Welcome back, fellow travelers, to another chapter of our musical journey through the labyrinthine corridors of emotions and experiences. As the twelfth installment of our monthly rendezvous, I bring to you a piece of my soul woven into melodies and lyrics, a reflection of my ceaseless wanderings and the cacophony of emotions that accompany them. I am Jannis Raptis, your guide through the realms of sound and sentiment.

This month, our expedition reaches the shores of the Aegean Sea, as we delve into the depths of „Being JR,“ the twelfth song from my odyssey titled „TRAVELER.“ Here, amidst the azure waters and sun-kissed cliffs of Greece, we confront the enigma of identity, the tumultuous seas of relationships, and the eternal quest for belonging.

„Being JR“ is more than just a song; it is a testament to the intricate layers of human experience, a mosaic of personal struggles and existential inquiries. At its surface, it may appear as an ode to a turbulent romance, with verses that echo the sentiments of love’s complex pathways. Yet, beneath the surface lies a narrative that transcends the confines of conventional love, delving into the depths of self-discovery and the complexities of belonging.

„I’m not ready to leave this place

There’s still so much to see

I’m here sailing across the waves

It’s just the sea and me.“

As a Third Culture Kid (TCK), my roots stretch across continents, my identity forged in the crucible of cultural intersections. Born to Greek parents in the heart of Germany, raised amidst the eclectic tapestry of Belgium, Germany once more, and finally Austria, my sense of „home“ is a fleeting mirage, forever elusive yet hauntingly familiar. The lyrics of „Being JR“ serve as a poignant reflection of this perpetual longing for rootedness, a yearning for a place to call my own amidst the ceaseless tides of change.

In the pre-chorus, amidst the ebb and flow of emotions, I lay bare the struggles of decision-making, the relentless pursuit of selfhood, and the paradoxical dance between vulnerability and strength. „I am drowning and I’m dying, I am lonely and I’m crying,“ the words resonate with the raw intensity of human experience, each syllable a testament to the depths of inner turmoil.

But amidst the chaos, there is a glimmer of hope, a whispered plea for redemption amidst the storm. „Let me be what I wanna be, care for me and set me free,“ I implore, the words a desperate plea for understanding and acceptance. For in the crucible of suffering lies the seeds of transformation, the promise of rebirth amidst the ashes of despair. And then, again, chaos: „I’m your slave, I’m your master, I’m your sentimental lover, give me hope, give me peace, give me love, but hit me harder.“

„Being JR“ is a song born from the crucible of suffering, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Though years may have passed since its inception, the echoes of pain and longing still reverberate within its chords, a timeless reminder of the fragility of existence and the resilience of the human spirit.

As we journey onwards, traversing the vast expanse of the human experience, let us carry with us the lessons of „Being JR“ – a hymn to the indomitable spirit of the wanderer, a tribute to the unyielding pursuit of truth amidst the labyrinth of life.

Until next time, fellow travelers, may the melodies of „Being JR“ guide you through the storm, and may the shores of belonging await you on the horizon.

Keep wandering, keep seeking, keep being.

Yours in music and motion,

Jannis Raptis

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 (March 2024)

• There will be a short break after this release. We have reached song #12, so we are halfway there. I will take approximately 3 months to promote those first 12 songs properly before I return to you with a new release in summer.
• Too much teaching for me, currently. I NEED to hit the road again very soon, otherwise I am going to die.
• Watching Shogun on Disney Plus these days. What’s your thoughts on that show? Reminds me of an Asian version of Game of Thrones, I like it.
• This month I got the chance to see Al Di Meola live (once again) and Loreena McKennitt for the first time. Those were some precious moments in the chaos of „real life“ and the never-ending autopilot loop.

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!