EMQ’s With SLEEK

EMQ’s With SLEEK

Hi everyone! Welcome to another EMQs interview, this time with Greek Hard Rockers, Sleek. Huge thanks to their vocalist, Joe R, for taking part.

What is your name, what do you play and can you tell us a little bit about the history of the band?

Hey! I am Joe R, and I’m the singer of SLEEK.
The band came together in Athens, Greece, around 2021. I already had lyrics and some early guitar-and-vocal demos, and the urge to create original Hard Rock music was strong. One by one, the rest of the band joined – all of us sharing similar influences, the same vision, and above all, a serious hunger for real Hard Rock. From the very first rehearsal, the chemistry was obvious. SLEEK wasn’t forced into existence, it just clicked.

How did you come up with your band name?

We wanted a name that sounded sharp, simple, and memorable – something that reflects clarity and attitude without being overcomplicated. “SLEEK” felt right immediately. It has a certain elegance, but also edge. Just like our music: melodic on the surface, powerful underneath.

What Country / Region are you from and what is the Metal / Rock scene like there?

We’re from Athens, Greece, and the Rock and Metal scene here is very active and passionate. Greece has produced bands like Rotting Christ, Septicflesh and Suicidal Angels, so heavy music is deeply rooted in the underground. It may not always get mainstream attention, but the scene is strong, loyal, and very much alive.

What is your latest release?

Our latest release is our debut album “Still Hurts”, accompanied by lyric videos for “Still Hurts” and “A Life in Chains”. It’s our first full statement as a band.

Who have been your greatest influences?

We grew up on classic Hard rock and Metal. Bands like Def Leppard, Iron Maiden, Van Halen, Dokken, Guns N’ Roses and Poison, but also artists with strong emotional storytelling such as Bruce Springsteen and Pink Floyd. That classic DNA is always there, but we try to present it with a modern mindset and production.

What first got you into music?

Def Leppard and Iron Maiden, for sure.
Growing up in Greece, surrounded by traditional music, it was actually quite hard to listen to anything else. Then one day a friend brought over a cassette with Hard Rock and Metal, including “Fear of the Dark” by Iron Maiden. That moment changed everything. From then on, if it didn’t have electric guitars, I wasn’t interested.

If you could collaborate with a current band or musician who would it be?

We’re very open to collaborations, as long as they feel natural and honest. For us, chemistry always comes before names. We have a lot of respect for bands like H.E.A.T. and Crazy Lixx, who manage to keep the melodic Hard Rock spirit alive while constantly pushing it forward. Working with artists who share that same passion and authenticity would be genuinely inspiring.

If you could play any festival in the world, which would you choose and why?

We haven’t played any major festivals yet, so the honest answer is: any of them.
Seriously… we’re available, we travel light and we play loud.

What’s the weirdest gift you have ever received from a fan?

I’d love to tell you a Rock ’n’ Roll story involving something spicy, like wet panties… But so far it’s mostly been beers. Which, to be fair, is still a solid gift.

If you had one message for your fans, what would it be?

Thank you for listening, sharing, and supporting us. Every stream, every message, every smile after a show is fuel for us. If you believe in a band, support them! Buy their music, come to their shows, keep rock music alive. We’re all part of the same scene.

If you could bring one rock star back from the dead, who would it be?

David Bowie.
I deeply admire his work and artistic vision, and I never had the chance to see him live. He was truly one of a kind.

What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? And what do you hate?

What we enjoy most is the connection: with the music, with each other, and with the audience. Creating something from nothing and seeing people react to it never gets old.
What we hate? Trying to be heard in a world overloaded with content. But that’s part of the game.

If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?

The industry itself isn’t the real enemy, it’s always been about investment and return.
The real problem is how music is consumed today. Artists give away their work for “exposure,” but exposure doesn’t pay for records or tours. If people truly love music, they should support it: buy albums, go to shows. That’s how music survives.

Name one of your all-time favourite albums?

“The Wall” by Pink Floyd. A masterpiece in every sense. 

What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CDs or Downloads?

Vinyl.
No debate needed.

What’s the best gig that you have played to date?

Our debut show at HolyWood in Athens. First gig, first impact. Unforgettable.

If you weren’t a musician, what else would you be doing?

Honestly, it’s hard to imagine life without music.
But if I had to choose… maybe I’d be a dog hanging around a street musician. Still close to music, just with fewer responsibilities.

Which five people would you invite to a dinner party?

Hmm… Let me think…

Socrates
Salvador Dalí
Albert Camus
Ronnie James Dio
Marilyn Monroe

It would probably end in chaos — but the conversation would be worth it.

What’s next for the band? What Social Media / Website links do you use to get your music out to people?

We’re writing new material, planning live shows, and working on expanding beyond Greece.
All our music and updates – including social media links – can be found at https://sleek.band

Time for a very British question now. As an alternative to the humble sandwich, is the correct name for a round piece of bread common in the UK either a Bap, a Barm (or Barm Cake), a Batch, a Bun a Cob, a Muffin, a Roll or a Tea Cake?

Honestly? It’s all Greek to me, mate. But I could eat them all – I swear!

Thank you for your time. Is there anything else that you would like to add?

Thanks for having us. Support live music, support real bands, keep buying records, and remember:  if anyone tells you Hard Rock is dead, politely ignore them. They’re probably listening to the wrong playlist.

Disclaimer: This interview is solely the property of Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this interview, unless you have the strict permission of said party. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.