Ancient Echoes: Rio Kosta in Conversation
Los Angeles duo Rio Kosta—Mike Del Rio and Kosta Galanopoulos—are making music that feels like slipping through time. Inspired by the past but never stuck in it, their new single Ancients transforms a dusty ‘70s Greek folk recording into a cosmic meditation on memory, identity, and the spaces between. We Chatted to the pair about the power of conversation, boxing, the perfect beach, and making music that feels like home.
Outside of your art form, where do you find inspiration?
MDR It depends on the season but I'm an avid reader and will try and go see a film once a week if possible. I've always been quite curious about the nuances of someone's story or how a big idea came to be so it's a lot of documentaries and biographies in rotation. Also working in music, especially in a place as sparse and vast as LA, can be quite a life of solitude. So Going out and having a chance conversation with a stranger, sometimes it's an uber driver or calling up old friend for a catch up, those momentary exchanges often leave me with a full tank of something to think about.
KG I find a lot of inspiration on the road or being away from my creative space. Sometimes it’s in an old film and hearing the European film composers or playing someone else’s music. Ideas spark.
Where do you think you get your personal power from?
MDR Thats a big question! And depending on the day there will be a different answer, especially those times you feel powerless.
KG Tough one.. I’d say in a nutshell.. I get it from boxing and my family.
What is your favourite space?
MDR a clear beach, a lush forest, NYC 20 years ago and a sunday dinner with my family.
KG Definitely the Caribbean, Florida keys. NYC.. that’s the best city.
How much of a role do other musicians play in inspiring your work?
KG They play a huge roll. Playing and having musical conversations with cats in any studio or live context totally innovates how and what you play. That translates into inspiration.
Is there a specific sonic theme, genre or instrument that you draw pure joy from?
KG The Hammond B3. That’s the ultimate, most soulful instrument. Pure color. I like to draw from a lot of 60s jazz records.
How does visual aesthetic come to play in your work?
KG Need primary colors around me. It’s the basics of everything you see. I think that translates into the music.
What are the core values behind your art?
KG Make the music that you want to listen to and love. Don’t follow someone else’s trends. Be honest with yourself.
What would be your ultimate song to cover?
KG Impossible question.. But if I had to roll in and record a cover right now.. I’d probably cut “A Whiter Shade Of Pale” - Procol Harum.
What is the first album you bought yourself?
MDR “Californication” - Red Hot Chilli Peppers.
KG “Jammin’ with Herbie” - Herbie Hancock.
First memory of live music?
MDR A Dance recital.
KG A local symphony orchestra.
Go to comfort movie / TV show?
MDR Grand Designs, Face Off & The Sopranos.
KG Seinfeld.
Who is on your dream collaboration list?
MDR Dead; Barry White. Living; Q tip, Keith Richards, Tyler The Creator and Doecii.
KG Keith Richards, Bob James, Mark Ronson… the list goes on.
What are you holding whilst posing for an oil painting?
MDR My finger.
KG My cat Lucille.
What is your spirit animal?
KG A cat.
Funeral song(s)?
MDR João Gilberto and Stan Getz - Aguas De Marco.
KG Bach - Orchestral Suite No. 3.
What do you own that you should throw out, but can’t?
KG A pair of APC jeans that have the most perfect wear but are too small.
People are coming over to dinner, what are you serving?
MDR Ice cream and Malibu Rum.
KG Coconut fried shrimp.
If you could time travel, who are you visiting?
MDR Nikolai Tesla.
KG Miles Davis.
You have a free plane ticket, where are you going?
MDR Greece.
KG The Caribbean.
Who are you taking on a date, and where are you going?
MDR My wife.
KG My girlfriend - I think we’d go listen to Bach play organ in a church in the 1600s.
Why do you think we are here on planet earth at this time?
KG I think we’re here to be creative and make things.
If you were an ice cream flavour, what would it be?
MDR Coconut Coffee.
KG Strawberry.
Have you ever experienced true love?
MDR Thankfully Everyday.
KG Same. Everyday.
If you could learn one new skill instantly, what would it be?
MDR I would love to speak many languages.
KG I’d learn how to do acupuncture.
See more by Rio Kosta here / Screen grabs from videos by @zack.mizurik
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