A recent single release from Pappa D touches on a beautifully contemporary jazz undertone and brings out this cinematic vibe that lets the song breathe and feel alive as it flows with a smooth and infectious tonality that has a beautiful ability to wrap itself around you and keep you right where I want to.
"Landscapes" is performed with a graceful touch, and it does have an almost improvisational and live aspect to it which is why that jazz element comes into play so heavily.
The keys are just stellar and take you away to a different place altogether and the drums keep that flow and that groove exactly where it needs to be so that everything could fall into place with an airy-like texture.
This is the type of track that you can see in the scene of a film or a TV show for example and it's got this almost classic jive to it that really kind of whisks you up and takes you to a different place altogether.
I really dig songs that have a little bit of a level of escapism and this track definitely has that because you're able to kind of forget your surroundings and where you are for a moment in time at the time.
This is definitely the kind of song that triggers memories or visuals that go right along with the music for me, growing up in New York, this song gave me that city winter feel, and I could really feel that in my bones while listening to this track.
So, for me, I actually had a little bit of nostalgia listening to this one, but I think this song will affect everyone a little bit differently even though it's got this calming and sort of peaceful overtone to it.
You can clearly tell that this is done by an artist who has an absolute love for his craft and upon listening to the track I had no choice but to go dive into some of the back catalog that was available on Spotify and upon doing so I found enough music to fill up my entire day.
All of his releases have something a little bit different to bring to the table. There are a lot of live performances in there that really just round out the catalog and show a lot of his presence as an artist.
This is someone that does everything for the passion he has for doing it and this is one of the most evident things when listening to his music.
There are albums, EP's, singles, live records, anthologies, and even more that he's now uploaded to Spotify, and I would definitely suggest you take a deep dive through this stuff because it's so cool.
Pappa D is one of those unique artists that you find only once in a long while and with enough material to really satiate your musical wants and needs all done with heart and soul.
We need more of this kind of stuff in music in general no matter what the genre.
I would suggest starting off with this single and then swimming through that catalog and seeing what you can find because it's a lot of fun.
With the release of such a beautifully woven single, we wanted to have a sit-down with Pappa D to find out where this track actually came from and what might be coming up next for the artist.
Here's what happened.
Buzz Slayers: Okay, let's start with "Landscapes"! This track was warm and jazzy with a calming tonality that was alluring and cinematic! How did this release come about?
To be quite honest with you, this was a series of explorations I have been doing, while sitting in my studio, where I would put on a groove (drum track) and just get carried away with the overall "vibe" of it. Certain chords would start coming to life, and melodies followed shortly after. A very experimental and primitive project for me, but I'm feeling extremely happy about how this turned out!
Buzz Slayers: How did this all start for you as an artist?
For me, it started back in Greece, as a young teenager, that was seen to have something, an inclination to music and the arts. Whether it was art, painting, sketching, designing, building, I knew that very early on. Piano came at a point where I could take time and practice, all of the great classical composers, and later on, bands, singer-songwriters, scores from films, and many other mediums. It was truly a wonderful, long, and fulfilling process that I wouldn't change anything about!
Buzz Slayers: What kind of things really inspire songs for you?
For me, inspiration can be drawn by pretty much everything that is around me. I think it's very important to set an intention, and understand what exactly is that we're requesting from the muse. She will take care of the rest. Spontaneity is a big factor for me, and being able to go with a feeling, a hunch, follow it, and capture fast, is the best way to do it! The results are intact, and the feeling pristine! I enjoy that process because it is very fresh, and keeps me artistically motivated and rested.
Buzz Slayers: This release has some great approaches to it! Can you give us some of your biggest influences musically?
Thank you. Although classically trained, with a jazz background and having written over 1000 songs (words & music), this song was a breakaway for me towards more interesting, "commercial" produced sounds. I wanted to explore the possibility of writing something soulful, groovy, sexy, that can be in the background, can be danced to, and be implemented in many ways. But then again, the intention was as described before! All these things are felt results of after completing the song, and listening to it as a full entity! I will be influenced from Rachmaninoff to Chet Baker, and from Tom Waits to Don McLean and Jim Croce. I love the swing era big bands, and the 60's, 70's folk songwriters. I think the more I write and compose and explore, the more tangled I find myself in all these genres, not being able to clearly point out my influences, and I think that's a beautiful thing.
Buzz Slayers: What are you doing when you're NOT working on music?
I love to dance. I've been professionally competing and traveling all over Europe and the USA, as a swing dancer and performer. I also love to swim, it's the only thing that clears my mind!
Buzz Slayers: Who's in your headphones right now?
Definitely Doobie Brothers, Ambrosia, Don McLean & Jim Croce.
Buzz Slayers: Are you doing any live performances right now?
I'm playing daily in Los Angeles, from open mics to singer-songwriter showcases, full nights with featured artists, and my own individual shows, solo, or with my full band Pàppa D. & his Pioneers. I am also embarking on my first professional tour, in Mexico, Hawaii, Pacific Islands, Australia, New Zealand, and French Polynesia. It's a part of a cruise ship line, and I am very excited for this four month tour!
Buzz Slayers: Do you record these at a big studio or do you have a home studio set-up?
I have my Home set up, here in my studio in Hollywood. I have my full production space, and my Piano, Drums, Bass, and all the other instruments I need. I track everything on logic with samples and really good sound libraries.
Buzz Slayers: What can your fans expect from you in the near future?
Fans can't expect to hear a lot of new music released in the upcoming year, a lot of shows and festivals, and for the first time merchandise and physical copies of music (vinyl, CD). The recording, producing, releasing, and performing side is the most fulfilling one, and I plan to do just that next year. It is a wonderful feeling to know that you're moving in the right direction, and then it is only just a matter of amplifying, and elevating that to greater heights.
Buzz Slayers: Before we go, what would you like to say to fans of the music?
One thing that took me over a decade to realize, and truly start to believe, is that I have expanded my musical influences, the different genres, styles, instruments, and mediums, and I finally found joy and pride in acknowledging that. My supporters and fans are guaranteed to always stay intrigued and refreshed, simply because the nature of my music is just that. As the great David Bowie said "I don't know where I'm going, but I promise it's not gonna be boring". I choose to leave by this philosophy, both as a way of living and musically.
Thank you very much for chatting with me!
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