SEPTEMBER was formed in 1991 as a classic trio rock band (vocals, guitar, bass & drums) with the name ETSI & ALLIOS (Vice Versa). They were playing Rock and Reggae covers mostly, and by 1992 they started having gigs throughout Greece. Over the next few years SEPTEMBER searched for new venues of musical expression. The band was getting into Funk and Soul with the addition of sax, keyboards and percussion to their lineup. During this same period they began to compose their own tunes with Greek lyrics. In 1999 they released their first CD by "Seven Records" which contained nine tracks. In 2002 they switched to English lyrics and formed a distinct personal sound which was reflected in their new songs. Their intensive beats and lyrical ballads are melodic, but sometimes hard - progressive, yet direct. Simply put, their music is a fusion of the various influences that the five separate musicians spent so many years combining into one single band. Having already stabilized their current composition they simultaneously began to acquire a unique and personal sound. Through all these years, SEPTEMBER has earned the reputation of a true live band with a vast number of fans who enjoy the impact impression of the band’s impeccable performance. Their amorous solos, completely improvised and unrehearsed, are a demonstration of the raw creativity intertwined with the soulful artistry which has become the very essence of SEPTEMBER. To much acclaim, SEPTEMBER recently released their CD (13 tracks) titled "2 smiles ago" by "LIVE Records" of Greece / Hellas. Due to an increasing demand on the international market, "2 smiles ago" is now available for distribution worldwide. LINE-UP: Sotiris Pomonis - Guitars Loukas Panourgias - Vocals Theo Botinis - Bass Giannis Dimoulas - Drums/Vocals Renos Miliaris - Keyboards/Piano TRACKS: 01. Guns for Lovin’ 02. 2 Smiles Ago 03. Sirens 04. Not Enough 05. Still 06. Rhythm Thoughts 07. Intro N.R. 08. Nova Ride 09. Another But 10. beLIEve 11. All Imperfect Things 12. Aura 13. Fairy-tale World BIOGRAPHIES: SOTIRIS POMONIS – Guitars: SOTIRIS began listening to rock music at 11 years old. (His cousin, who had an extensive album collection, is to blame for this little-known fact.) The first LP he listened to was the “Guitar Album”, a compilation of rock artists of the 60’s and 70’s. Although Sotiris enjoyed the guitar, he was influenced by the music of the 80’s and wanted to learn keyboards. Unable to afford the cost of purchasing a synthesizer, Sotiris bought his first guitar and has stayed with it throughout the years. Shortly thereafter, he began taking lessons from the renowned composer, Christos Lagos (“Olou Tou Kosmou I Elpida”). Trading knowledge with his musician friends, Sotiris spent many years studying and practicing alone. He began playing with several groups and jammed for hours while perfecting his skills. These long-lasting jam sessions made improvisation second-nature to him, and Sotiris is known for his raw creativity, never having played the same solo twice, except for special occasions. After this self-taught period, Sotiris decided to begin a more formal training, and under the direction of Kostas Baltazanis he began to study jazz improvisation. This was soon followed by studies at the “Musicians Institute of London” (G.I.T.) in London, England. Upon Sotiris’ return to Hellas, his former band, “ETSI KI’ ALLIOS” reunited. During this same period, he began teaching at several music schools and also worked as a session musician with many “major artists” of Greece. Sotiris currently teaches at the “Conservatory of Musical Praxis”, is a member of the Registry of Guitar Tutors (R.G.T.). He hopes to never again play with any other “major artist” of Greece. LOUKAS PANOURGIAS – Vocals: LOUKAS was born in Athens and was taught under the guidance and instruction of C. Savinos. In 2004, Loukas received his diploma in monody (solo artist) from the Athens Conservatory, with Grade A and Honour. He has also attended various seminars and private lessons having been taught by several highly recognizable and respected educators, such as M. Charalampidou, Fr. Voutsinos, M. Koromatzou, M. Stamataki, and A. Papakonstantinou, to name a few. From 1985 through the present day, Loukas has collaborated with more than 20 bands from several genres, including heavy metal, hard rock, and rock. The first discography was released in 1987 (Mental Powers / EMI), followed by the next release in 1999 (Etsi & Allios / SEVEN), and in 2006 (SEPTEMBER / Live Records). In 2003, Loukas won second prize in the song contest by the S.H.M.O. (Σ.Η.Μ.Ο.). He has performed as a solo singer with the Orchestra of Contemporary Music of ERT, as well as in several productions of the Greek Festival and additionally with the ERT Choir. As a member of the ERT choir he has worked with several world-renowned conductors and orchestras. Loukas has also worked as a special member of the E.L.S. Choir in operas (Nabucco, Othello). Loukas is a fan of marrying various types of great music (Rock, Classical-Opera, Composed, and Traditional Greek Music) and always gives each the proper respect they so rightly deserve. THEO BOTINIS – Bass: THEO picked up the bass at the age of 14 and shortly thereafter began playing with local rock and blues cover bands. For a couple of years he was into the Athens Alternative Rock scene as a member of “Flowers of Romance”. During his stint with the band, they released two LPs with “Wipe Out Records”. At the same time, Theo began making studio sessions for various well-known Greek artists. It was Theo’s collaboration with famous Greek cover bands “Make My Day” and “The Down Town Beat” which gave him the reputation of a real “Groove Maker”. Teaming up for a songwriting duet with Stavros Mouflouzelis, they released three instrumental CDs under the name “Les Ombres” (FM Records), and experimented with New Age, Acid, and Ethnic music. Theo joined SEPTEMBER in 1998. Apart from his bass and songwriting skills, Theo shares his vast musical experience as a bass tutor in numerous music schools, including clinics, private tutoring, and having recently joined the Conservatory of Musical Praxis. Theo is a member of the “Registry of Guitar Tutors”. Theo has been influenced by “anything and everything in music that is both melodically AND rhythmically strong enough to shake your butt”! GIANNIS DIMOULAS – Drums/Vocals: GIANNIS had his first encounter with music at the tender age of 6, beginning with classical guitar (the “monster” inside was still sleeping …). After abusing the 6-string for about a year, his musical instincts were brushed aside only to come back with a ferocity about five years later, this time in the form of drums (the “monster” was awakened …). Without telling his parents, Giannis saved money from his allowance and bought a hi-hat and a snare drum (with no stand). He then enrolled at the National Music School of Greece and graduated four years later. At the same time, he played in every group he could find (preferring the harder ones!). Almost immediately after graduation, Giannis began teaching (something he still does to this very day), and studying Sound Engineering (always being practical by having a “Plan B”). But the “monster” was, and still is, too strong: Giannis never attained pro-level engineering (he preferred to be on the inside of the glass). He did, however, continue to play and teach drums. The man who literally changed his life, not only musically, but also mentally, was former MI teacher Kostas Anastasiadis, whom he met in 2000. Giannis has been studying under his guidance ever since. Giannis joined SEPTEMBER in 2002, and has also played with several Greek artists, such as, Alkistis Protopsalti, Takis Barberis, and many others. He currently teaches drums at the “Municipal Music School of Ag. Barbara”, as well as at the “Music School of Ag. Ierotheos”. Never one to rest, he is also a member of the flamenco group “Flamenco Aire”, has a degree in Music Harmony, and practices the martial art of Pammachon (www.pammachon.gr). He reads any literature book he can get his hands on, and to round out his not-so-boring life, is in the middle of writing a science fiction novel. That's all ... ... for now! RENOS MILIARIS – Keyboards/Piano: RENOS has been playing the piano for so long, even he can’t remember when it all began. Having studied piano at the National Music School of Greece, he was once expelled for playing rock ‘n roll tunes during his classical piano lessons. He holds a degree in Music Harmony and Counterpoint and has attended several seminars in France on Live Performance of Modern Piano and Conduction of Music Ensembles. Renos has also studied teaching young children (Junior Music Course). This highly educated and talented musical artist has earned the noble title of the “Maestro” of the band, having joined SEPTEMBER in 1996. Renos has taught piano and music theory since 1985, but don’t be fooled by the date! He is not that old, he’s just a most-talented teacher. These days you can find him teaching piano and music theory at the “Conservatory of Musical Praxis”. Renos has also worked with many Greek artists and also as a studio and touring musician, of which, they are too numerous to mention in this amount of space. Looking for more information? Please feel free to visit SEPTEMBER online at: Official: http://www.september.gr MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/SEPTEMBERgr YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/SEPTEMBERgr Email: info@september.gr