Welcome back, fellow travelers, to another musical journey in our monthly blog series, „Travel Diaries.“ I’m Jannis Raptis, and I’m thrilled to share the latest installment of my musical odyssey, Project TRAVELER. Episode 10 brings us to the enchanting realms of Greece, where the mystical muse Erato takes center stage in the composition I fondly call „Erato.“

Erato, one of the muses of ancient Greece, presided over lyrical and erotic poetry. As an artist, I often find myself immersed in a creative process that feels beyond my control. The delicate dance with inspiration, that elusive force guiding our artistic endeavors, is what I aimed to capture in „Erato.“ It’s an exploration of the magical journey of creation and the role of the divine feminine in my musical endeavors.

The creative process is an enigma, a realm where inspiration flows like an eternal river. „Erato“ emerged during a moment of dozing, nearly sleeping, in the heat of a Greek siesta – this time, on the captivating island of Santorini. (I have experienced similar encounters on many other Greek islands as well). It seems the Muses are particularly active in the land of ancient myths, as if the echoes of Hellenism enhance the connection to the creative force.

In the lyrics, I express gratitude to the muse. It’s an ode to the mysterious process of inspiration and creation, a sincere acknowledgment of the profound impact the muse has on the artist’s journey. The song reflects my personal connection to the divine feminine and, more concretely, to the muse Erato.

„Erato“ unfolds with a deeply meaningful guitar solo, a musical tapestry woven with jazz harmonies. This extended solo mirrors the vibrant colors sent by the Hellenic muses, creating a harmonious blend of sound and emotion. It stands as one of the musical highlights of this song, showcasing the fusion of inspiration and musical prowess.

„Erato“ is not just a song; it’s a manifestation of the uncharted territory we navigate as artists. It’s raw, unfiltered heart chakra energy intertwined with the mystical „third eye“ vision. This track is an invitation to explore the depths of creative expression and embrace the muse that guides us on our artistic pilgrimage.

So, dear readers and fellow travelers, join me in this sonic exploration of Greece, Erato, and the creative unknown. May the muses continue to grace us with their presence as we venture forth into the uncharted territories of inspiration.

Until next month, keep listening, keep exploring, and keep the spirit of TRAVELER alive.

With musical wanderlust,

Jannis

PS: Also, if you want to know more about project TRAVELER, how everything started and who I am, I invite you to subscribe to my E-Mail list. There is plenty of subscriber-only stuff going on over there and I’d love you to be part of this!

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PPS: I thought I’ll add some personal notes at the end of each blog post, giving a short insight into my own journey right now. So, here it is:

My current diary pages (January 2024)

• I am back on track, getting up early, starting the day with pushups and then doing Yoga and meditation.
• I keep journaling and it certainly helps getting my thoughts organized.
• I started going to the gym after almost 6 years. I felt like I had to build my foundations and discipline first, before venturing to these halls of glory once again.
• Everything is just fine over here! Thanks for reading until that far.

You like what you see and hear? Or you hate it, but for whatever reason, you still want to buy me a cup of coffee? I highly appreciate this!