Interviews: Absinthe Green

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Alternative Metal band Absinthe Green from Greece. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, did you plan it or come out just like that?

The idea for the band name originated from my past experiences playing RPG games with friends. Absinthe Green was initially a character I created for a specific game, influenced by my fascination with different brands of absinthe. Later, I joined a band that incorporated various personas on stage, and I decided to adopt the character from the RPG because it fit well with the band's theme and was easy to integrate. For nearly 17 years now, this character has been my stage name, and it naturally evolved into the band's name. Given how personal and intimate this project is to me, it made perfect sense to use this name.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

I didn't set out to play any specific genre. When people ask me to describe it, I usually refer to it as alternative metal/hard rock, but that's just a broad label. My music is influenced by so many different styles that it's hard to pinpoint exactly what it is. My main goal has always been to create music that is both emotionally sentimental and fun, rocking to perform on stage.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

I knew Harry, our drummer, from a previous band we played in together in Greece. After I moved to Germany and then returned, Harry was eager to join Absinthe Green. Our bassist, Villy, was the first and last person we auditioned for that role. He fit perfectly with the band from the start, making the audition process incredibly easy—we canceled all other bass auditions. Finding a guitarist was more challenging. It took a while to find someone who understood our vision and was professional enough to fulfill the role with the skill, responsibility, and perspective it needed. We luckily found that person in Panos Economakis, who was introduced to us by our sound engineer, and he fit the bill perfectly.

4. Each band member's favorite band?

Absinthe: Very difficult, I love many different bands, but for the sake of origins I will say Black Sabbath, the Ozzy era

Panos: Opeth

Villy: Black Sabbath, the Dio Era

Harry: Sepultura

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Everyday life, my personal experiences the state of politics, society, and everything that moves me. It might be a news article, a stunning piece of art, a busker's heartfelt song, or even my own struggles with depression and anxiety. War, fashion, a beautiful sculpture, or casually strolling in the streets of Bonn (I always find inspiration in Beethoven’s birthplace)… Essentially, inspiration is everywhere. I strive to keep my music personal, using it as a way to connect with our fans by sharing my emotions and personal perspectives.

6. Where was your last gig?

Our last gig was at the end of a mini-tour in Bulgaria, which we wrapped up with a final show back "home" in Athens. It was the perfect way to conclude a fantastic run of performances, reconnecting with old fans, meeting new ones, and bonding with some cool people along the way.

7. Where would you like to act?

We would love to perform anywhere that respects artists and bands, whether it's at major festivals like Wacken, Graspop, and Download, or in smaller, more intimate venues, I would love to play in Tavastia Klubi in Helsinki, for sentimental reasons, and also to fill the Roundhouse venue in London. Playing at large festivals is always thrilling, but we also cherish the close connection we can make with the audience in smaller settings. For us, the key is mutual respect and the opportunity to share our music with people who truly appreciate it.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Absinthe: Black Sabbath and HIM/ Ville Valo, Tom Waits, Nick Cave, Jack White, and many others that I’m pretty sure forgetting.

Panos: Opeth.

Villy: Maneskin.

Harry: Slipknot.

9. Whom not?

We wouldn’t want anything to do with anyone who doesn't uphold principles of equality and respect for all individuals, regardless of their background or identity. I have no interest in working with individuals or bands who espouse homophobic, transphobic, or any other forms of discriminatory beliefs. Absinthe Green as a personal project as well as a full act will always oppose associating with bands that align themselves with far-right or fascist ideologies. It's crucial to me that any collaboration aligns with my values of inclusivity, tolerance, respect, and dignity for all sentient beings.

10. Have any of you ever suffered from stage fright? Any tips for beginners on how to beat that?

Absinthe: Strangely enough, the stage is where I feel most at home. I feel like I can finally express myself and share my music with the world. Apart from that, we approach rehearsals as if they were live performances, imagining the audience's presence. This helps us build confidence and ensures we're prepared mentally and emotionally for each show.

Panos: For beginners, a helpful approach is to mentally transport yourself back to the rehearsal room. Imagine there's no audience around and focus on your performance as if it's a practice session.

Harry: As a drummer who often plays with a click track, there are always technical considerations. My advice is to stay focused and play as if no one is watching—just trust in your preparation and enjoy the moment.

Villy: The key to overcoming stage fright is relentless practice. Keep practicing until performing becomes second nature to you. It's all about building confidence through preparation. 

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

There are too many to list! Absinthe Green's music is unique because it weaves together elements from a diverse array of genres and artists. During the period when I was writing these songs, I was deeply immersed in analyzing pop song compositions while pursuing my master's in songwriting and guitar. Some artists and bands whose songwriting I admire, -on the top of my head- include Nick Cave, Mark Lanegan, Dissection, HIM, Sentenced, Cream, Placebo, Melissa Auf der Maur, Crosses, Mike Patton's entire body of work, Turbonegro, and even Visage, Ultravox, Bauhaus — quite a mix, right? Musically, I draw from a wide range of influences, and it's always fascinating to hear what our listeners pick up on as they explore Absinthe Green's music.

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

Well, let's just say I've been asked for some interesting souvenirs! Everything from locks of hair to my used nylons, and one even asked for me to spit on them. 

13. What do you think of your fans?

I believe our fans, especially those who truly engage with our music and connect deeply with the lyrics, are incredibly emotional and intelligent individuals, whose connection to my empathetic expressions fuels my passion to continue creating. Whether on stage or off, I cherish the moments we share together—rocking out, shedding tears, and headbanging in unison. This energy exchange is priceless and is the driving force behind why I do what I do.

14. What do you think of our site?

We appreciate your website's extensive music database and your passionate exploration of diverse bands and artists. It's evident that you approach your coverage with a genuine love for hard music.

15. Something to add?

Thank you for the interview. Music has a unique power to unite us all, and we're grateful to share our part in that journey with you. Feel free to explore our music on our website at absinthegreen.com