Φοίβος Ζαχαρόπουλος: 'The guitar is the singer in my songs'

Φοίβος Ζαχαρόπουλος reveals himself to us, on Fuzzy Hound.

Welcome to Fuzzy Hound, Φοίβο. Let's start with your debut EP Distorted. Are you happy with how things have gone since it came out?

Glad to be here. I'm happy first of all, that it came out. From there on, everything's moving slow and steady, with positive feedback and generally the vibe is positive when it comes to the E.P. Of course if it weren't for the pandemic, it would've been easier to get the word out with gigs and so on. But okay, I hope that in the future I'll be able to do that too.

Φοίβος Ζαχαρόπουλος as a guitarist is considered widely known in music circles. Even though you've been a professional guitarist for many years with a rich career path, you only just recently released your first solo work. Why did it take so long and what made you decide to go for it now?

My job definitely played a part, along with the packed schedule that usually came with it. Besides that, there were also some other attempts with bands, but without result. Writing instrumental pieces essentially started when I began writing "Distorted". I guess I decided it's better to start something on my own and find other people along the way, rather than wait for a core group of people to form, with whom I'd write music together. The free time we had over the last two years also played a role. It put me in a process of resetting my priorities and bringing balance between my job and what I want to do as a musician outside of work.

Your instrumental compositions are characterized by your impressive guitar technique but at the same time also by sensitivity to melody and riffs, as well as by a careful approach to the sounds you choose. Tell us about the compositions on the EP. What was on Φοίβος Ζαχαρόπουλος's mind when he was creating these compositions.

Thank you very much for the kind words. What I had in mind when I was writing the tracks was to not make them sound like pieces written just so the guitarist could solo. I wanted them to be songs, in the sense that if I took the guitar out and put in vocals, nothing essential would change. Basically, I wanted the guitar to be the singer. With that in mind, I believe the composition should give equal weight, if not more, to the whole song, not just the solo parts. I've always liked it when the solo instrument gives that little extra to a beautiful piece, rather than making a not-so-well-crafted song.

What drives you to create a composition? What might inspire you to pick up the guitar and "cook up" a riff or a melody?

It's all about mood. I'm not one of those people who'll force themselves to write something. Usually, it just happens. Either because I'm studying something and it sounds interesting to me, or a sound that leads me to certain chords or a melody. Inspiration for me usually comes from sounds or from some emotion. First I hear it in my head and then I transfer it to the guitar.

Since the '80s, a great many guitar-driven records with instrumental compositions have been released. Many of them have brought legendary figures to the fore, like Steve Vai and Joe Satriani for example. Is there one or more of these that hold a special place for you? Does Φοίβος Ζαχαρόπουλος have any musical role model?

Anyone who plays guitar, I don't think doesn't hold those two you mentioned in very high regard. Besides that, personally as role models, or if you like as my main influences, are guitarists who as composers have written some very beautiful songs, like David Gilmour, Jimmy Page, Tony Iommi, Dave Mustaine and of course many, many more.

There are so many technically great guitarists all over the world and in different genres. What do you think a guitarist needs to stand out as a personality among so many others?

Nowadays, if you've got strong social media presence, I think you can do a whole lot of things. Like you said, there are so many technically good guitarists. Whether that's a fair system or not is another conversation. What I see happening is that to stand out, someone needs to have lots of followers, play difficult and impressive stuff from the comfort of their own home, and of course have a strong personality on top of it. There's an interview with Lukatheron this very topic, I'd suggest checking it out. So this doesn't get misunderstood, I'm in no way implying that we shouldn't play difficult and impressive stuff or that we shouldn't do it from home, etc. I do the same thing myself. What I'm saying is that nowadays, technique has outstripped artistry to a large degree, and I miss musicians who could say everything with just a couple of 'words', rather than rambling on without any point.

How do you see the level of Greek guitarists and musicians in general? Are there any that stand out to you and why?

The level in Greece is very high and keeps rising all the time. We've got nothing to envy from abroad. Maybe just the extra opportunities that might come our way because of bigger music industries elsewhere, but that's about it. There are so many of them and I wouldn't want to name names, because I'd surely forget someone and then feel bad about it! I'm sure people already know them and everyone stands out in their own way.

Let's get back to you. What comes after Distorted? Do you have material in the drawer for the next work?

There's definitely a complete album in my mind. Some pieces have been written, some are half-finished. I'm generally in the process of gathering material, until the number needed for the album is complete.

If you had the chance to appear at a big guitar festival, who would you want to share the stage with that day? What would be the ideal, even dream, lineup for you?

Tough question. On drums I'd want Danny Carey of Tool, on bass Adam "Nolly" Getgood, formerly of Periphery, producer and guitarist, and on keys Derek Sherinian, since he's also played on my E.P.

Thank you so much for the chat, and we wish you all the best going forward! To close, feel free to add anything you'd like as well as let us know about any upcoming plans you have.

Take care, and thank you too for the chat we had. Let's all stay healthy and happy and everything else will fall into place. There'll definitely be some gigs happening in the fall, so I'll be waiting for you all there.