The Picturesque And Unique Sounds Of Yanni In “Truth Of Touch” – Exclusive Interview

“ I want my music to share the truth of my soul and when people connect with it, and I know I've touched them, that is a great feeling.
” Yanni Much like a painter, musician Yanni takes music and uses brushstrokes of ingenuity, tenderness, imagination and incredible vision to create music that provides escapes from the mundane. His newest project, Truth of Touch seems to offer a kaleidoscope of color in upbeat, reflective and passionate music.
Click through now for our exclusive interview with Yanni and hear what he has to say about his new album, the incredible venues he has played, and his plans for 2011.

Highly sought after for his live performances, Yanni is an artist who seems to embrace the winds of change in life, turn them into notes, which in turn then spiral into original compositions that are inviting and captivating. No need to take my word for it – click below and watch a man with a musical vision!

Interview with Yanni

Street Date: What is the significance of the album’s title (and title track) “Truth of Touch”?
Yanni: I hope my music connects with people. I want my music to share the truth of my soul and when people connect with it, and I know I’ve touched them, that is a great feeling for me.

SD: This album has been billed as “the return of Yanni as you know him” – what exactly does that mean?
Yanni: It has been over 8 years that I have written an instrumental album that my fans would recognize as “pure Yanni.” They will feel “Yanni” in this album, yet there will be a new edge with new sounds and a sharing of the growth I’ve experienced over the past decade.

SD: Describe the feeling you get as you look out over the audience at one of your live shows. Has that feeling changed over the course of your career?
Yanni: The feeling I get as I look over a live audience is that they give more to me than I give to them. The feeling of performing my music and having them enjoy it in the venues we’ve been in is so inspiring and motivating. I never get tired of it. It is humbling to see that I am still able to have the relationship with people over several decades of performing my music – it is truly a remarkable experience.

SD: You’ve been touring throughout Mexico recently – what can you tell us about that country that folks in the U.S. might not know?
Yanni: Mexico is a beautiful country and its people are warm, passionate and friendly. Family is very important to them – and they have always made me feel as one of their own. I’ve been to Mexico many times and have made some great lifelong friends.

SD: Are there any countries you haven’t visited/performed in that you’d like to visit in the near future?
Yanni: I have been fortunate enough to have visited many countries and have played in the most spectacular venues around the globe. This year, I will be visiting various places around the globe such as Europe, Asia, and Latin America. In fact, at the end of this week, I will be visiting Panama City for the first time in my life and will have the opportunity to play at the Ruins at Panama Viejo. It is a beautiful venue and I already feel a connection with the people of Panama. It is going to be an incredible experience.

SD: If I’m new to the music of Yanni, where is the best place to start?
Yanni: It is difficult to pick a place to start because music is liquid and is always changing and representing the various changes and experiences in my life. I’d say to start with the new album, Truth of Touch. It will provide a taste of what I have connected with fans with over the years, yet provide a new edge that illustrates my growth and where I am today. I am told; however, that the Live at the Acropolis DVD would be a good place to start as this was a monumental moment for me in my career; however, it is still difficult to define any absolute “Yanni.”

C.C. Mitchell

Yanni‘s Truth of Touch is released on the Rocket Science label. Find it now at iTunes and Amazon.

Track listing:

1. Truth of Touch
2. Echo of a Dream
3. Seasons
4. Voyage
5. Flash of Color
6. Vertigo
7. Nine
8. Can’t Wait
9. Guilty Pleasure
10. O Luce Che Brilla Nell’Oscurità
11. I’m So
12. Long Way Home
13. Yanni & Arturo
14. Mist of a Kiss
15. Secret