Meet Dinos Alvanos | Film Composer & Guitarist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dinos Alvanos and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dinos, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I have always been fascinated by anything related to art, particularly the performing arts. Since my early childhood, I began taking music lessons and became involved in local theatrical productions, whether playing music, acting, or assisting behind the scenes. Growing up, I was surrounded by an environment that cherished and supported the arts in every possible way.

As I entered my late teens and started gaining some experience in what might be considered a “normal” job, such as working as a seasonal waiter or salesman in restaurants and mini-markets during the summers, I began to realize that by honing my artistic skills, I could pursue what I love and sustain myself financially while also having the flexibility to craft my routine.

I understood from the outset that embarking on an artistic career can be daunting and unpredictable, yet the rewards, even in the smallest moments, can be immensely gratifying.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m a film composer and guitarist based in Los Angeles, originally from Greece, bringing a blend of cultures to my music, from simple guitar melodies to intricate orchestral pieces.

My musical journey kicked off at age five with piano lessons and theory classes. As a teen, I fell for the guitar and, guided by inspiring professors, dove into composition, putting my ideas onto paper. By 17, after completing my first big choral piece, I knew composing was my jam.

Seeking new horizons and connections, I landed at Berklee College of Music. There, I found my groove in composing for film and media, soaking up all the knowledge Berklee had to offer.

While being away from home had its ups and downs, getting to make music and contribute to meaningful projects made it all worthwhile. Highlights include collaborating on the documentary “Alive,” crafting the theme for Sani-Festival 2023, and scoring the indie film “If We Were a Movie.”

As a guitarist, I’ve shared stages with talents like Sona Jobarteh and Vessela Stoyanova, including a recent gig headlining at Hollywood’s “The Viper Room” with punk rocker “Mizzy.”

Currently, I’m working with composer George Kallis on the movie Fortis Femina (Applied Art Productions ) as a member of the orchestration team and at Sparks & Shadows, a music production company owned by Grammy nominated composer Bear McCreary

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Los Angeles is a huge place and switching between a few blocks can give you a different experience of the same city not even mention switching between different areas. Being someone who is relatively new in LA and being mostly familiar with the San Fernando Valley area I would always start by taking a long hike in one of the many parks/ mountains that exist around the area like Topanga Park or Runyon Canyon where you can challenge yourself with some steep routes but also experience breathtaking views of the city, get a little sense of how big it is and how many perspectives it has.

After all this walking we need to try one of the taco tracks. The best thing with these is that each one is amazing in its own way and that in every one of them tracks you can have an authentic Mexican taco due to the rich Mexican culture that has lived within the city since forever.

If you want to get the classic LA vibe don’t miss a walk on the Santa Monica beach and Pier. At night I love going to the Gold Diggers for the city’s craziest funk fusion instrumental jam featuring the best session musicians, of course, the Black Rabbit Rose in Hollywood and always closing the at “The Rainbow Bar & Grill” for good food and if we are lucky we might see our favorite rock star that plays in the city that night.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My parents played a crucial role in nurturing my love for the arts, particularly music. They ensured that alongside my regular education, I received comprehensive musical instruction, emphasizing the importance of balancing both pursuits.

During challenging moments when I contemplated abandoning music, my parents provided steadfast support and guidance, encouraging me to persevere. Their unwavering belief in my abilities fueled my passion for music. Even when I expressed my desire to pursue music professionally, despite the limited opportunities in our area, my parents stood by me, offering unwavering support.

They remain my strongest pillars of emotional support, consistently reminding me of my initial motivations. Additionally, I owe a debt of gratitude to my first piano teacher, Antonis Karakostas, whose early guidance broadened my musical horizons and revealed the vast possibilities within the art form.

Website: https://play.reelcrafter.com/A_zmPP_CRa6qD5oiQgMyxQ

Instagram: dinos_al

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dinos-alvanos-8ab9b8231/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100004283502660

Other: SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/dinos-alvanos?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing