IOTA – See Your Universe: “Awareness in motion” on wax
Music stories from clients who trusted Mind The Wax to press their music on vinyl!
Iota is a musical collective based in Athens, blending nu-jazz, hip hop, electronica, and world music into a unique atmospheric sound. They create textured sonic landscapes that explore consciousness, emotion, and the subtle connections between the physical and the metaphysical. If you’re into rich grooves, deep lyrical flows, and unexpected instrumental journeys, welcome aboard.
What genres, artists, or life experiences have shaped your sound the most?
Our sound is shaped by everything from 90s jazz-hop and experimental electronic to traditional Eastern melodies and raw live improvisation. Artists like Cinematic Orchestra, Portishead, Bonobo, and Nujabes, LTJ Bukem, Amon Tobin, Flying Lotus, Madlib and more shaped our early years, but so did street jams, noisy rehearsal spaces, and the vibrant chaos of Athens. Each member brings a different palette, which becomes part of the whole.
What’s one unexpected influence that might surprise listeners?
Music from ‘90s video games, especially soundtracks from titles like Chrono Trigger, Metroid, and early Final Fantasy. Composers like Yasunori Mitsuda and Nobuo Uematsu built entire worlds with limited tools, and that left a mark on us. There’s something deeply emotional yet futuristic in those sounds that, in a strange way, resurfaces in the ambient textures and beat-driven layers we create. It’s like a memory from another dimension.
What’s the heart of this album — the story or theme that ties it together?
See Your Universe is about perception and transformation. It’s a soundtrack to inner journeys, through memory, change, self-awareness, and the kaleidoscope of what we call reality. It’s both personal and universal.
“Awareness in motion”
Was there a specific moment or turning point that sparked its creation?
The turning point was when MC Yinka officially joined the band. That shift opened up a new dynamic and gave our compositions a voice, literally and emotionally. From that moment, the album found its narrative shape.
If you had to describe this album in one quote or phrase, what would it be — and why?
“Awareness in motion.” Because that’s what the music feels like, a constant flow through layers of thought, emotion, rhythm, and space.
What’s one track on this album that feels the most personal to you — and why?
“Aspect”, it’s the first track we released from the album and it captures the duality we often explore: calm and chaos, structure and freedom. It’s personal because it embodies the direction we wanted to go sonically, spiritually, and collectively.
What gear, instruments, or software were central to the sound of this record?
For See Your Universe, we wanted to build a sound that balances the organic with the electronic. So we used a blend of acoustic instruments and digital production. All the recording, mixing, and production took place at home, in a fully DIY approach. The drums were recorded in a custom space we set up specifically for that purpose.
Digital Performer was our main DAW for production and sound design, layering synths like the Moog Muse, Korg SV electric piano, and various virtual instruments.
For the guitar, we used a Koch amp along with a series of Jam Pedals, which gave us great tonal versatility and texture. On bass, Panagiotis Andreou uses a unique chain of boutique pedals with a distinct voice. My personal favorite is the Octavbre by 3 Leaf Audio, which added character and depth to the low end.
We also used a Presonus mixing console, incorporating analog delays and reverbs to bring space and warmth to the mix while keeping the instruments feeling real and alive.
The live energy of the ney, drums, guitar, and of course Panagiotis Andreou’s bass brought a more human, earthy character to the record. The ney by Nikos Paraoulakis and MC Yinka’s rap played a central role in shaping the overall sound.
We also incorporated lots of field recordings, analog effects, and tape simulations to create atmospheres and textures that blend the world of the real with the world of the abstract.
Any memorable or unexpected moments from the recording process?
One of the most magical sessions was with Panagiotis Andreou on bass, he laid down the kind of grooves that made the rest of the track fall into place effortlessly. There was this flow, this instinctive communication, where suddenly everything just clicked. It felt like the track already knew what it wanted to be, and Panagiotis just brought it to life.
Also, a few improvised takes, whether from synths, ney, or even vocals, ended up becoming final cuts, completely untouched. There’s something powerful about capturing a moment exactly as it happens, with all its rawness and truth. We tried not to over-polish anything that already carried that kind of energy.
Then, there were those chaotic yet creative moments in the studio where things didn’t go as planned, for example, the mic preamp burned out at the last minute, or a synth glitched unexpectedly. But rather than get frustrated, we embraced it and let it influence the sound. Those “happy accidents” sometimes led to the most interesting parts of the album.
Did you collaborate with anyone on this project — musically or visually?
Yes, with the amazing Andreas Polyzogopoulos (trumpet), Yiannis Chatziioannou (electric piano), and Backterria, who designed the album cover and handled the visuals. In addition to this, Backterria also worked on the video, while Vangelis Kokkalis took care of the post-production. Their contributions added a deeper dimension to the album, both sonically and visually. Panagiotis Andreou, with his unique bass sound, gave a distinct character to the low-end, adding depth and a unique style to the album’s overall sound.
Why did you choose to press this release on vinyl — what does the format mean to you?
Vinyl brings out the textures and dynamics we built into this album. It’s not just a listening format — it’s a ritual. You sit down, you drop the needle, and you’re fully present. That’s how this album should be heard.
Was there a moment when you knew this album had to be on vinyl?
The first time we played the mastered version in the studio from start to finish. It felt cinematic and cohesive, like a journey that deserved a physical form.
How do you feel hearing your music on vinyl for the first time?
It’s surreal. You hear the warmth, the space, the weight. It’s like seeing your music through a new lens, one that breathes.
Can you share some details about the final product — the vinyl color, weight, packaging, or any custom features?
It’s a 140g black vinyl with a matte-finish sleeve, featuring Backterria’s stunning artwork. While there’s no insert, the minimal packaging reflects the album’s sonic aesthetic raw, intentional, and immersive. Seeing the artwork in full 12-inch format really brings out its depth and detail it feels like holding a piece of visual art that complements the music perfectly.
What’s the ideal setting for someone to drop the needle on this record for the first time?
Late at night, low lighting, with a clear mind. Or early in the morning, relaxed and at peace, ready to listen to the record without distractions. It’s introspective music, meant to meet you wherever your thoughts are most alive.
What was your experience like working with Mind The Wax on this pressing?
It was smooth, collaborative, and deeply respectful of the artist’s vision. They paid great attention to the details, and that level of care truly made all the difference in bringing the album to life in its physical form. They first sent us the press test, which we listened to in a very specialized listening space at Athens Mastering with Anestis Psaradakos, using high-end speakers. We also tested the mastering with the press test, and the differences were negligible, which means the work done by the vinyl production company was exceptional.
What advice would you give to other artists considering a vinyl release?
Make sure your album deserves the format in terms of cohesion, sound quality, and emotion. Vinyl reveals the soul of your music so give it a soul worth hearing. I highly recommend it.
Where can fans buy the vinyl or stream the album?
You can find it on our Bandcamp, and it’s streaming on all major platforms.
All links: linktr.ee/iotatunes
How important is physical media to you in an age of streaming?
It’s more important than ever. In a digital sea, physical releases anchor your work in time and space. They make your music feel real.
Are there any special editions, merch bundles, or upcoming live shows tied to the release?
Yes, we recently played a special live show at Gazarte (Athens), with proceeds supporting a cancer support nonprofit. We’re planning more shows and limited merch drops tied to the See Your Universe universe.
What does it mean to have a tangible product your fans can hold?
It’s like handing someone a piece of your world. It’s memory, intention, and emotion pressed into wax.
Any upcoming news or releases fans should watch for?
We’ve got an EP on the way, new collaborations, and we’ve started working on our third full-length album. Expect new sounds, new stories, and a few surprises. Stay Tuned.
Do you want to know more about IOTA?
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Vinyl pressing by Mind The Wax
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