Iam Nothe is the solo outfit of Spyreas Sid, frontman of Cyanna Mercury (2014-2017) and Cyanna (1999-2013), two of the most prominent alternative rock bands in Greece in the '00s and '10s. Spyreas was the lyricist and with his brother Nick, the main songwriters of both bands and together they released numerous albums, EPs and singles, they toured Greece, the Balkans (Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, North Macedonia) and did a round of European festivals (Switzerland, Germany) and performed live on Greek and French TV. With their second band, Cyanna Mercury, the two brothers were invited to perform in Mezzo Voce for french national TV in 2014, releasing their best work two years later, “Archetypes”, an album that was widely distributed around Europe in vinyl format. Cyanna Mercury disbanded in 2017, and soon after Spyreas started composing and producing his debut solo album as Iam Nothe.
By Kamil Bobin
Discovered via Musosoup
Kamil) Hey Iam Nothe, super nice to have the chance to chat with you. What first got you into music?
My older brother Nick was into music, playing the piano in the next room as far back as I can remember myself, so as I was growing up I was near music happening all the time. So as a child I realised I loved music very early and when I reached high school I got to start doing my own thing in bands with friends. Eventually I started working with my brother and that never stopped since in one way or another.
Who would you most like to collaborate with?
They are all dead.
Your latest song is 'Holding On'. Can you tell us more about the making of it and if there were any unusual things happening during the process?
"Holding On" is one of the songs I wrote in 2019, and one of my personal favs cos it captures all those elements I wanted this record to have, the groove, the melody and the mediterranean nostalgic vibe. The lead guitar was recorded on a summer day that year when Joseph Kiritsis would come and help me with the guitar parts, while the song was still a demo, and we never redid the takes cos we loved it.
Can you write something about the idea for the music video? Where did it come from?
The idea came out of a conversation we had on Skype with Sophie Graves, the artist who created the animation. She asked me questions about things in the song and the album in general, and as I was talking she came up with all these ideas of animals and things moving and dancing. She is a great artist and a beautiful person. It was a pleasure.
How was the cooperation with Joseph Kiritsis? Will there be more songs with him?
He is a great musician with a sharp taste for tone and riffs. We have already done another song to be included in his band's next album, not sure when that will be out.
What is the biggest challenge of being an artist?
Remembering why you do this when things get rough, cos they do all the time.
How do you structure your day?
I don't. I've given up. I just try to do what I can every day and enjoy myself.
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of music?
Lately I've been spending quality time doing housework with power tools. It relaxes me.
Do you sing in the shower? What songs?
Sometimes I do. I'll sing Johnny Cash or some blues. Something cool and low key.
What are your plans for the future?
Try to be happy and healthy.