The Origin & Identity
How did you all come together as a band, and when did it feel real?
Kostas: We met at different times, all sharing the same need to create something genuine — without pretension or labels. When we started writing our first songs and felt how naturally the connection flowed between us, we realized that Born Slave was more than just a project; it was an extension of what each of us needed to express.
Where did the band name come from, and why does it feel like you?
Kostas: Born Slave comes from a deep awareness of our condition as slaves from birth — whether to our own passions, our identity, or the rules imposed by society. Despite those chains, we constantly seek freedom and fulfillment in every form. Our second album, Raw Emotions, explores that feeling of being dominated by a range of emotions you can’t always escape from.
Did you have a clear vision of your sound from the start, or did it develop naturally?
Kostas: It developed completely naturally. Each member has very different influences — we go from punk to classic heavy metal, from opera to modern progressive. That diversity is our strength; everyone brings their own musical journey into the band’s sound.
What should listeners know about your new album?
Kostas: Raw Emotions is a visceral scream of emotional overflow — love, hate, hope, euphoria. It has both intense and brighter songs. The album artwork represents that explosion of feelings: each emotion is a color invading your mind when you can’t hold it back any longer.
Influences & Creative Process
Who or what has influenced your sound in ways people might not expect?
Kostas: Each member’s influence has been essential, but I’d highlight Juanma’s passion for opera. That element opened the door for us to explore new sound combinations and gave him total freedom to use his voice as an expressive and versatile instrument.
When creating a song, do you follow a routine or mix it up each time?
Kostas: We don’t have a fixed routine. Usually, someone brings in an almost complete idea, and we all develop it together. Juanma and Pablo focus heavily on the vocal lines, while Pedro and I work on the general structure to balance all instruments. We make sure each element has its own space to shine.
Are there moods, riffs, or ideas you find yourselves returning to?
Kostas: Not consciously. Sometimes we lean toward certain scales or musical resources, but we always start from the emotion or idea we want to convey in that specific moment.
How do you make writing decisions — together or does someone usually lead?
Kostas: Always together. There’s a great atmosphere of respect and openness to ideas. We analyze everything from both a technical and emotional perspective — what the song itself is asking for. We always reach a consensus, and that defines Born Slave’s identity.
Musical Technique / Composition
When layering sounds, do you focus more on tone or atmosphere?
Kostas: We mainly focus on tone. However, we’re increasingly working on conceptual themes where atmosphere will play a bigger role.
Do you use alternate tunings, odd meters, or unusual chords?
Kostas: Yes. We play mostly in Eb standard tuning, and Drop D for the heavier songs. We lean toward the harmonic minor scale, which gives a particular color to our sound. We also like to play with time signatures, moving from 4/4 to 5/4, 7/4, and so on — depending on what each song needs.
How much of your arrangements come from improvisation versus planning?
Kostas: Most of it is carefully planned. We like to work every detail with precision. Live, we play around a bit more — intros, transitions between songs, vocal layers — but even that is rehearsed thoroughly.
Stories & Experiences
What’s one moment that truly captures what this band is about?
Kostas: Every show does. We give everything on stage, and the audience feels it. We love interacting, breaking the barrier between the stage and the crowd. We want people to live the experience with us.
Does playing live bring out a different side of your music?
Kostas: Not really. We’re the same on and off stage — no characters, no acting. What you see is who we are. Each member represents an essential part of Born Slave.
What’s the quirkiest experiment you’ve done in the studio?
Kostas: We haven’t done any radical experiments yet, beyond the usual technical recording tests. But that time will come, for sure.
Has a fan ever done or said something that made you see your music differently?
Kostas: Not through words directly, but through their reactions. When we feel that connection — the applause, the energy — we realize our music reaches people in ways we never imagined. That’s something we truly treasure.
Current Inspirations & Recommendations
Any up-and-coming musicians you think deserve more attention?
Kostas: Many. The internet is full of amazing independent artists. It’s hard to single out one, but our message would be: go discover new bands, give them a “like,” follow them, listen to them. That’s the best support you can give to music that’s born from genuine passion.
Vision & Reflection
Where do you see your sound heading next? Any experiments you’re itching to try?
Kostas: Right now, we’re fully focused on Raw Emotions, a record we poured our hearts into. But we’re already thinking about the third album — it will definitely be a step forward. We want to surprise and outdo ourselves in every way.
Which track do you feel captures your band best?
Kostas: We couldn’t pick just one. Each song has its own process, story, and identity. Every track represents a part of who we are — both as a band and as a sonic concept.
What do you hope people feel when they sink into your music?
Kostas: Surprise, freshness — and above all, connection with the emotional message we’re delivering. We want it to be an experience, not just something to listen to.
Turbo Regime
Fuzz or distortion? Distortion.
Analog or digital effects? A mix of both.
Sabbath or Zeppelin? Sabbath.
Heavy riff or mind-bending solo? A mix of both.
Vintage gear or modern kit? A mix of both.
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