Freedom Candlemaker is a direct translation of Lefteris Moumtzis’ name into English. Lefteris is a Greek-Cypriot musician, composer and producer, living in Lefkosia, Cyprus. Apart from his solo releases, and various collaborations, he is the founder of the independent record label Louvana Records and the artistic director of Fengaros Music Festival, Music Village Fengaros and Lefkosia Loop Festival.

His musical journey began at the age of six when he started learning the piano. At the age of fourteen he started taking saxophone lessons, and shortly after he joined his sister’s rock band playing the piano and later on as a singer. During his obligatory service in the Cyprus army at the age of eighteen he taught himself how to play the guitar, the bass and the drums and he realised that music was his path.

He studied music in Boston, Massachusetts and later on in Birmingham UK, eventually moving for several years in London, UK, where he formed various bands like Masters of Disguise and Trio Tekke and organised his own music nights in South London.

Upon his return to Cyprus he founded the independent record label Louvana Records, with Andreas Trachonitis.

His albums with Trio Tekke represent milestones of contemporary Greek rembetico music while his records as J.Kriste, Master of Disguise are a perfect blend of folk music and “Reflections” era Manos Hadjidakis.

His first album under the name Freedom Candlemaker will be released in February 2019 via Inner Ear.