Doomed Confessionary: Jon Mitropoulos (Cosmic Shadows)
Photos by Argiris Liosis
Suddenly a spaceship with the logo “Cosmic Shadows” written on its door landed on Earth on January 2017. The crew of the spaceship uses the power of garage psych to transmit the reason they landed on planet Earth at first place.
Cosmic Shadows’ self-titled debut album was released on November 17th, 2023 via Sound Effect Records, Bitter Tea Records and Mostä.
Can you say a few words about your band?
Hello, I am Jon Mitropoulos. Cosmic Shadows is a solo project that I was working for the last years. Making rehearsals in the center of Athens, Greece, performed in different venues all over Greece. Our sound is psychedelic rock, garage psych influenced by 60’s and beyond. The first gig was at Boiler bar in a neoclassical building of Athens in 2017, the people love it and I took the decision to publish our first EP on March 2019 »In A Cave«.
What was the biggest challenge for the band last year?
When we tried to record backing vocals in the LP but I thought that that it wasn’t the style of Cosmic Shadows. Of course, these disagreements create some conflicts that ended up changing the band members after the mastering of the LP. I am very happy with the final result of it, it is like I dreamed it and I thank all the musicians for it. Recording of a LP is a challenging trip.
What can you be most proud of last year?
I see Cosmic Shadows as an art project in the ocean of psychedelic rock scene. The dedication of the supporters and the feedback of our audience give me a lot of courage and power to continue be the founding member of Cosmic Shadows. Also that Danny Lee Blackwell (Night Beats) and Christian Bland (The Black Angels) gave me the opportunity to record in the LP the cover of »Bo Diddley Was The 7th Son« from The Ufo Club.
What was your biggest regret?
My biggest regret is that I didn’t record this LP sooner but it’s never too late!
What was the best concert/tour last year and why?
The best concert was at a mainstream venue in the center of the city. I remember girls and boys dancing around and screaming loud but I will never forget that they were singing with us our lyrics!
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
The new album »Rajan« by Night Beats.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
Tour in Europe and all over the Greece.
What are your plans for the this year as a band? What do you personally want the most?
Many gigs. Write new songs and traveling around the world to play our music.
What are your New Year’s Eve activities like?
Pajamas party with friends!
How can people best support your band?
By buying the LP, our merch and come to Cosmic Shadows gigs!
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Love, dance and be kind.
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well