Bill Koutsouros

Music has always been a part of who I am, my father being part of several Greek and Middle Eastern Ensembles and my mother being a belly dancer, it seemed only natural that I follow in their path. My musical journey began at age 15 with my first red electric guitar. Soon to follow was the formation of my band, Black Rainbow. Playing original music, in and around Philadelphia into my college years, inspired me to open my mind and learn about music from around the world. I became particularly interested in Greek, Middle Eastern, and Indian music. As a result, I began teaching myself to play the Bouzouki, a Greek Lute, the Oud, an Arabic lute, the Doumbek/Tabli, a goblet shaped Egyptian drum and the Riq a Middle Eastern tambourine.

In 1995 my main music group Animus was formed. Starting as an acoustic duo, Animus has since evolved into an original World Fusion ensemble taking "World Fusion" to a new extremes.

My goal, when composing for Animus, is to stimulate the body, mind, and soul of the listener. As a musician, composer, and artist, I have no musical boundaries. I strive for diverse compositional arrangements that utilize and endless variety of grooves and rhythms.

Currently, I play the Bouzouki, Doumbek, Guitar, Oud, and the Riq In Animus. My other projects include playing with the Feztones, The Spice Route (Strings for Schools), Children's World Music Express, and The Sally Mitlas Orchestra among others. I am proud of my hard work, effort and accomplishments with Animus. In particular, having been nominated for Best Roots/ World Music Performer 2000-2002 and Best Local Band 2006 by the Philadelphia City Paper and the opportunities to perform at such great venues as the Kimmel Center and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. I plan on continuing my musical journeys and will always strive to impact peoples lives positively through music.