Interview with DISILLUSIVE PLAY

December 31, 2023

What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?

Hello and thank you very much for the invitation!

I will talk for myself (Antigoni), I started piano lessons when I was in the elementary school. At some point, I stopped because I needed more time for school lessons, but this, was just the beginning. During my studies in the National Technical University of Athens, I started lessons on Contemporary Singing in the National Conservatory of Athens, which I finished in 2015. What I do for living, actually, is not singing. I’m a nuclear physicist and I work as a postdoc researcher in a project that is related with neutron cancer therapy.

What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?

I spend the most of my day time in physics and music, but I also like salsa dancing and going to the gym in group lessons, such as zumba and aerobic. Personally, I feel alive when I do several and different things. I find very interesting to change positions and roles.

How long has your band been around? Also, please tell me about the dynamic of the band of what brought you all together.

The initial idea for the creation of the band existed since 2008, when I (Antigoni Kalamara-vocals) met Jim Knikos (the lead guitarist and the music and lyric writer of the band), actually the heart of “Disillusive Play”. The story started when Jim saw me singing in a conservatory event video that was uploaded in youtube. He looked for the girl who had uploaded the video, and then he found me through facebook. To me, this story still sounds like a fairy-tale! Later on, Aris Dolianitis (drums), Fotis Trivizas (rhythm guitar) and Michalis Mytilinis (bass) joined the band gradually.

Where are you based and how did that influence your music?

We are based in Athens, Greece, but since we have more international than national influences in our music, I would say that the place has not affect us so much.

How did you come up with the name of your band and what does it mean to you?

The name of the band was an idea of Jim Knikos (lead guitarist) and Panos Zotos (rhythm guitarist some years ago). It means that our songs are going to be about problems of everyday life, by dealing with thoughts that reveal the deeper feelings and help us escape from the illusions.

Tell me about your most memorable shows.

Although we love every live show, our biggest live performance was at the Metalhead Meeting in Bucharest in May 2023! It was an amazing experience! Other memorable shows are in Berlin, Germany in 2018 and in Balkan Metal Meeting in Sofia, Bulgaria in September 2023!

What is your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?

Our favorite venue, up to now, is Roxempo in Bucharest and we would like to play in Malakasa (where the Rockwave Festival takes place).

If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?

Iron Maiden, Judas Priest and Avenged Sevenfold.

What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into playing in a band and some advice that you would give to your younger self?

Keep on trying no matter the obstacles that you will have to overcome. It’s not an easy way and it needs a lot of work, sacrifices and patience, but it is worthy. Moreover, learn to accept the fails, either they are yours or they are your band members’ and always be kind.

Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?

Demon’s glove. It’s a song that I think almost everyday, since it describes the despair that the modern way of living brings.

Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most?

I love every song, I can’t choose one! But I think that the most requested ones are the “In the Blink of a Life” and “Queen of the Night”.

What is the creative process for the band, and what inspires you to write your music?

Since our new album was prepared during the pandemic, each one of us was writing his ideas separately and we combined everything in the studio afterwards. The main sources of inspiration are the modern society, everyday life and feelings.

What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?

We like to talk about things that anyone can feel. In the new album a wide range of thoughts is revealed concerning criticism, racism, inequality, persistence, weakness, unfulfilled dreams, family, past relationships, life choices, suppressed souls, despair and hope.

Do you have any new singles, videos, or albums out that you would like to tell me and your fans about?

We are very proud that we managed after a very hard working period to release our second album entitled “Songs for the Non-Existent” in August 2023 by Wormholedeath records.

✨ For physical CD orders follow the link below:

https://www.auralwebstore.com/shop/index.php  (search for “Disillusive Play”)

or

✨ You can also listen it now on the link below:

Moreover, don’t miss our NEW videos!

Disillusive Play - Queen Of the Night (Official Video)

 

Disillusive Play - Sisyphus (Official Lyric Video)

 

Disillusive Play Parallel Lives (A Song for the Non Existent - Live)

 

What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?

Our next live show is on 13th of January 2024. We will be special guests for the 10 years Anniversary of “Illusory” and also, we are in arrangements for the official album release show.

How can your fans best keep up to date with you, any socials you want people to check out?

Find us in the following links:

PS.

We want to thank you, once again, for the invitation and also Angels PR for arranging this nice interview. Moreover, we want to thank our audience for the support!

Stay heavy!

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