An Interview with Manos Milonakis — Composer
Interviewed by Richard P John, originally published at TheCreativityToolbox.com
Manos Milonakis is a composer/producer/performer and an architect. Manos recently composed the score for the theatrical adaption of Thomas Vinterberg’s ‘Festen’ for National Theatre of Northern Greece
Manos is also founder of “TM arxitektones” an architecture/design studio based in Thessaloniki, Greece.

Could you briefly describe your compositional process? Does it differ with each work?
My compositional process is very much based on the studio setup I’m developing at the time (it changes very often) or what instruments I choose for the specific project. Then, it’s usually a matter of creating the right mood so that the process becomes a productive one.
When mood is set, I usually make a multitrack loop, using hardware or software instruments and toys, set it to play endlessly for hours and try things on top. It may be more of an electronic-music-production way of thinking, but it’s interesting to see how it applies into to classical music.
When I already have a pile of sounds or melodies, I start rejecting what’s really not needed in the song. So, in the end, my process is more subtractive than additive.
Who or what have been your greatest influences in your life in regard to creativity?
There are artists and composers around my age who are producing similar type of music, being at a similar step in their careers and that itself is very relieving and inspiring… feels like “you are not alone”! We sometimes communicate, collaborate and inspire each other and that’s beautiful.
But what really influenced and boosted my creativity, I think, is my studies in Architecture School. During this period, I met people that changed my life and I made some of my best friends. There was a competitive and great, creative vibe that you felt it just made your mind spin faster and helped you discover and define your boundaries as a creative person. To see how far you can get.
What are your greatest artistic challenges and how do you overcome them?
My greatest fear is the so called “writer’s block”. I wonder what would happen if one day I run out of sounds and melodies, as well as if I stop finding meaning in what I do.
Seriously, there can be hard times, especially when the society you’re living in is not an artistic heaven, but I enjoy finding an escape through travelling.
You are also the founder TM Arxitektones. How does each of you creative outlets feed or inspire the other?
Architecture has given me great lessons about structure, harmony, rhythm and the proportions of things. It also tought me how to make mockups and models, to see what works before I go for a recording session with my collaborators. But most importantly, it taught me to balance between an artistic and rational mindset, a mix which I think helps a lot when you run two businesses on your own.
Imagination needs a well engineered ground in order to expand. On the other hand, I like it how music subconsciously introduces the sense of time to my spatial creations and relaxes my soul from the sometimes unpleasant office paperwork.
What do you love most about what you do? What do you dislike about it?
I love the rewarding moment when someone’s telling you his feelings/life is changed because of the music you wrote or the house you designed for him/her.
I dislike that my job involves countless hours working in front of a computer screen.
https://soundcloud.com/manosmilonakismusic/sets/festen
What advice would you give to an aspiring composer?
Believe in yourself and create your chances.
Be there.
Be open to collaborations and be always proactive.
Are there any other creative pursuits you’d like to explore outside of music?
I really enjoy cooking…It’s like mixing a song, or building something…proportions, harmony, structure, all there! I wish to develop more on that.
Do you have any quotes or a motto that you live your life by or think about often?
A Bjork lyric says “If you leave it alone, it might just happen”…I welcome the addition of a big: NOT.
Favourite book(s)?
Italo Calvino — Invisible Cities

