On the occasion of his arrival in Greece as the opening act of Jack Savoretti’s concerts in Athens and Thessaloniki and the release of his song “Where Is The Love?” we caught up with Gizmo Varillas and learned more about him, his music and his upcoming career plans.
Gizmo Varillas made his appearance in 2017 with his debut album “El Dorado” which was among the top 10 albums of the year in Classic Pop Magazine. This was followed by the LP “Dreaming of Better Days” and a little later by the “Out of the Darkness” from which “Love Over Everything” stood out. Four years later opens an exciting chapter in Gizmo’s career and reflects an era of significant transformations both personal and professional.
What does he say about the ever increasing numbers and streams and what is his relationship with the audience? With music playing a key role in his life, Gizmo draws inspiration from nature, turning many of his thoughts into songs. But who is Gizmo after all but the man we’ve come to know through his music?
If you want to know more about the Spanish-British artist, read the interview he gave to SounDarts.gr here!
Hello Gizmo and welcome to SounDarts.gr! Recently, you released your new song, entitled “Where Is The Love?”. What’s the story behind this song?
‘Where Is The Love’ speaks to the urgent need for unity in today’s divided world. It reflects a deep longing for kindness and a reconnection to our shared humanity.
Can you remember the moment you got the inspiration to write the song?
I was nearly finished writing the album, and I had already spoken a lot about personal songs related to my life. I then felt the urge to address the current state of the world. I’ve written a few songs on this topic, like ‘No War,’ but this theme keeps resurfacing while nothing seems to truly change. Until that happens, I’ll always feel the need to write about it.
So, we are going to see you here in Greece as Jack Savoretti’s opening act. What can we expect from your shows?
I will be performing with my percussionist, Davide Pasqualini, and the set will include a mix of old songs and tracks from my upcoming album. The music is rhythmic and danceable, but also meditative at times.
How do you feel about your arrival to our country? Have you been here before?
I am very excited! I’ve wanted to visit Greece for a long time, and this is the perfect opportunity. I’ve never been before, but I’m eager to experience the natural beauty, people, architecture, culture, music, and food. I’m really looking forward to it!
By listening to your music we understand that you are creating a mood apart from the plot of each song. So, what is your purpose when doing music?
My purpose in making music is to experiment, have fun, and learn something about myself or the world around me. It’s about self-expression, healing, and simply enjoying the process of creating something that never existed before. I embrace the challenge and the effort it takes to create something meaningful.
From where/what could you gain inspiration to write your songs?
I draw inspiration from nature, walking through forests, breathing in the sea air, along with traveling and learning about different music, instruments, and cultures. All of these experiences have a significant impact on how I write my songs. I also write about my own life and the thoughts going through my mind at the time. It’s a way to unload my thoughts onto paper, and in many ways, it’s therapeutic.
The numbers and streams speak for themselves. Have you realized the impact your work has on the audience?
To some degree, but not completely. It doesn’t fully sink in until I go on tour and meet my fans in person, hearing their stories about how my music has become a part of their lives. I know I have listeners around the world, but I’ve only toured certain parts of Europe, so there are still many countries I’d love to visit to meet my fans.
Which of your collaborations with other artists would you describe as the most constructive, and why?
Every collaboration has been constructive in its own way, it’s all part of my journey. I couldn’t single out one in particular. However, what I’ve learned is that nothing compares to being in a room with someone and working together for a few days. Without the pressure of time limits, having the freedom to be creative is crucial for building a connection and creating something special.
And if you had the chance to collaborate with your favorite artist, which one would you choose and why?
My only criteria is that I like their music. There are so many options, and I don’t really have a specific preference. I believe that choosing the obvious favorite isn’t always the most fulfilling. Sometimes, the most unexpected musician or artist turns out to be the perfect fit. I prefer to stay open to collaborating with any talented musician, artist, or producer, regardless of their background. I don’t like to interfere with the creative process, I give my all and trust that, with time and hard work, inspiration will come, as long as everyone in the room is open and trusts the process.
It is said that the hardest thing is to talk about ourselves, but I would still like to ask you: Who is Gizmo anyway?
Simply put, I am an artist whose medium is writing, recording and producing songs. I view music much like painting, different chords, progressions, and instruments add various colours to the music. I start by sketching out songs and then gradually paint sonic landscapes. My voice is a central part of my identity, and my approach to music is deeply intuitive, closely tied to how I sing and the rhythmic and melodic choices I make. The guitar, the first instrument I learned, forms the foundation of my musical understanding. Everything else, bass, percussion, drums, and other instruments I’ve used over the years, adds sonic layers to my compositions and arrangements. I draw inspiration from a wide range of music, not confined to any specific genre. From global sounds like soul, Caribbean, folk, funk, and rock, I appreciate diverse musical influences.
When I’m not writing music, I enjoy spending time in nature, with my wife and our two small Italian Greyhounds. Collaborating with artists from around the world, traveling, and performing are passions of mine. I love the sea, the forest, and nature in general. I could go on, but I hope this gives you a glimpse into my life.
We know that you have a really busy schedule, but your audience wants to know what your next professional plans are. So, what can we expect from you in the future?
I’m releasing my fourth album next year, so there’s plenty of new music on the way. I’ll be touring extensively and will also be celebrating the 10th anniversary of my first single.
What’s your motto in life?
Interview: Elektra Limnios
