Greek-Canadian singer, songwriter and musician, Katherine Filippeos, just released her new single entitled “No Pain No Glory.” It is the second in a series of releases that encourage introspection and self-observation while relating darkness to a polarity of optimism and a positive message.
Marked by Filippeos’ eerie vocals & harmonizations, her performance exhibits her fine command of the guitar. It features beautiful arpeggios and powerful rasgueados, and is strongly influenced by her formal studies in classical guitar and flamenco.
The music takes the listener on a journey to the inner self and the struggle to release human pain by deep understanding; “It is through our pain that we develop our complete power to face challenges and rise to glory,” Filippeos says.
The reflective sadness in the music is accompanied by a powerful lyrical message designed to encourage people to discover the power within themselves and to conquer fear: “the best things in life are the things that occur when you never give in,” the song says.
Filippeos: Pain is a gateway to our growth
“Overcoming failure is an art; pain is a gateway to our growth if we so choose. All things worthwhile in this life take focus, dedication and grit. That’s what this song is about,” Filippeos says.
“I was inspired to write this piece after I went on the pilgrimage “Camino de Santiago” in Galicia in the Northwest of Spain. I started in Leon and walked 300km to reach Santiago. I did the pilgrimage in August and it was unbelievably hot; this is how the lyrics of the song “It’s too hot, it aches and it pains” came about,” the artist says.
“I met so many fascinating people from all walks of life on this journey; some people wanted a physical challenge and connection with nature; some were struggling with addiction and needed a solitary experience to reflect on their life.
“Most people I had the honor of meeting were on a spiritual journey in the “awakening” process, connecting intimately with themselves on deeper matters of the soul,” she added.
“The many different challenges I faced on this journey was a profound life experience. I slept on mountains, went days with no shower, was lost and found by locals, sang and played guitar in the mountains with a weary traveler. I would describe the experience as analogous to every day life: there are good days, bad days, ups and downs, but in everything there is a lesson: never give up, rise to the challenge. Our pain is ultimately a gateway to our success as human beings.”
One of the most profound experiences I had, was walking with a Spaniard named “Polly.” At one point my feet were swollen and blistered, I had fallen and hurt my knee and we stopped at a small bar to refresh ourselves with a “birra con limone” (beer with lemon); he took a swig of his beer, looked me in the eye and said “sin dolor no hay gloria”…no pain, no glory.”
“This is a song about the battle we go through within ourselves; the recognition of the true self, our purpose and perseverance to stay connected and move forward in harmony with our destiny. My wish is for this music to inspire you to stay focused so that you may rise to your personal glory.”
Performing career started at the age of 14
Filippeos graduated with an A.R.C.T. in guitar performance from the Royal Conservatory of Music, where she also studied piano and vocals extensively.
Awards include a silver medal award from the Royal Conservatory of Music. She has taught guitar, piano, voice and performance at various schools since 1993, including schools in Canada and Italy, where she also served as an adjudicator for Guitar Competitions.
Beginning her performing career at the age of 14, Katherine has played venues that include: Much Music, Kingswood Music Theatre, Massey Hall, Roy Thompson Hall and the Toronto International Film Festival for the premiere of “Eastern Promises” (Viggo Mortenson & Naomi Watts) as well as “Rachel Getting Married” (Anne Hathaway).
Filippeos is an accomplished songwriter, receiving radio play throughout Canada and the U.S. She achieved billboard status with the self-written single “I Never Needed,” and penned chart-topping singles “When I Fall in Love” and “Now and Forever” performed by L’il Suzy.
She now resides in Athens, Greece, and is focusing on her career as a musician, songwriter and artist. You can follow her at her Instagram and Linktree.
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