Interview with Pete Devine of Pete’s Rock News and Views (https://petesrocknewsandviews.com)
PD: What type of artist are you?
Sebia: Sebia is a five member band, placing itself in the hard rock and metal genre. Our songs are inspired by many influences, and they seem very different from one another. The band combines vintage metal with a modern sound, fusing hard rock and progressive elements, enriched with melodic vocal lines and riffs. Some of the band’s references:
Metallica, Dream Theater, Nevermore, Kansas, Iron Maiden, System of a Down and lots of others.
PD: Tell us the brief history of yourself.
Sebia: It is quite a long story. This band started back in 2018 with a different name. However, Sebia was originally founded around April and May of 2020 during the covid-19 pandemic. The band before being renamed to Sebia had already some tracks in its quiver and a dream of making an album, when everything would be back to normal again. Today the band consists of five members: Nikos Gavalas (Bass, Vocals), Konstantinos Kyritis (Lead Guitarist), Pavlos Kounalakis (Drums) , Marios Theodorou (Rhythm Guitarist).
PD: Who are your musical and non-musical influences?
Sebia: As a five membered band, we have a lot of influences and seem very different from one another. The band combines vintage metal with a modern sound, fusing hard rock and progressive elements, enriched with melodic vocal lines and riffs. Some of the band’s references:
Metallica, Dream Theater, Nevermore, Kansas, Iron Maiden, System of a Down and lots of others.
PD: What are your dreams and goals?
Sebia: As a rock band in Greece, our dreams and goals are centred around making a lasting impact through our music. We aspire to connect with people on an emotional level and inspire them through our songs. We aim to create music that resonates with a wide audience, both locally and internationally. Ultimately, we hope to establish ourselves as a respected and influential presence in the rock music scene.
PD: Who writes your songs, what are they about?
Sebia: We’re all trying to use our own experiences and create lyrics in every song. However, some of the songs have been composed years before the current consistency of the band. “Voices” and “Shipwreck” are tracks that were already created by Nikos Gavalas and Konstantinos Kyritsis musically and lyrically. New songs created have every member’s contribution.
PD: How do you promote your band and shows?
Sebia: We employ various methods to promote our band and shows. Social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, play a significant role in reaching out to our fans and keeping them updated about upcoming shows, releases, and other band-related news. We also collaborate with local music blogs, magazines, and radio stations to gain exposure. Additionally, we actively engage with our fans through live performances, meet-and-greets, and fan interactions to cultivate a loyal and supportive community.
PD: What do you think about downloading music online?
Sebia: Downloading music online is a topic of ongoing debate in the music industry (and within the band *laughing out loud*). While it has undoubtedly changed the landscape of music consumption, there are both positive and negative aspects to consider. On one hand, it provides convenient access to music for listeners and enables artists to reach a wider audience. On the other hand, it can devalue the hard work and effort that musicians put into creating their music. Ideally, we believe in striking a balance where artists are fairly compensated for their work, while also embracing the opportunities that digital platforms offer for exposure and connection with fans.
PD: What song do you wish you’d written and why?
Sebia: There are countless songs we admire and wish we had written, for example “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen. This song is a timeless masterpiece that showcases Freddie Mercury’s exceptional songwriting, vocal range, and musicality. “Bohemian Rhapsody” has stood the test of time and continues to captivate audiences worldwide, and we would be honoured to have created such a groundbreaking and unforgettable song. Although, we have to mention that even Queen when they composed “Bohemian Rhapsody”, they couldn’t be sure about its success totally. Fortune smiles upon the brave.
PD: What are some of your pet peeves?
Sebia: Like anyone else, we have our pet peeves. On the top of our list is when technical issues arise during a live show, such as equipment malfunctions or sound problems. These unexpected challenges can disrupt the flow of the performance and require quick thinking to overcome. However, we always strive to maintain professionalism and deliver the best possible experience despite any setbacks.
PD: What is your proudest moment in music?
Sebia: Our proudest moment in music so far was when we received recognition for our music from a well-respected rock music magazine in Greece. Being featured in a publication that we had admired for years and seeing our hard work acknowledged by industry professionals was an incredibly validating 
and proud moment for us. It affirmed that our dedication to our craft was paying off and motivated us to continue pushing boundaries and pursuing our musical aspirations.
PD: So what are you working on at the moment?
Sebia: We have started preparations for the official release of our debut album on June 9th this year. After that, we want to arrange a live presentation of it in Athens, maybe in October or November. We want to be ready for a tour next year in Greece or abroad. Sebia will always produce new stuff, work on it, and create new moments, which bring inspiration to our ideas and make our living better. Music is a gift, so we advise you to enjoy every aspect!
PD: Tell us about your next shows and why we should be there.
Sebia: We have some exciting upcoming shows that we’d love for you to be a part of. Our next performance is with “The Ripples” at a renowned venue in Athens on June 2nd. We have been working tirelessly to curate an electrifying setlist, incorporating our original songs. Expect a night filled with raw passion, infectious melodies, and an intense live experience. Our goal is to create an atmosphere where everyone can lose themselves in the music and feel the power of rock! Whether you’re a dedicated fan or new to our music, we promise an unforgettable night of energy and connection. We can’t wait to share this experience with you!
Sebia links:
Band/Artist location – Athens Greece
Website – Facebook – You Tube – Bandcamp – Merch –
Instagram – Apple – Spotify – Amazon – TikTok –
Check our page for Sebia
