Originally hailing from Athens and now based in London, Laertis Liakopoulos is a singer-songwriter and guitarist who crafts a progressive folk sound under his first name, Laertis. His musical journey has involved various phases and today, his folk-inspired era redefines the genre by blending traditional and Mediterranean folk, soul, Latin, rock, hip hop and pop, all tinged with electronic elements.
Laertis draws inspiration from the Jungian Shadow theory and a movement of fierce individualism, leading to a profound realisation; conforming to societal norms and expectations not only restricts true emotional expression but also fosters self-focused attitudes that impede personal and collective growth. This understanding permeates his music, giving it a depth and authenticity that is both thought-provoking and emotionally charged while often framed by supernatural and folklore contexts.
Since unveiling his sound in 2020 with the debut single “Just U,” Laertis has built an impressive catalogue, including a single with Brutal Ordem Nula, a collaborative EP with Markiif, the 2022 album Les Vulnerables, and an EP of live recordings. This year, he opened a new chapter in his musical journey with the release of the single “Things” which he continues with his latest single, “San Liono.”
“San Liono,” meaning ‘As I melt’ in Greek, was inspired by the striking red sky over Athens in 2021, a hauntingly beautiful result of the wildfires that ravaged the country that summer. This paradox of beauty born from destruction led Laertis to reflect on how we sometimes sever ties with those we love deeply, mistreating relationships just as we do our natural environment.
As the second single from his upcoming EP Free, a four-track project, “San Liono” delivers an atmospheric pop-tinged alternative folk outing. Brought in by gentle sonic textures met with the bounce of acoustic guitar flourishes, the artist’s delicate vocals hover above to spin lively melodies as the track slips into a mellow groove.
With the soft snap of drums and warm pips of brass, the track launches into a danceable Mediterranean folk fusion cut with subtly spacey dashes, catchy vocal hooks and lead instrumental runs. It’s a superb showcase of his creativity as a songwriter as well as his performance panache to bring his sound to life in such an engaging way. With his upcoming EP on the horizon, we can’t wait to see what this visionary artist has in store for the rest of 2024 and beyond.
Listen to San Liono below
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