INTERVIEW: Pyrgos Dirou shares debut single

Sydney-based artist Pyrgos Dirou is the latest project from songwriter, composer and producer Nick Zografos who arrives with a sound that wears its heart on its sleeve and its soul in its strings. This newly minted studio endeavour lands with emphatic energy, introducing a vision that fuses the impact of hard rock with the sweep of emotional balladry. With a background in metal and melodic rock, Nick sets out under the Pyrgos Dirou banner to offer something stirring, grounded and profoundly personal.

Taking its name from a place, but transcending geography, Pyrgos Dirou serves as a vehicle for storytelling and a means of spiritual expression. He writes for the bruised, the uncertain, the faithful and the searching, able to wade into the murky waters of pain, healing and hope. Each track is shaped like a confession but delivered with the sonic weight of a cinematic climax, resulting in music that’s not just heard but felt.

Unveiling the Pyrgos Dirou project this month, Pyrgos Dirou brings us the first taste of his original sonic vision with his debut single titled “Nothing to lose,” an anthem of surrender that’s paradoxically powerful in its vulnerability. The song moves like a journey, tracing a path through darkness and doubt, anchored by the steady presence of something greater.

Echoes of early 2000s rock giants like 3 Doors Down and Lifehouse ripple through the track’s towering melodies and heartfelt vocal delivery. Thematically, it touches on faith without preaching, instead framing belief as a source of inner strength rather than dogma. Opened by a flurry of rhythmic vocalisations and march of muted guitar notes and pulse of kick, Nick’s rich vocals enter to thread soulful melodic leads above.

Flowing with elegant melodic sweeps and a surge of sonic energy, the chorus bursts to life with the shimmer of jangly guitars and punchy drums capped by infectious vocal hooks, offering a stunning pop-focused rock sound. Cut with slick lead guitar licks and moments of dreamy, stripped back instrumentation, the intricate ebb and flow of the arrangement results in a gripping listening experience from start to finish.

Deftly balancing driving energy with moving songwriting, “Nothing to lose” sees Pyrgos Dirou make a spectacular entrance with a dazzling first outing that’s memorable and invigorating in equal measure. Putting his songwriting talent and performance flair on full display, it’s a superb debut outing that opens an exciting new chapter for this compelling new artist on the rise.

We caught up with Pyrgos Dirou to find out more about his musical journey so far, his debut single “Nothing to Lose” and what he’s got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with Pyrgos Dirou below.

Hey Pyrgos Dirou, how’s things?

Hey, great thanks! It’s been busy but exciting. There’s some nice momentum building around this release, and I’m just trying to stay present and feel grateful for it all.

Is there a story behind the name?

Yeah, definitely. It’s a nod to my heritage—my great-grandfather came from Pyrgos Dirou. Back in 1826, during the Greek War of Independence, 300 women from the village, armed only with farming tools, stood up and fought off 2,000 invading Egyptian soldiers at Dirou Bay. With all the men away at war, they took matters into their own hands and defended their home. It’s a story full of raw courage and defiance, and I try to bring that same spirit into my music—facing the darkness with light and belief. It blows me away every time I think about it.

What’s your earliest memory of making music?

I was about 12. My cousin had picked up electric guitar and was getting pretty good pretty fast. He’d come over and we’d just mess around making songs. I’d bang on a cushion and a bucket as drums—pretty basic stuff! We even had two tape recorders—we’d record ourselves, then play it back and sing along, layering parts on the second tape. We honestly thought we were Queen! Looking back, it was pretty funny.

Which artists do you draw most inspiration from?

Kansas is a massive influence for me. Their songwriting is just incredible—melodic, detailed, but always carrying real emotional weight. The way they mix progressive rock complexity with soaring hooks and heartfelt lyrics really speaks to me. Also, Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow, especially the Dio years—that period had this mystical, almost magical storytelling vibe that felt truly special. I could listen to those albums on repeat.

How else do you find inspiration for your music?

Honestly, life itself. That push and pull between hope and struggle. Chats with friends and family. Things I read, quiet moments—the kind where you just sit with your thoughts. Anything that reconnects you to yourself or something bigger becomes fuel for creativity. Sometimes it’s those little moments that sneak up on you when you least expect them.

What’s been your highlight of the year so far?

Having “Nothing to Lose” picked up by over 70 international radio stations was a real thrill. No label, no budget—just a message that connected with people.

If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be?

If I ever got the chance, Kerry Livgren would be my dream. He wrote Carry On Wayward Son—which is basically a masterclass in everything I value in music: storytelling, spiritual searching, catchy hooks, and raw power. The thought of it is mind-blowing.

What do you love about the Sydney music scene?

Gee that’s a tough one. The talent is definitely there—so much potential—but the infrastructure has really taken a hit. One of the biggest blows was the rise of poker machines. In the ’90s and 2000s, lots of pubs and venues realised they could make way more money from pokies than from live music. So the bands got pushed out, and stages turned into rows of flashing machines. What was once a lively grassroots scene dried up. There hasn’t been much government support to change that, and without funding or incentives, venues struggle to take chances on original music. I really wish it was different—music brings a city to life.

What’s the perfect setting to enjoy your sound?

For me, it’s headphones on a walk somewhere open where you can see the sky. Or blasting it in the car on a late-night drive. Those moments when you’re reflecting, or just really need to feel something and let it out. It’s those little escapes that mean the most.

How did you find making your new single “Nothing to Lose”?

It actually started in a very ordinary moment—I was doing some mindless task when a melody just popped into my head. I grabbed my phone and recorded myself humming it so I wouldn’t forget. Then the first chorus line came: “If the light doesn’t shine then there’s nowhere to go.” I started tapping my foot, and the rest came naturally. When building the track, I kept that original humming at the start because it felt right—not just as a nod to how it began, but like a little guide into the journey. To me, it’s a quiet reminder that even in silence or uncertainty, something steady is walking with you.

What message did you want to get across with this release?

At its core, Nothing to Lose is about trust and surrender—choosing to keep moving forward, even when you can’t see what’s ahead. I wanted to leave space for people to reflect on the idea that maybe there’s something outside of ourselves is at play—something offering hope, meaning, and guidance when life feels overwhelming. It’s an invitation to think about that.

What artist have you been listening to most recently?

I’ve been listening to a lot of independent artists—there’s so much great talent out there. I’ve also been revisiting 3 Doors Down, Lifehouse, Creed—that post-grunge vibe. I think you can hear that influence in my song.

What’s the main thing you want people to get out of listening to your music?

That it’s okay to feel deeply. That struggle and beauty often live side by side. And even in the darkest moments, there’s always something worth holding on to.

Who would be three artists to headline your dream festival? And where would it be?

Kansas headlining, Rainbow, and 3 Doors Down would be the support act—all playing on the cliffs at the Bay of Diros, overlooking that very spot. That would be something special—I’d be there with a huge grin.

Do you have any advice for new artists wanting to follow your footsteps?

Don’t wait for permission. Make what feels real and true to you, even if it doesn’t fit neatly into any genre. Keep your circle honest and protect your passion. That’s what’s kept me going. Did I say protect your passion!

Finally, what do you have lined up for the rest of the year?

Right now, I’m focused on building my catalogue. I’ve got lots of ideas—one is to use my music to support men’s mental health during Movember. I’m also planning a trip with my wife out into the Aussie bush in a 4WD with a rooftop tent, heading to the West Coast—I’ve never been. It’s massive out there. I want to unwind, recharge, and maybe write a bit—just reconnect and refuel. Can’t wait.

Listen to Nothing to lose below