Q. Tell us about yourself and what you’re trying to accomplish.
A. Hey Im Tino ! I grew up in the heart of downtown Athens, Greece and moved to the United States at the age of nine. I grew up in a family of hard working men, and my mother introduced me to all kinds of music as I got older. Being from Greece, music partakes a huge role in daily life, so I have always loved music, I always found beauty in the art.
So when I moved to the States I started to learn how to play wind and string instruments. As I grew older I started to appreciate sounds and melodies, so I decided to create some of my own. I noticed the American music industry started to flood with nonsense, no true music, just entertainment for the youth. I guess it sparks a bit of anger in my heart, so i quit making rap and I started to create a sound of my own, a sound that is unique to my own life. I don't mind not being recognized, and i'm not asking everyone to like my music, I just want to create something for people to listen to and say: “This, this is real music”.
Q. What is the music scene like in your area? What makes it special to you?
A. Although most artist from the DMV are rappers, I still appreciate the culture and energy. A lot of young artist in the DMV have a story behind their music. I do not listen to rap but when a unique artist comes to town I always love a fun night with some music, any music, because at the end of the day music brings us together, it brings joy and peace to us.
How would you describe your music to someone new to it?
My music has a very European sound to it, so it might not be for anyone. But if you’re in a club with some night lights, my music is exactly what you would play to get everybody grooving.
Q. Where do draw inspiration from?
A. My true motivation comes from my father, we fled our home and came to the States with only $300 cash in our hands. Within a few years he had put a roof over my families head and more food on the plates then I could have imagined. I could not be more proud. Although my musical inspirations comes from the European culture I grew up around, as well as some amazing artists from the 60’s, 80’s and 90’s. I’ve always had a sweet spot for House music and Alternative psychedelic rock. But when I explored deeper into those genres I fell deeply in love.
Q.How do these elements incorporate into your music?
A.I often get told I have a very European sound, of course that is because I have European blood. I'm the type of guy who goes to a club alone just to listen to music. There's always this voice in my head that guides me into making a European type of beat, most often it will turn out to be a house beat. My vocals are heavily inspired by psychedelic sounds, no fast verses, just mellow deep vocals, almost like the feeling you get when you feel like you’re falling while laying bed. I love mellow music, it chills up my spine and massages my ears. I don't make rap because it sounds very dry, unless im telling a story, though I would not consider that rap.
Q. Where do you listen to on a day to day basis? Top 5 list of artists/albums?
A. On a day to day basis I listen to new artist and new music. Although if I had to listen to five artists for the rest of my life I guess my playlist would consist of artists like:
-DJ Boring ( For Tahn )
-Tame Impala ( Any album they are perfection )
-The Doors ( Waiting for the Sun )
-So Inagawa ( Sputnik EP )
-The Stone Roses ( Stone Roses )
Q. Do you ever collaborate with people in your area? If so who and why?
A. I only collaborate with my team, Safe Haven. We have made this team because we are the only ones who understand each others goal with music, we all share a similar childhood. We all grew up in foreign families and some of us have European backgrounds so we know exactly what we like to make. There are many talented kids who I have worked with in the past and I have nothing against them, we just don't float in the same boat when it comes to genre of music.
Q. Anybody you want to collaborate with?
A. I would definitely want to work with some big names like Tame Impala, Diplo, So Inagawa, Frits Wentik, Ian Brown and many many more artists.
Q. What do you think personally sets you apart from the rest of your peers in the music industry? What do you bring to the industry that you believe no one else has the ability to bring?
A. In 2019 the music industry is filled with disrespect for “clout”. There is no appreciation for ones talent, as long as people act a fool and get retweets and likes, thats all that matters. I listen to some of the most talented kids in the music industry and they get no appreciation for what they make. As for myself, I dont make music for everyone. My music is made for a good night out with the team, I make music to lighten the mood, I make music to put a smile on one’s face, Its all about love and appreciation of sound. Ever since the early 2000’s the music industry has changed for the worse, that’s why Safe Haven is here to change that.
Q. What can we expect from the future of your content and why should we keep listening?
A, The music is only going to get better, I am an artist of music, not an artist of gerne. Alternative EP’s are on the way. In the meantime I supply my feed with dance/house music. The people should continue listening because I guarantee a supply of music this era has not heard of, house has been around since the 70’s, but not with a psychedelic twist.
At the moment I create my sounds on FL Studio with two KRK’s and a scarlett microphone, nothing more, nothing less. I lock myself in my basement for hours on hours and I work completely on my own so the sound quality is not the greatest but time will pay it self.
Q. Walk us through the steps you take to create a track. What is your creative process? Do you happen to just walk into the studio and throw some beats on until one sticks? Or is there a more delicate process involved?
A. I am a very appreciative male, I take walks in the forest and sit on cliffs admiring every view I see. While I sit in silence I listen to my surroundings, waterfalls and birds chirping gives me inspiration for my next instrumental. I focus on my inner feelings to guide me towards the story I seek to tell. Then I go home and pour my thoughts into my speakers. My home studio is always dim lit, I cannot work in a bright environment as it forces my feelings to be bright and uplifting, causing me to get distracted from my inner self. I always start with a melody and some kicks to begin the process towards the mood of the track.
Q. Tell us about your newest projects and how it came about.
A. I recently took a trip to home, Greece. I partied through sunset to sunrise with my best friends. Many nights of nothing but laughs and stupidity. So when I came back to the States I wrote a few songs with my brother @bludreamin. We released one of them, move with it. It tells a story about partying in the streets of Europe while falling in love with a girl who ceases to exist. The soothing vocals gives that after party comforting feeling. I have an upcoming project which will contain the same feeling with different stories.
Q. What song would you recommend people start listening to that would get into your music and understand where you are coming from?
A. Move With It ft. Bludreamin. It's not very well mixed as I mixed and mastered the entire track, but it introduces the lister to what I have to offer, I add a little rap ish feeling to it so the listener gets drawn in and the blu reels the listener in by harmonizing into a mellow musical “hug”.
Q, How has your experience in the music industry been thus far?
A. It has been absolutely amazing, working with talented artists has made me appreciate all sorts of music. I have been going to a lot of shows and every time I fall deeply in love with the culture. I want to thank some artists for bringing me to some of their shows and giving me lots of fun nights. Shout out the kid ChanelChachi and The Khan for bringing me out, love the energy and the commitment to their craft.
Q. Finally is there anything you want to say to end off the interview ? Anything you want to plug or announce?
VOLUME 1 EP COMING TO ALL STREAMING PLATFORMS THIS JUNE !!!!!!!!!!!!
Big shoutout to Nefarious Supply Collective for this interview!
Tino signing out !!
Big shout out to Valentino for linking up and interviewing with Nefarious Supply, you can follow him out on Instagram here and be sure to check out his new album “Volume 1” which will be dropping June 22, 2019.
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