Music Observer

From Rock to Pop and Everything In Between: Athan Hilaki’s Distinct Music Style Leaves a Lasting Impression on Stage and Screen

Athan Hilaki
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Athan Hilaki is a musical virtuoso whose eclectic abilities set him apart from the rest of the industry. With his soulful voice, expert songwriting, mastery of multiple instruments, and impressive production skills, Athan has consistently demonstrated his potential for success in the dynamic realm of music.

Athan, originally hailing from Athens, Greece, embarked on a musical journey that took him to the bustling city of New York in 2008. It was here that he found his calling and established the Alternative Rock / Indie Rock sensation Trapped In Static in 2011. A true maestro of his craft, Athan has lent his instrumental prowess as a guitarist, bassist, and keyboardist to numerous bands and singer/songwriters both on stage and in the studio as a producer and session musician. His undeniable talent has graced the same stages as some of the biggest names in the industry, such as The Killers, Duffy, The Prodigy, and many more.

Back in 2014, Athan composed the score for the TV flick “Preying For Mercy,” helmed by the acclaimed director Bill Duke and starring the two-time EMMY honoree Martha Byrne. Ever since, he has been churning out a plethora of soundtracks in addition to crafting captivating scores for both stage and screen. Currently based in the bustling city of Los Angeles, Athan is passionately pursuing his musical endeavors, dazzling audiences with live performances alongside a myriad of talented musicians, including Desert Radio, Alethea, Amy Stargher, and beyond.

Athan’s versatile music style caters to a diverse audience of music enthusiasts, ranging from rock and alternative aficionados to grunge and pop enthusiasts, as well as electronic music enthusiasts. Trapped In Static presents a unique blend of alternative rock and indie rock that appeals to a wide range of listeners. Athan’s solo and side projects under his name showcase his talent as a singer-songwriter with a distinct electronic music touch, where he also collaborates with various vocalists and artists.

Not only is Athan a gifted musician, but he also boasts an impressive 20-year track record as an IT consultant and web designer, making him quite the tech-savant. This technological prowess has proven to be a valuable asset in his recent endeavors, particularly in the realm of live streaming and looping, both of which he seamlessly weaves into his performances. In fact, Athan was at the forefront of the multi-cam livestream trend on Instagram in 2020 and was among the pioneering musicians to venture into multi-streaming.

Amidst the pandemic, Athan, like numerous other musicians, adapted to the new normal by taking his performances online. His talent earned him a spot among the elite group of performers associated with Voyagers, one of the most prominent streaming agencies in the US. In 2021, he made a mark for himself by ranking among the top 100 hosts in the BIGO LIVE app, entertaining his followers with live music every day. At the end of 2022, he was the first host to perform live VR concerts on PICO VR and one of the first 12 selected VR hosts worldwide. To elevate his live streams on BIGO LIVE and PICO VR, he leverages the magic of live looping, harnessing the power of his voice, guitar, bass, keyboards, and drum pads. For this, he relies on cutting-edge technology like the Neural DSP Quad Cortex and the Loopy Pro by A Tasty Pixel, taking his musical prowess to a whole new level.

For two years straight, Athan has captivated audiences without the crutch of a backing band, and his talent never fails to intrigue and mesmerize. His one-of-a-kind vocal range, a fusion of huskiness and velvety smoothness, has garnered comparisons to the likes of Bono, Eddie Vedder, and Chris Cornell. Add to that his impeccable guitar skills and mesmerizing live looping, which produce a sound that’s more robust than a complete band, and you have a true musical virtuoso.

For those who enjoy experiencing live music, Athan Hilaki’s social media accounts offer a variety of ways to engage with his music. Check him out on his website, as well as on BIGO, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, Facebook and TikTok.

 

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