The latest offering from Tash’s Movement Recordings finds label stalwart Simos Tagias returning for a new EP. Since first emerging nearly a decade ago, the Greek artist has continued to earn the praise of progressive music tastemakers Cid Inc, Guy J, Hernan Cattaneo, and Nick Warren. Revered imprints such as Higher States, Juicebox Music, Mango Alley, meanwhile, Proton Music, Replug, and Sudbeat have all served as recent landing spots for his groovy melodic sound. Now, on the strength of 2020’s ‘Molecular’, Simos makes a welcome return to Movement Recordings with ‘Mattel’ alongside a remix from Stereo Underground.
EG caught up with Simos Tagias to learn more about the drop of ‘Mattel’ on Movement Recordings, his inspirations, and ambitions, his relationship with the label, the state of the Greek scene, and more.
EG: Hello Simos! It’s a pleasure to have you here with us today. How have you been? How’s the year going so far?
Simos Tagias: Hello! It’s great to be here and thank you for hosting me. I’m fine, healthy at the moment, and hoping for this year to be a better one for all of us, so we can finally get back to normal. I’m waiting for some great things to happen, so the year started very well for me.
EG: Congratulations on the release of your ‘Mattel’ EP for Movement Recordings! What has the initial reception been like so far?
Simos Tagias: Thank you, I’m happy to be back on such a great label as Movement Recordings. It’s been amazing so far, I’ve got so much warm feedback and messages about ‘Mattel’ and I’m very excited for this release. Many people asked me for the track ID when I played it in my sets a long time ago.
EG: What is the inspiration behind ‘Mattel’? What will your fans find on this one?
Simos Tagias: The inspiration behind this track was a decision I made to get a little step out by my classic deep and dark progressive style and to experiment with a different sound. Initially, I was thinking of doing something close to melodic house, but the track ended up as a combination of a prog groove with melodic elements, thing which I really liked. The fans love the energy on ‘Mattel’, the melody, the dreamy pads, and according to their feedback, a happy feeling. Just like I first felt!
EG: ‘Mattel’ also includes a stunning remix by Stereo Underground. What do you look for when listening back to a remix for the first time? Does this remix have one of those ‘Oh, I wish I had thought of that!’ moments?
Simos Tagias: When I first heard the remix, I said ‘Wow!! What is this? So beautiful’. This breakbeat took me back to the 00s. I couldn’t expect anything better than that! There is no doubt about Stereo Underground, such a great talent. I’ve been a fan of his music long time now and I feel very privileged to be remixed by him. There are many things on this remix I wish I had thought of, like the breakbeat, pads, the beautiful sounds, and definitely the intro…I’m in love with this intro. Amazing remix!
“The fans love the energy on ‘Mattel’, the melody, the dreamy pads, and according to their feedback, a happy feeling. Just like I first felt!”
EG: Why did you decide to go with Movement for this particular release? What is it about the label that you find attractive?
Simos Tagias: Movement Recordings is among the best labels in the electronic dance scene, with many achievements all these years worldwide. Me and Tash, the label owner, have known each other for many years. We are also from the same place and played together in the past. Our music taste is very similar, so it wasn’t so hard for me to choose this label. It’s very important to me that it’s a Greek-based label, and after all these years of cooperation, they know me well and support my needs.
EG: Is there a story behind every track that you write? Are some of them ‘just’ sonic explorations? What kind of things inspire you?
Simos Tagias: There is no particular story behind my tracks. Inspiration and creativity depend on each days’ mood. It’s a challenge to be in the studio because you never know how the day will end. All these years I’ve been inspired by other producers, musicians from the electronic scene and different genres, but the thing I really love and inspires me the most is to be out in the nature. It just fills me with new ideas.
EG: What does your studio look like at the moment? Have you found any new gear or software that caught your ears recently?
Simos Tagias: My studio is very simple, small, and functional. Everything I need is on my laptop. A midi keyboard, a sound card, and a screen are all I have. Never was very fancy of hardware synths, even if many friends have been trying to persuade me that it’s the best choice. I like to have everything in one place. Lots of cables for my taste. Recently I found a nice limiter very useful for mixing and mastering.
EG: What is the progressive house scene looking like right now in Greece? Where would you take us during a crazy night out in the country?
Simos Tagias: The scene in Greece unfortunately has been hit hard by covid. No parties or events the last two years with all these restrictions, but I try to be optimistic and wait for better days to come. Crazy night in Greece? That would probably be during the summer, so I would defiantly take you to Mykonos and let you choose the club.
“All these years I’ve been inspired by other producers, musicians from the electronic scene, and different genres, but the thing I really love and inspires me the most is to be out in the nature. It just fills me with new ideas”
EG: What else can we expect from Simos Tagias in the near future? What new milestones are you looking out for in the coming months?
Simos Tagias: New music, definitely! I have some upcoming releases later this year and a lot of unfinished projects in my studio. Hopefully to some gigs and new cooperations soon. A milestone for me is to continue to deliver good music and to achieve my goals. Setting my targets high is a promise to my fans that I’ll never stop until I reach the top. It’s my way to show them my appreciation for their love and support all those years.
EG: Thank you so much for your time, Simos! We wish you all the best for the future!
Simos Tagias: Thank you for this beautiful conversation, really enjoyed it!! Wish you luck and success.
SImos Tagias’ ‘Mattel’ is out now via Movement Recordings. Purchase your copy here.
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