Meet Dimos (aka Wasabi) Stamatelos | Label Owner, Dj, Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dimos (aka Wasabi) Stamatelos and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dimos (aka Wasabi), the decisions we make often shape our story in profound ways. What was one of the most difficult decisions you’ve had to make?
I started working in the music industry as a Dj and producer, and it was more of a hobby than a job. A hobby that was actually taking up all of my free time. So, at some point I thought “what if music was my only job?” And I started talking about it with friends and no one was really convinced that someone residing in my country could make a living out of it. Everyone, myself included back then, believed that Djing and producing is something you do for fun and that people needed “real” jobs in order to make money, start a family etc. And the truth is that when you have a well-paid “real” job, it’s quite a risk to let it go. Yet one day, after a great deal of thinking, I made the most difficult decision. I quit my job as a mechanical engineer and followed my dream. I started low, but as time went by I managed to suceed professionally doing the thing I was most passionate about. It hasn’t been easy, and it has its ups and downs all the time. And unlike 9-5 jobs you have to work longer hours and sacrifice a lot of your time as you usually spend it alone in the studio or without your beloved ones when away for gigs. After all, the music industry is a highly competitive world and you need to try pretty hard to just be part of it, let alone suceed in it.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
When I started my label in 2003 electronic music was not in digital format. We had to press vinyls for Djs and make CDs for music fans. That was a hard thing to do as it required a lot of organisation and travelling as the label was based in London and I spent a lot of time in Greece, too. Also, those hard copies cost much more money than streaming formats of nowadays. And there was no guarantee that a release would be successful enough to at least make the break-even. In addition, all was done by post; demos, test press on vinyls and CDs, communication etc, and it took such a long time to get your work done. And let’s not forget that 20 years ago we did not have the promotional tools we have today with social media and online ads. You had to work pretty hard to get people to know your label, your music and who you are. I made it happen though, and when things shifted to digital the label was already established in the market, and we have managed to stay high in charts among big labels. In 2013, we were awarded the best NuDisco Track of the year in WMC and that made us really proud. I think what sets us apart from others is that our releases include special characteristics which are influenced by the 70s, 80s and 90s and are blended together with current house, tech house and melodic sounds. We are fond of the different and we do try to put out music that’s varied from what is out already.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well, if it was in Thessaloniki, Greece, we would spend mornings at the historical center which is an archaeological site on its own right, or we would stroll along the seaside or even go swimming, weather permitted, on beach resorts around our city. In the afternoons, we would dine at traditional Greek restaurants in the historical center or a seafood restaurant on the beach. We would definitely go for coffee right after our meal as this is also in our routine here in Thessaloniki, we can spend hours having coffee with friends. And when night comes, we would opt for some hype yet underground spots in the city where fine electronic music is playing and interesting people are around. Generally, the city is quite famous for its food, so I’d say trying the food is a must thing to do in the city. During the summer, there are terrace bars all around the city center and these are the best places to check out for drinks and music here. And also, in an hour’s drive you can get to those amazing beach bars where you can enjoy a full day or a big night event.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My wife (girlfriend back then) was the person who believed in my dream and the one who encouraged me to follow it. She has done a lot to support my ventures and has always been by my side no matter the risk.

Website: www.wasabierase.com

Instagram: wasabi_erase

Twitter: wasabi_erase

Facebook: wasabi.official

Youtube: https://youtube.com/c/WasabiErase