A conversation on emotion, collaboration, and timeless expression
With his new single “Loss”, Stefanos Barbalias offers listeners a haunting and deeply introspective journey through themes of memory, emotional distance, and the echo of what once was. Known for his cinematic arrangements and poignant lyricism, the Athens-based composer and singer-songwriter opens up about the process behind crafting this piece, which is as personal as it is universal.
Blending ethereal piano progressions, stirring cello, and the warmth of choral voices, Loss is an immersive listening experience that balances vulnerability with compositional grace. We sat down with Stefanos to explore the story behind the song, its collaborators, and the emotional and sonic elements that brought it to life.
1. “Loss” is such an emotionally resonant title. Can you share the moment or experience that first sparked the idea for this composition?
Yes, although it’s not that interesting. I don’t remember something major happening in my life. I just sat on the piano and wrote it—almost simultaneously music and lyrics. I remember having a strong inspiration that took me to the end of the song in a couple of hours or something. Loss as a title came later, but I feel it’s quite accurate regarding lyrics and music.
2. The song captures the ache of absence in such a visceral way. Were there specific memories or people that shaped the emotional core of this piece?
No, again it came out of nowhere really. It took some months for me to understand why I wrote it and what was the true meaning for me.
3. You’ve blended piano, cello, and choral arrangements to powerful effect. How did you envision the sonic palette for this song, and what role did each instrument play in telling the story?
I was recording some songs with this group of super talented musicians at the time and it made sense to include them in this track as well. The only thing I added in the arrangement from the beginning was the choir.
4. Collaborating with artists like Stavros Parginos, Petros Lambrides, and The Epoch House Choir gives the track remarkable depth. How did these collaborations influence or transform the song during the recording process?
I’m glad you say that. For this particular track I’d like to pinpoint Stavros Parginos’s input—that was quite exceptional. I remember as he was recording with my voice muted thinking it could be a wonderful music theme on its own even without lyrics and singing. I think he liked the song a lot and truly nailed it. It would be a different song without his beautiful melody. And of course, the rest of the musicians did a wonderful job as well.
5. The vocal delivery on “Loss” feels deeply intimate. Did the process of recording those vocals bring up any unexpected emotional responses for you?
I don’t think so, I don’t remember something like that. I just tried, as I do in live performances, to be as true as possible to the emotion of the song.
6. Themes of memory, time, and connection beyond the physical are woven throughout the lyrics. What message or feeling do you hope lingers with listeners after hearing the track?
Well, I hope themes of memory, time and connection beyond the physical. But I don’t really mind what the listener is taking out of the song—as long as they take something and don’t walk away indifferent.
7. How important was the visual aspect in this release? Sofia Simaki’s artwork is striking—how did you approach aligning the music and visual storytelling?
It’s always important—everything around the presentation of a song is important. Thank you for saying that about Sofia’s work. I admire her as an artist but she is also a dear friend of mine. I called Sofia and asked her if she could think of something that would go with a song called Loss. She asked me for the lyrics and the song, and the next day she sent this beautiful painting. She said it had to do with loss, absence of people, and lost paradises.
8. Studio Syn Ena and Artracks Studio played host to the recording sessions. Was there something about the atmosphere or acoustics of those spaces that made them ideal for this project?
Studio Syn Ena is a very old studio that maintains a warm atmosphere and a sense of belonging in a community. They have a love for analogue recording, top-notch engineers and a creative atmosphere. Artracks studio is equipped with a lovely Fazioli piano that—as soon as I played it—I couldn’t record piano anywhere else.
9. From George Verikakis to Costas Stergiou and Yiannis Christodoulatos, the technical team is outstanding. What were some of the most crucial moments in the production or mixing phases that helped shape the final sound?
Yes, you are right. And since they are so outstanding, I tried to let them do their job. I only remember a small debate regarding the presence of the cello on Loss, but nothing crucial.
10. As both a composer and performer, how do you strike a balance between vulnerability and control in a song as personal as this?
This is a very interesting question and the words you used are pretty accurate: vulnerability and control. That’s the whole bet. Maybe in these words lies the answer to your question. Striking a balance between vulnerability and control is ideal—and would be an ask from my side as a composer to a singer if I wasn’t singing myself.
11. Many of your previous works explore complex emotional and philosophical themes. Where does “Loss” fit within your broader artistic journey?
I’m not sure if there is anything complex to my music. I’ll think about it now that you mentioned it. I don’t think Loss is something truly different than what I’ve done so far. Maybe it’s deeper in a way. A secret way.
12. What has the response been like so far from those who’ve had an early listen to the track?
It was actually different from anyone who heard it, with some common ground. Some said it was about the loss of a parent, some of a lover, some of a happy period in their lives.
13. As a Greek artist working in a global soundscape, how does your cultural identity inform the emotional language of your music?
I was asked something similar a while back and I answered that I’m comforted for now by the notion—or at least the hope—that inevitably, somewhere between the notes, a bit of Attica’s light slides in. A taste of sea salt. Most of all, a certain simplicity and aesthetic that through the centuries define our culture. I guess that still stands.
14. Finally, for someone encountering your music for the first time through “Loss,” what would you want them to understand about you as an artist?
I don’t think it matters if they understand something about me. If the song resonates with their experiences or moves them in some way, I’m quite happy.
Closing Notes
Loss is more than a title—it’s a state of mind, a feeling that drifts gently across time and memory. In Stefanos Barbalias’ hands, it becomes something tangible, cinematic, and quietly powerful. This is not a song that demands attention—it earns it. Through its refined arrangement and restrained beauty, Loss reminds us that stillness can carry weight, and simplicity can hold the deepest truths.
