Marking two decades of heartfelt songwriting and genre-blending spirit, Stray Blue returns with the release of their limited edition 7″ vinyl EP “Wake Up & Smile – Acoustic Version” and “Moody Sky” featuring acclaimed cellist Yoed Nir. Dropping July 18th, this release isn’t just a new chapter for the Chania-based trio—it’s a full-circle celebration of everything they’ve stood for since day one: sincerity, resilience, and the unshakeable belief that music connects us all.
The acoustic reimagining of “Wake Up & Smile” feels like a homecoming. Originally written and recorded spontaneously in 2005, the track has become Stray Blue’s unofficial anthem. Now, 20 years later, it’s been stripped down to its purest emotional form—warm fingerpicked guitar (a 12-string in a unique tuning), conversational vocals, and a lyric that resonates more now than ever:
“Life is not always the way you want it to be… just wake up and smile.”
There’s something special about the way Nick Anastasakis sings this line. It’s not blind optimism—it’s survival. It’s choosing to stand up again after heartbreak, loss, or disappointment. And with longtime bandmates George Athanas (bass, vocals) and George Papazoglou (drums) supporting with delicate touches, the song lands like a comforting embrace. It’s indie folk at its most human.
If “Wake Up & Smile” is the sunrise, “Moody Sky” is the quiet storm that precedes it. Featuring Israeli cellist Yoed Nir—known for his work with Regina Spektor and Rufus Wainwright—the track adds rich, cinematic depth to Stray Blue’s palette. The cello weaves through the melody like a second voice, echoing the song’s themes of longing, reflection, and emotional weight. It’s haunting in the best way—perfect for late-night drives or rainy-day reflection.
Together, the two tracks form a compelling contrast: one rooted in uplift and resolve, the other in moody introspection. It’s a pairing that speaks volumes about Stray Blue’s emotional range and their ability to create music that’s both deeply personal and universally relatable.
Though their last official performance was in 2011, the energy behind this release suggests that the story of Stray Blue is far from over. Nick Anastasakis, now based in Los Angeles and performing solo as The Afro Nick, continues to carry the band’s spirit abroad. George remains a key figure in Thessaloniki’s rock and funk scene, and Papazoglou brings decades of experience from collaborations across the Greek blues and jazz world.
Recorded in Thessaloniki and remastered by Angelos Evangelou at Playshop Studio, the EP reflects not only the group’s musical maturity but also their creative unity despite years and miles apart.
Stray Blue’s Wake Up & Smile – Acoustic Version isn’t trying to chase trends. It doesn’t rely on studio trickery or algorithm-baiting hooks. Instead, it offers something more timeless: honest songwriting, beautiful musicianship, and an emotional truth that cuts through the noise.
It’s also a significant artifact in the band’s history. Not just a re-release or nostalgic throwback, this is a thoughtful reimagining that celebrates the past while hinting at future possibilities—including a rumored live performance in Chania, Crete.
In a music landscape flooded with surface-level emotion, Stray Blue stands out for their depth, sincerity, and soul. Wake Up & Smile – Acoustic Version is a beautiful reminder that sometimes, the quietest songs say the most. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering the band for the first time, this EP offers a poignant, uplifting listening experience that stays with you long after the last note fades.
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