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 rumors to circulate about your personal life
Sakis:
No, I didn't. I never bothered with rumors. 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 rumors 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
traveled 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

These are pictures from the magazine.