Based in Limassol, Cyprus, Bob Saganas is an exciting artist whose music blends technical skill and complex composition. A seasoned guitar teacher, songwriter and virtuoso, he draws inspiration from the intricate worlds of math rock and progressive rock, citing influences like Polyphia, Charlie Robbins, Ichika Nito and the legendary Steve Vai.
His life’s work extends beyond music, as heâs also a practicing medical doctor specialising in pathology; a dual career that uniquely shapes his creative vision. His single titled âGrey Matterâ serves as an extraordinary introduction to his instrumental musical output. Drawing inspiration from his studies of the brain and central nervous system, the track is as much a challenge for the mind as it is a delight for the ears.
Bob explains that the songâs intricate composition mirrors the complexity of its subject matter, bringing together elements of math rock and Flamenco guitar to create a truly thrilling experience. Recorded at Ocean Studio Norway, âGrey Matterâ puts Bob Saganasâ exceptional attention to detail and innovative approach to music production on full display.
The track features an incredible collaboration with drummer Achilles Papagrigoriou, whose skillful percussion talent provides a rhythmic backdrop to Bobâs mesmerising guitar work. The interplay between real drum tracking, eight-string guitar and Flamenco-inspired elements results in a pioneering sound that engaging and enjoyable from start to finish.
Featuring a live performance video, the track captures Bob and Achilles in the studio, started off with rumbling drum rolls and slick guitar runs on Bob’s eight-string instrument, delivering an astonishing demonstration of the two artist’s synergy. Gliding into moments of dreamy aesthetic with stripped back beats and airy sliding notes, the contrast between the chugging rhythms and ethereal tones presents a hypnotic listening experience before Bob switches to his Steve Vai Signature Ibanez to serve up a spectacular wah-drenched solo brimming with rapid tapped flickers and whammy bar swoops, offering a sensational, invigorating moment.
Floating back into the clean tones of his eight-string, the riffs and runs of the intro return to craft a memorable finale to the track. In just over two minutes, Bob Saganas delivers a superb showcase of his groundbreaking compositional flair and world-class performance talent, firmly placing him on the map of must watch instrumental artists in the math rock sphere.
We caught up with Bob Saganas to find out more about his musical journey so far, his new single “Grey Matter” and what he’s got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with Bob Saganas below.
Whatâs your earliest memory of making music?
I was about 6 years old when I held my fatherâs old classical guitar and attempted to play a few simple melodies, mainly Spanish and Latin music. But it wasnât until I got 9 years old, that I took proper guitar lessons.
Which artists do you draw most inspiration from?
I think my guitar gods are Petrucci, Val and Satriani. Though I have lotâs of different influences especially lots of Math Rock stuff like Polyphia, Ichika Nito and Charlie Robbins, as well as Flamenco music.
How else do you find inspiration for your music?
Inspiration can come from various sources other than listening to my favourite bands, like Movies, Series and Travelling. Sometimes I combine different kinds of music with new travelling experiences and so on.
What’s the most rewarding thing about teaching guitar?
Seeing my students grow musically and eventually playing with them on stage or even better being in the audience when their bands are playing! As guitar tutors we can really change peopleâs lives and help them achieve their goals whatever this is, having fun or being a professional musician. Everyone is playing for different reasons and has different goals.
What do you love about the Cyprus music scene?
Cyprus is a small island though full of talent and different kinds of music communities. It is also that it has become very multicultural so it is fun to meet all kinds of musicians and play in different projects.
What would you say is the perfect setting for listeners to enjoy your sound?
Either on your headphones or when driving your car you can enjoy some uplifting instrumental guitar music. Clear your mind and let it take you wherever you want.
How has your own style and sound evolved since you started out?
I think it changed a lot over the years. Combing many guitar styles and deep diving into the composition of ââGrey Matterââ you can find elements from many musical styles in one song. This not a situation which I forced myself into putting all this stuff in one song. It comes out naturally as you evolve as guitar player and as a human being, through all those different experiences and music styles that you encounter in life.
Has your production process changed over the years too?
Yes a lot. It evolved as I started doing a lot more studio work and also after I attended an online production, mixing and mastering school which led me to a better workflow and helped to achieve better overall results. In the end the final result is what will help us tell our story to the people. If we donât have a vision of how our music should sound, it will be a lot more difficult to create something unique.
Who would be your dream artist to collaborate with?
It is Steve Vai! Well too big of a goal. But dreaming big motivates the brain soâŠletâs keep it like that.
How did you find making your new single âGrey Matterâ?
It is a song I wrote years ago. During the pandemic if I remember correctly. Though the final production last year was tons of fun. It was a challenge to get the guitar tone combining all those tracks. From reamping to using effects and mixing it together with Henning Svoren at Ocean Sound Studio in Norway it took several hours to get the results we are listening to now. But it was totally worth it. The Drum tracking with Achilles Papagrigoriou was state of the art. Listening to the tone in the studio and seeing him doing all those amazing chops and subdivisions gave the track new life!
What message did you want to get across with this release?
Well the brain is the most amazing human organ. It has vast capabilities and processing power. I was trying to challenge my abilities but make sth totally musical and melodic coming out of my favourite music styles and life experiences. A new kind of sound and production was also a goal here but without being intentionally and obviously ââweirdââ if you know what I mean???
How do you find conveying emotion in music without lyrics?
Well I am not much of a singer. So for me, the way to get my emotions and ideas out, is through the guitar. The guitar is a very expressive instrument that can reach levels comparable to the human voice (which is the most expressive of all). The important thing is to start playing and composing in a way that everyone can follow along.
Whatâs the main thing you want people to get out of listening to your music?
Enjoy it, dance to it if you like, dream and travel to other dimensions!
Whatâs been your favourite live performance so far?
Probably playing Rock Music in front of a full stadium, all out loud! Well there are countless moments in my musical career. This is really hard to answerâŠ
Who would be 3 artists to headline your dream festival? And where would it be?
Steve Vai, Dream Theatre and Polyphia. I donât mind about the location. But Japan would be awesome!
Finally, what do you have lined up for the rest of 2024?
Well we released another two singles a while ago (Traveller and Superearth). We got some local gigs with my band Joakem playing Progressive Metal. I am going to release a new single until the end of the year. Currently I am preparing lotâs of content for my new Patreon Page and planning to release TABS, Backing Track and STEMS for all my singles up to now. You can already find the guitar TABS for Grey Matter on my website.
Watch the video for Grey Matter below
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