Stefanos Barbalias is an uber-talented musician, hailing from the land of Greece. He’s recently released a new EP titled Lullaby for Two, which is currently being presented at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival as we speak! Stefanos will be performing at Just the Tonic Nucleus every night until August 25th, so make sure you head on down if you like what you read here!
By Jane Howkins
You recently released a new EP titled Lullaby for Two. What can you tell us about the record?
It was written in Kea, a beautiful island in the Aegean Sea. It consists of two original compositions, (a song, a piano theme), as well as a cover of a beloved Beatles song. The homonymous song Lullaby for Two is a break-up song. Maybe the soundtrack of a late-night ride home after a big fight or after the realisation that love, lust and desire are not enough to keep two people together.
The piano theme is just a moment in time watching a sudden sunset, being in tune with nature, feeling like a grain of sand, and at the same time like the whole universe. Content and happy for no reason at all apart from being alive, a tiny part of this beautiful world. The Across the Universe cover doesn’t need much explanation – a masterpiece both musically and lyrically, but most of all, a song that still makes me cry.
How has the reception to Lullaby for Two been so far, and where can it be purchased?
Regarding the reception, I trust the immediate feedback we get after a live performance and it has been great!
My favourite compliment came from a family that said after they left they kept hugging, kissing and being extra tender to each other! What a nice thing to say…
It can be purchased on all the major platforms.
Do you have any singles planned for release soon?
Yes, three new songs with a full band (consisting of highly sensitive and skilled musicians) are already done and will be released sometime in autumn.
Are there any plans to release a full-length album in the near future?
Definitely! The material is there and I’d love to see it shape into a full album.
Your music has a folky sound. What/who are you most influenced by? What have you been listening to recently?
I haven’t been listening to a lot of music lately. The last thing I listened to and really liked was Le Clown Perdu, a music theme by Richard Galliano Quartet.
As far as influences go, I guess life with all its troubles and surprises. Music wise, everything I’ve heard and loved so far spans from classical to jazz, and from folk to alternative.
You’re from Athens. What is the local music scene like in your part of the world?
I think it consists of super-talented and skilled musicians trying to flourish in a hostile environment. But I guess it’s a bit like that everywhere.
Personally, I’m interested and attracted by an alternative music scene hiding in the shades of small venues waiting to be discovered.
Do you have anything else exciting coming up over the next few months?
I’m excited for my next release because it’s the first one with a full band, an ensemble of wonderful musicians that I’m so grateful we worked together. Hopefully, we’ll get to communicate it live as much as we can.
You’re performing at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August. What can fans expect from the show?
An intimate and moving musical journey.
Do you have any other tour dates lined up for the UK?
Apart from my seven live performances at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in a couple of weeks (August 19-25) at Just the Tonic Nucleus, nothing else has been planned yet, although I’d love to do it at some point.
Any last words for the fans?
Stay positive, support the musicians you like and if you find your way to Edinburgh – I’d love to see you!