musicians, or is it not a problem for you?
Bob Saganas (guitars), Nakis Kyriakou (drums) and Miguel Trapezaris (bass) are all amazing musicians with years’ worth of experience and diverse influences so them being in other successful projects is something that comes naturally and that I wholeheartedly support. Although I write all the music, I always give them the creative freedom to add their own flare and style in the music as I consider it a very important aspect of being in a band.
I strongly believe that every musician has something valuable to offer, not to mention that I write everything as a pianist and vocalist (which is why they curse at me so much whenever we’re working on a new song) so their input as players of different instruments is always welcome.
6. You recently took part in Metal to the Masses contest. Does this mean that the band has big plans for the future and promotion in the music scene?
Absolutely! We’re planning to start performing abroad again, at festivals and shows across Europe and the UK (and even further, if the opportunity arises!) and with this new material we’re preparing, new doors will open.
7. How difficult is it for you to balance your personal life, work, and music? After all, being in a band surely requires a huge amount of resources, from financial to emotional. How do you find balance, or is it just a dream?
It’s definitely not easy. Apart from performing live and recording, I teach vocals and piano, work as a session musician and also have a second job in property management. At the same time, I have a new recording & rehearsal studio and house currently in development and I’m a proud pet parent to two dogs and five cats together with my partner. All while having to run the production, promo and release of new music. It’s a hectic lifestyle for sure, but when you’re driven by passion you find ways to make it work.
8. Your progressive and unique sound stands out in the Cypriot scene, helping to instantly distinguish your band from others. How would you characterize the current state of progressive metal in general and the Cypriot scene in particular?
It’s exciting to see bands that are not progressive per se, but still incorporate progressive elements in their music: Marang (ok, this one’s actually prog), Salienzor, and Speak in Whispers to name a few. In the end I’m just happy that the rock and metal scene in Cyprus in general is not only thriving but also expanding and evolving.
9. Share your latest musical tastes or new musical discoveries?
Overall, I have a huge range of influences and musical tastes, but lately I’ve been playing on repeat the latest albums of Fallujah, Rivers of Nihil and Lorna Shore.
10. What are the top 3 lessons you learned from fate?
1. Whatever it is you pursue, pursue it with passion
2. Always strive for progress, even if it’s 1% at a time
3. Treasure the people who mean the most to you
Thank you for your time, honest and interesting answers. Afternoiz Team wishes you success and look forward to the new album!
Read more, about the concert.
Joakem in social media:
https://joakem.com/
https://www.instagram.com/joakemmusic/
https://www.facebook.com/joakemmusic/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdipHJTdoPzFaqnL3dTSBSw
