Who hasn’t fallen in love with Sakis?

A little while ago the problem with Sakis was that he didn't give any interviews. The problem today is that Sakis has given so many interviews that you feel you have to compete with others over who gets to take the best. It's not the first time that Sakis has a lot to say. It's just that now he has the desire to do so. Because this year Sakis is different. I can't name the exact nature of his difference but you can see for yourselves.

Int:

I heard you say at the press conference that this album is more mature …

Sakis:

It's definitely one of my best works.

Int:

In the end you are a love singer. Most of the songs are ballads

Sakis:

Why do you have to label me? Today I am this; tomorrow I may be something else. I change constantly.

Int:

Until today you didn't seem to change. It came as a surprise.

Sakis:

(laughing) It might be more obvious today. I always changed and still do. There is constant change inside of us, energies and feelings change and at some point that becomes obvious externally as well. That doesn't mean that the process wasn't happening the whole time.

Int:

You were someone who didn't exist anywhere but for his work. You didn't give interviews easily and we knew nothing of you and your life. And suddenly you get photographed with Rebecca and now you go out with Katia. In the end Rebecca was good for you.

Sakis:

Nobody can be good for you unless you are in a good place by yourself. I dated before and I had a personal life but you didn't see it.

Int:

So you don't want to hide anymore?

Sakis:

That's what I wanted to do at the time. Now I want to do this. Now everything is different …

Int:

You didn't want us to know who you were dating before?

Sakis:

Yes

Int:

And you allowed several rumours to circulate about your personal life

Sakis:

No, I didn't. I never bothered with rumours. They were just there.

Int:

Is it that now you feel more relaxed around the media?

Sakis:

I feel great.

Int:

But you went through an insecurity phase. You were afraid of reporters.

Sakis:

When I started my career I was shocked, not just afraid. Suddenly I was up against a monster a beast – and I am talking about the dark side of the press. I had never met people like that. I was an athlete, I knew healthy people who acted according to the spirit of true sportsmanship and suddenly I was surrounded by men who wanted to eat me alive. I heard all sorts of negative comments. At first I was in shock. It took me a while to adjust.

Int:

And now you finally decided to show yourself in the world again

Sakis:

Sort of. At first I was looking for ways to protect myself. My first reaction was to stay away from everything. I realized that whether they spread those rumours or not it's the same. In the first case I listened while in the other I didn't. I also realized that people don't believe all that. They might have fun while reading or hearing those things but they don't take them seriously and don't form their opinion about someone based on that. When I understood that the yellow press doesn't have any real power I demystified the whole thing. I also realized that all these people who were printing those lies about me all those years have made me invincible. Whatever they say, people don't believe them any more.

Int:

There were moments though that you weren't yourself

Sakis:

I was defending myself because I was scared.

Int:

Recently you made some changes in your career. Ilias Psinakis is no longer your manager.

Sakis:

Ilias and I are still friends, just like we were before starting to work together. Our personal relationship continues and has nothing to do with work. Ilias and I have many things in common, common friends, and experiences both as friends and business associates. Ilias has played a major part in what I am today. Without him I would have been someone else. I don't know if I would be better or worse but I would be different.

Int:

What happened? Why did your paths cross?

Sakis:

Me and Ilias have a long history together but at this time our goals and the way we see things is different we decided that it's best for us to do what each of us feels like. Ilias is doing many things today. He has made changes to his career too. He has expanded he is on TV too. He is very talented and it's a pity that he is focusing in just one thing.

Int:

What is the biggest good thing that Ilias has ever taught you?

Sakis:

We were good partners with Ilias but as a person each of us has his good points and bad points.

Int:

Was Ilias a father figure for you? Did he try to protect you in a way?

Sakis:

When you are a friend with someone and you work together you always try to protect him. But no, he didn't try to be my father.

Int:

You have a song in your new CD. It's called "Ego horis emena" (= me without myself). Does it refer to you?

Sakis:

Maybe a little. Sometimes we get trapped by our obligations and our "must" and by the way we are brought up that we forget what we really want and who we are.

Int:

Do you give a higher priority to your personal life now? Because I think that a little while back you believed that intense personal life could distract you from your work.

Sakis:

In our lives we don't always want the same thing. Then I was happy the way I was and today I am happy the way I am now. Five years ago I needed that now I need this.

Int:

Weren't there any needs that you repressed five years ago? We become more liberated as we grow older.

Sakis:

As we grow up, we mature we realize what we need, what we want and what is the value of everything in our lives.

Int:

Do you think that what you feel for your girlfriend is helping you? Don't you think it's easier to sing "S'eho eroteftei" (= I have fallen in love with you) when you are truly in love?

Sakis:

I don't want to get into this right now. I really don't want to talk about it.

Int:

It's a general question.

Sakis:

Then I will answer that, yes when you are in touch with your feelings you live a better fuller life. You experience pain and joy. It's as if all your senses are quickened. Breathing is easier and taste and everything is more intense.

Int:

When the magazine is published you will be in the United States of America. What are you planning to do in L.A.?

Sakis:

What I always do. I expand my knowledge, acquire experience and become better.

Int:

And how will you do that in L.A.?

Sakis:

I won't be staying in L.A. exclusively. I intend to take lessons.

Int:

Are you interested in the movies?

Sakis:

I had some proposals

Int:

Do you see yourself as a permanent resident there?

Sakis:

Yes.

Int:

You have met Tom Hanks, you have met Valentino … All these people didn't become famous by accident. What did they have in common?

Sakis:

Every person has different qualities. Maybe their common ground is that they really love what they do and work very hard.

Int:

Has tom Hanks seen you perform?

Sakis:

He hasn't been to one of my concerts.

Int:

Oh, come on …

Sakis:

I don't understand you obsession with Tom Hanks. I have met hundreds of people and dozens of them are just as famous as Tom Hanks. I have travelled abroad and because of my work, have met lots of celebrities. I know this producer, who knows that singer who is a friend of that actor. That's how you meet people; it's not a big deal.

Int:

So we have three aces to keep us going. We are good looking, talented and know people.

Sakis:

Going where? Are you trying to send me to America?

Int:

I hope so

Sakis:

Good but why do I have to say it? Why don't you express yourself freely? (he laughs)

Int:

Do you want to take acting lessons while you are staying in L.A.

Sakis:

I might take acting lessons too.

Int:

Well, well, well why didn't you say so from the start? (laughs) Will you be staying there long?

Sakis:

As long as it takes. I have to go to Russia and Europe. Let's just say I will be staying abroad for quite a while.

Mag. DOWN TOWN, 21/4/2005

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