Interview: Pera sta Ori (Numb Capsule records, Yellow Machines, Brokntoys)

Interviewed by Helena Markos

PERA STA ORI is the project of George Kontogiannidis , who comes from Edessa and is also owner of Numb Capsule Records. He studied Music Technology in Thessaloniki (Greece) and his initial compositions (back in 2007) were under the pseudonym Fragile Balloon, under which he has several releases. PERA STA ORI is the project of George Kontogiannidis , who comes from Edessa and is also owner of Numb Capsule Records. He studied Music Technology in Thessaloniki (Greece) and his initial compositions (back in 2007) were under the pseudonym Fragile Balloon, under which he has several releases.

Since 2017 – now being Pera Sta Ori- he chooses a different , more dance-oriented direction. His music is a blend of DnB, breaks, futuristic IDM and Sheffield-bleeps. The compilation: Fragments and a bit later his EP ‘ΙΣΚΙΟΣ’ on London based Yellow Machines, were only the beginning.

Hyponic, DJ Mag, Bandcamp, Magnetic Mag, Igloo and more, gave his EP ’ΙΣΚΙΟΣ’, excellent reviews. What followed, was his remix on Brainwaltzera’s ‘Dropp On Gminor’ for Touched Music.

So far, 2020 has been a very creative year with sold-out vinyl editions, compilations and remix albums on various labels such as Furthur Electronix, Brokntoys, Musar, EVEL, Mindcolormusic and Detroit Underground. Pera Sta Ori has joined events of the electronic and dance community alongside μ-ziq, Ziur, Rian Treanor, Mark Fell, Pita and Daedelus.

Today, we are happy to present PERA STA ORI, his work as well as his views on the current situation, created by the pandemic. George thinks that anything that happens in the world can affect his creativity and production. He does not feel very optimistic about the future and he believes that we need empathy more than ever before. George is a passionate and focused artist, with a humble attitude and very attuned to the current status quo and emerging social needs. Finally, he talks about his upcoming work and collaborations. We are very pleased to host his words on Tales of Psychofonia and we are looking forward to his, surely, bright future.

T.O.P: I want to ask you how are the pandemic and current events in the world affecting you?

I believe that we are experiencing dystopic times and that a future condition has become a reality, sooner than expected or hoped. On a personal level, I believe that I have managed to cope so far, mainly due to my focus on partnership, creativity and online communication.

Our world is rapidly changing for the worse and and I believe that what we need is clear thinking and empathy.

T.O.P: Who is PERA STA ORI? What are the different aliases?

Pera sta Ori is the cold/fresh air or the mountains at the place where I grew up; Edessa. It is the weirdness of composing Sheffield Bleeps in the Greek rural countryside. Previous projects of mine are: Fragile Balloon , Tsachlamsaac, Epiphany of a Shepherd & Apoist.

T.O.P: How has your journey into the music been so far?

It’s been like surfing on crème caramel!

T.O.P: Is there any person, moment or experience that has influenced your production?

Anything that happens on the planet can be considered as influence for an artist. For me, issues like the ongoing fight of the Kurds, immigration, and broader social issues such as race discrimination and the fight for equality and freedom are of major importance, so keeping silent is no longer an option for anyone.

A track is more than the sounds and melody that compose it. It is also the references and the allegory that surround it, so there lies our opportunity to become the voice of the oppressed and to influence towards a more humanitarian direction.

T.O.P: How would you describe your creative process? What inspires you most?

I try to enjoy every part of the creative process, through a freestyle composure approach. There’s always an initial idea on my mind but the element of surprise is prevalent. To the second part of your question, I would answer: The fox diving in the snow!

T.O.P: How do you feel the electronic music world will emerge in a post-pandemic era?

The electronic music community will have to struggle more this time. Issues like, travelling restrictions, police state repression, Brexit, will all be there to prevent us from sharing and enjoying music in the post- pandemic era. However, I believe that people’s need for communication, interaction and entertainment is now imperative so this will only be to our benefit.

T.O.P: What do you think are the major challenges that artists face today?

The most basic challenge is making a living and then is motivation and vision-dream. When one has invested in time, studies, money and all of a sudden you are in a precarious situation, then future is more than uncertain. Some alternatives will certainly come up, so we have to keep a close eye on all the new opportunities and developments of the digital world.

T.O.P: Any upcoming projects/collaborations to announce?

Two new 12” EPs are coming in April. The one is “SICK’ AΠΑΝ” on British ‘Furthur Electronix’ and the other is “IMMI” on Dutch ‘Musar Recordings’, where there’s a brilliant remix by Chilean producer Kamila Govorçin. In the meantime, I’m creating new material for future releases..

T.O.P: Which piece of music or album would you suggest as a mind/soul healer?

‘Adnans’ by Orbital is the absolute healer for me. I will always love it because it has been a companion from my teenage years til now.