THE FRONT ROW

Rock, alternative, and catchy. These three words are how Alex Papas succinctly describes his sound in solo project Talkradio. It’s a statement that doesn’t just label his music but hints at its enduring, infectious quality—an energy that resonates well beyond the first listen. If you’re new to Alex’s catalogue, “No Replay” or “Golden” should be your entry points: tracks that encapsulate the very core of what makes his music magnetic.

For Talkradio, roots aren’t geographical—they’re personal. “I grew up hearing a lot of Greek music due to my parents, but it was never my thing,” they reflect. Instead, it was rock music that captured Alex’s imagination. A cultural moment came with Kiss, a band whose omnipresence was inescapable and transformative. “They were everywhere, even on talk shows,” he recalls. That formative encounter with rock set the trajectory of his creative journey.

Alex’s evolution into a solo artist wasn’t a choice but a necessity, born of the realization that relying on others would only hold him back. “I didn’t set out to be a solo artist,” Alex admits, “it happened because it had to.” He took control, learning multiple instruments and honing his craft through years of lessons and experimentation. This independence has not only defined Talkradio’s music but also solidified their resilience.

Among their lyrics, one particular line stands tall:

There is no doubt anymore
That I’m standing right where I should be
No replay would change any score
‘Cos I’m standing right where I should be.

“It’s a reminder,” Alex explains, “that regardless of what horrible things have happened in the past, I’ve still ended up in a really good place in my life.” The sentiment is at once defiant and affirming, a reflection of the hard-earned contentment his journey has brought.

When asked what he want listeners to feel, his answer is refreshingly unpretentious: memorability. “If a song gets a head nodding, a foot tapping, or maybe even some headbanging, I’ve done my job,” Alex says. Dream collaborations lean toward icons, with Dave Grohl topping the list. “I’d love to create something massive yet infectious with him,” clearly inspired by Grohl’s unparalleled ability to blend power and melody.

Yet, Alex’s advice for aspiring musicians is sobering: “Don’t do it if you think it will make you a living. It won’t.” For Talkradio, creating music is about passion over profit—a pursuit of expression rather than expectation.

On the road, Alex is most excited about venues where the energy of the crowd transforms the night into something unforgettable. While he remains tight-lipped about surprises, fans can expect a set that brims with intensity and connection. “We’re doing a few things differently this time, but you’ll have to come and see,” he teases.

Talkradio’s latest single, “No Replay,” emerged almost serendipitously from a chord progression that seemed to appear fully formed. “The vocal melody just flowed,” they recount. Its high-energy indie rock vibe serves as a distillation of their musical ethos, though the rest of the album promises to venture into less predictable territory. Tracks like “Down” and “Get What You’re Giving” showcase a willingness to experiment, pushing the boundaries of his sound.

“Down” stands as the emotional and creative centre piece of the album. Constructed from two contrasting parts, it captures Talkradio’s resolve to overcome an environment that was, at times, stifling to creativity. “It’s about growing up in a hostile environment and not letting that stop me,” he reveals. The song’s intricate composition reflects a determination to make even the most disparate elements work together seamlessly.

This album marks a significant step forward. “The last album was my first time doing everything myself in the studio, and it felt daunting, this time, I was more confident, experimenting with chord progressions I’d never have tried before.” That confidence is palpable throughout the record, which stands as a testament to Alex’s growth as both an artist and an individual.

Of course, the recording process had its moments of imperfection. “I was fatigued from playing drums all day, and my leg was starting to wobble”. “There’s one track where the kick drum is a touch out of whack, and I can still hear it. It makes me cringe, but hey, that’s rock and roll.”

Ultimately, Talkradio’s journey is one of resilience, reinvention, and relentless creativity. With their latest album, Alex isn’t just standing where he should be—he’s carving out a place all their own.