by Paul Koidis
The world loves Pavlo.
And for the internationally renowned artist, who is transcending the music universe with his signature sound, a recent PBS special, feature film documentaries, and tour stops in South Korea, Kastoria, Greece and Hollywood, California, his rising star is really a labour of love.
“I try to keep it simple and always remind myself why I do this, 'the music',” Pavlo says during a recent stop in his hometown of Toronto. “I love to play and write. This is why I do this.”
And it shows. Over the span of his impressive 20-year career stunning audiences around the globe, Pavlo has released 10 albums of his own music, plus two collaborative projects, including 2015’s Guitarradas with Remigio Pereira of The Tenors, and 2009’s Trifecta with fellow guitar masters Rik Emmett and Oscar Lopez.
And as he discovered recently, Canadian icon Gordon Lightfoot is a fan.
“Gordon and I had the same manager in Bernie Fiedler, who passed on my music to Gordon and he became a fan. He has humbled me with his presence at my concerts including my Massey hall and Roy Thomson Hall shows over the years,” he says.
As Pavlo climbs in the charts, and in people’s hearts, he follows in the footsteps of the guitar gods of the genre, becoming an icon himself. Why? There’s just something special about a Pavlo concert.
“My concerts are about happiness, positive vibes and making memories. I realize that the fans that come out and see me perform have taken several hours out of their lives to spend it with me.”
“This is why I play every show like it’s my last,” he says.
And his followers have known this sacred truth for a long time and continue to grow and spread across the world. His unique style of music, which can be described as a mix of Mediterranean magic, with Greek, Spanish and Eastern influences, is uniquely his own, and is connecting with people in a way that rises above the current commercial music market.
“I believe when you write music that is true to your core and true to your being and true to yourself you will always find an audience. No matter how big or small your fan base is, it will be a fan base that will stay with you forever,” he says.
His latest creative project is a collaboration album with Remigio Pereira of The Tenors. A guitar album with full instrumentation recorded in 432hz. The frequency that heals, soothes, and simply makes you feel better. Remigio spent a week at Pavlo’s home in Florida where they wrote most of the album.
As such, the secret to his success become clear. Passion. Determination. And just being yourself. But most important, the world seems to love Pavlo for one simple reason.
He loves the world back.
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Pavlo and Remigio will take the stage in Oshawa, on October 13, at the Regent Theatre. This will be the only Toronto Area stop on the Canadian tour. Find tickets here.