Paul Psarras Connects With Us to Discuss His New Release "Defy" and the Heartfelt Journey Behind It
- STAFF
- Sep 22
- 7 min read
By: Staff
“Defy” is an electrifying, emotionally raw masterpiece that showcases Paul Psarras' true artistic power.
In a world where artistry meets raw emotion, one musician is breaking through with a track that defies the expected. Paul Psarras, known for his expansive musical range and unmatched versatility, is back with his new single "Defy," and it’s already clear this is more than just another song. This track doesn’t just play; it pulses with life, brimming with vulnerability, energy, and a rare sincerity that only a true artist can capture.
We spoke with Paul about this daring new release, delving into the heart of what makes "Defy" an exploration of deeper emotional layers. From the groove that draws you in, to the synth-driven sound that swells with emotion, "Defy" offers a unique glimpse into the artist’s evolving journey. With every note, Paul invites listeners to feel what he feels, raw, unfiltered, and undeniably powerful.
As someone whose career has spanned genres and continents, from classical music to Greek pop, and now into the vibrant world of modern pop, Paul’s latest track brings an entirely new level of expression. But how does an artist who’s equally at home in the concert hall as on the pop stage approach such an intimate, exposed creation? What drove him to embrace vulnerability in a genre often known for its gloss?
The story behind "Defy" is one of growth, exploration, and the uncharted territories of the heart. We asked Paul about the role of vulnerability in his music-making process and what it’s like to navigate emotional depth while pushing the boundaries of pop. In this exclusive interview, Paul opens up about his creative process, his collaboration with Grammy-winning producer Jeff Bova, and the challenges of balancing emotional honesty with technical precision.
Take a deep dive into the mind of an artist whose sound refuses to conform, read on to discover the true essence of Paul Psarras and his new anthem, "Defy."
Here’s how it went:
Begin Interview:
Hello Paul Psarras, we’re thrilled to have you here for this interview! We've had an amazing time exploring your music and diving into your creative journey. Now, we’re even more intrigued to get a deeper look into both your brand and your personal and professional inspirations.
Q. What is the driving force behind such a driven and beautiful person, someone who not only accomplishes so much but also seems to live and love life so fully?
A - I’ve always been a curious musician. I started out informally on piano and guitar, then moved to saxophone for my first formal training. My brother and I played in the school concert and jazz bands, performing film score arrangements and learning to improvise. Alongside that, the music at home — and the vast Greek musical landscape, spanning from traditional and folk (rembetika and laika) to contemporary pop, both Greek and American — created the musical soup that still simmers in my subconscious.
Q. What is "Defy" about for you? Could you walk us through the emotional and creative journey that inspired this song?
A - I try not to lock a song into one fixed meaning, because I want people to find themselves in it. For me, writing is a fragmented process — sometimes a melody or lyric means one thing when I start, and something completely different by the time it’s finished. With Defy, the feeling that carried me through was that edge-of-the-cliff moment we all can face: when you’re about to make a choice, and you know it could change everything. That space between fear and courage is where the song lives.
Q. "Defy" is currently exclusively available on EVEN, where fans can access the single and video. www.even.biz/r/defy. We think this is such a creative and unique way to share your music. What drew you to this platform, and how do you feel it complements the release of this track?
A - I love the way EVEN allows artists to connect directly with fans. It’s about building a community around the release. With Defy, I wanted to give listeners something deeper than just pressing play, so EVEN’s model felt like the perfect fit.
Q. Your background spans from playing traditional Greek music to working with Grammy-winning producers. How do you blend these diverse influences into your pop sound while maintaining your own unique voice?
A - I don’t really try to blend them — it just happens because those influences are already part of me. Music is input and output: when I need inspiration, I go back to listening, studying, and exploring. It doesn’t have to be music necessarily. It could be a book or a museum. My childhood influences — Greek folk, pop, classical — are always going to come out in some form. The key is knowing when to seek objective feedback, which is why I love collaborating with top-tier musicians who help refine what I’m reaching for.
Q. You’ve mentioned the significant influence your teachers had on you during your school years. How did their guidance not only shape your technical skills but also influence your approach to artistry and the personal ethos you bring to your creative work?
A - My school years were incredibly formative. I was in a kind of personal musical renaissance — I absorbed everything I could, sometimes more than I could handle, but I didn’t care. From baroque on period instruments to cutting-edge modern repertoire, I was a sponge. Watching the work ethic and commitment to art, even in the face of real life was something that resonated with me. I was given unforgettable performance opportunities, pulled into recordings - including the one that was GRAMMY-nominated, recommended for things. I owe them a lot. Then, at some point I had to piece it all together and find my own voice, which I’m still doing in real time. Then came Tapawingo of course…
Q. The upcoming film Tapawingo is an exciting new venture for you. We loved the trailer! How does acting alongside Jon Heder and Billy Zane compare to being behind the microphone? Does the experience of working in film influence or shape your music in any way? Can you tell us how surreal it felt to share the camera with such incredibly accomplished actors?
A - Improv and sketches were a big part of my high school life, so acting wasn’t completely foreign. Playing my character in Tapawingo wasn’t daunting because I understood the tone and dynamic — and I knew my brother, who’s an actor and the reason we got the audition, had my back and walked me through any concerns. Film sets also have long stretches of downtime, which gave me the chance to hang with the cast. We did a lot of fun stuff. Acting for the camera is definitely different than theater, and that took adjustment, but Jon and Billy were incredibly generous. They made it fun, and yes — there were surreal moments. I hope we get to do it again soon.
Q. You’ve transitioned from a highly technical background to writing raw, emotional songs. Do you find it challenging to switch between the precision of your classical training and the emotional release of pop music, or do these worlds inform each other in unexpected ways?
A - That’s exactly what I try to focus on. I respect both genres and pull what I can from both. Of course the depth and gravitas and sheer staying power of classical music can’t be matched, but the power of simple chords and a hook is no easy feat - let alone writing a smash. That’s all equally humbling. Both require discipline and can be daunting, but in different ways.
Q. With your first English-language pop track, "Black and Blue," you ventured into new territory. How did that experience shape your approach to "Defy" and influence your future pop music releases?
A - Black and Blue was my first real step into U.S. pop — and honestly, I wasn’t sure I could pull it off, even though I was born and raised here. But diving in gave me a new muscle to flex, and it made me hungry to keep going. That experience definitely shaped Defy and gave me confidence to continue exploring this side of my artistry.
Q. As a multi-instrumentalist, how do you decide which instrument takes the lead in a track like "Defy"? Is there a specific instrument that helps you unlock the emotional core of the song?
A - At the end of the day, I am a guitarist.— that’s been central in both my classical work and my Greek music background. So I think it would be weird if I left it completely out. Guitar in pop has taken a back seat in recent years though, but it’s making a comeback for sure.
Q. In your experience, how does working with a producer like Jeff Bova elevate your artistic vision? What does he bring to the table that allows you to dig deeper into your creative expression?
A - I worked with Jeff on my fist two tracks and I couldn’t be more honored. He’s a synth master, but beyond that, he’s incredibly insightful, and generous with his knowledge. He was so supportive and a great sounding board as I was trying to find my voice in those songs and arrangements. I look forward to working with him again soon.
Q. Looking ahead, Paul Psarras, what’s the next chapter for you as an artist? Do you envision exploring new sounds, or will you continue to refine and expand the musical world you’ve created with your recent singles?
A - I’m definitely going to keep releasing pop music, and with Tapawingo coming soon, I’m excited to see what doors open. But I feel like I’m just getting started. Film is such a powerful medium — I’d love to write for movies one day. Honestly, there’s more on my bucket list than I could ever fit into one lifetime.
Paul Psarras, thank you so much, we appreciate you taking the time to talk to us!
End Interview
We’re happy to have shared Paul Psarras’s exciting journey with you and uncovered such inspiring insights about their creative process.
