SLEEK: “The music, however, is a truly collective effort: one of us brings an idea, and then we shape it together through rehearsals, experiments, and studio work”

“SLEEK: to create music that first and foremost speaks to us and gives us joy to perform”

Welcome to Polismagazino. Introduce the band in few words.

Nice to meet you, Polis. We are SLEEK, a Melodic Hard Rock band based in Athens. Our sound is rooted in the late ’80s hard rock aesthetic, enriched with elements of country rock, AOR, and even subtle punk influences. In essence, what we play is a blend of our personal musical backgrounds and collective chemistry, giving shape to a sound that is both familiar and fresh.

When did you start as a band?

We started playing together and writing material in 2021. At first, we were a four-piece, but very quickly we realized that the ideas we had in mind required the dynamics of two guitars. That was the turning point that shaped our sound, and from then on we became a five-member band.

What is your first musical memory?

If you mean as a band, one moment really stands out: our live show at the Hollywood Live Stage. The place was packed, and the audience’s energy was electrifying from the first note until the very end. It was a milestone for us — the kind of night that reminds you why you do this in the first place. We can’t wait to live more nights like that.

Who are the members of the band?

Our current lineup is:
– Joe R – lead vocals
– Nick E & George K – guitars
– Alkis R – bass guitar
– Greg S – drums & keyboard composition

Describe to us your career in music to date. Were there any decisive positive or negative influences?

Each of us has been active in music long before SLEEK — either in cover bands or projects with original material. We wouldn’t say there were negative influences; rather, there came a point where our previous bands didn’t fully express what we wanted musically. That realization became the driving force behind SLEEK: to create music that first and foremost speaks to us and gives us joy to perform.

Are you “scared” by success or failure?

Not at all. To us, failure doesn’t really exist. Making our own music, performing live, and enjoying this journey together as close friends already feels like success. If greater recognition comes along, we’ll embrace it and handle it professionally. Until then, we’ll keep building step by step.

Tell us a few words about your latest release.

Our debut release is titled Still Hurts. It’s a collection of nine tracks that reflect the full spectrum of our influences. From ’80s hard rock and AOR, to punk energy, and even an acoustic ballad, the album captures who we were as a band at that moment in time. Of course, we’re constantly evolving, so our next work may take us to new and different places musically.

Who edits the lyrics and music?

The lyrics for our debut album are written exclusively by Joe, our singer, which ensures that they resonate with his voice and personality. The music, however, is a truly collective effort: one of us brings an idea, and then we shape it together through rehearsals, experiments, and studio work. The final arrangements often crystallize in the recording process itself, where we refine details until a song feels complete.

What are your future music plans?

We’re already writing new material and eager to return to the studio when the time is right. We don’t want to rush — quality takes time. Meanwhile, our immediate focus is on playing as many live shows as possible, especially in new cities and venues where people haven’t seen us yet. Live energy is what keeps us going, and we’re excited to share it with more audiences.