I was born in the Netherlands (1968), grew up in Greece (early 80s) and then moved abroad for a few years. During my teenage years, around the age of fourteen, based on some songs I heard - on Yannis Petridis' illegal FM station at the time - and recorded on a cassette, I fell deeply (and forever) in love with Rock music.I got my first guitar at 15 and my first band at 17(!) ....
At 18 I went to Scotland to study. There I played professionally for the 1st time and participated in several tours also for the 1st time!
Two years later I would find myself in America, having now decided to study music and become a professional.
I studied classical guitar in Florida and then Jazz guitar at the Berklee School of Music in Boston.
Along with my studies I played with various Rock & Blues bands. In Boston, I played exclusively Blues. I have a great love for the Blues. It's my secret strength.
I returned to Greece in the mid-90s. I played with many groups, and soon followed the creation of my own, which goes by the name Simos & Co.
I have recorded three personal works. Wild World (2011), Breakthrough (2018) and Live Recording at the historic KYTTAPO in 2019.
In the summer of 2023 I recorded my first soundtrack for the documentary "Anthropause"..
I've been very lucky with the collaborations I've done from time to time. I've met great musicians from whom I've learned a lot.
Some of the collaborations and personalities that stand out are Stelios Vamvakaris, Loukas Sideras (Aphrodite's Child), Giannis Drolapas, Elias Zaikos, Socrates Malamas and many others.
My love for music became the "bridge" to meet great artists and share with them really precious moments!
This summer I am in Skiathos - from where I am writing this note - for a season. I play every night and that makes me happy.
I used to think that as time went by I would lose my passion for guitar and music in general, but it's the opposite. As the years go by, (my) passion grows!
I've been playing music for about 40 years. A lot has happened... both good and bad. Most of it has been good. I admit I've been both lucky and unlucky.
I walk down the path of life with a guitar in my hands, trying to serve music to the best of my ability, having creation as my highest good and love as a teacher. And that is enough for me.
Simos Kokavesis
Skiathos 13\6\2024
