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Evangelia: Musical Artist (USA)

06

Greek Pop Singer-Songwriter, Evangelia, pays tribute to her Greek roots through her innovative music combining pop influences with Greek traditional sounds. Having grown up both on the island of Crete in Greece, as well as New Jersey in the USA, Evangelia is creating a legacy of her own

evangelia (2)

Evangelia, you have built up a reputation as one of the most exciting Greek singers and songwriters on the music scene. What made you pursue your lifelong dream of being an artist?
“I had always wanted to be a singer but did not know where to begin in terms of pursuing it professionally. I also have an immigrant father who encouraged me to get a degree and have a stable career. During college, I began attending open mic nights and being involved in the music scene in any way I could. When I was a teacher, I led a second life, going around New York City studios by night, networking, writing songs, and performing. I was laid off a few years into my career owing to budget cuts in the school district.

“I was terrified, but I decided to interpret it as a sign from the universe to pursue my ambition. That is how I ended up pursuing this full-time. It truly has been a dream come true, and it continues to inspire me to trust my intuition.”

Your music has been streamed by millions across the globe. What was the inspiration behind your unique and addictive blend of music, and what messages do you hope to convey through your songs?
“My life influences the lyrics and music I compose. Musically, I have always aspired to combine my two worlds. Exploring my Greek American heritage, my sound is a fusion of traditional Greek music and American pop music. I wish to express messages of self-assurance, pride in one’s heritage, and staying loyal to oneself.”

How would you describe your creative process?
“It varies from time to time, but it is usually collaborative. It is really stimulating and entertaining to bounce ideas off of other people. I also take my time with my collaborators to go over every detail before releasing something.”

If you could change one thing in the Greek music industry, what would it be?
“I dislike when most things are left to the last minute. Unfortunately, it is how the Greek music industry operates.”

What are you currently working on?
“I am now performing at Teatro Athens as part of a winter residency for renowned Greek music artists, Sakis Rouvas and Konstantinos Argyros. Having the opportunity to perform twice a week is such a tremendous learning experience; I can feel myself growing artistically with each performance. I cannot wait to take the show I am working on in Greece all over the world. I am also writing and finalising new tracks; let us just say there is something new on the way.”

As a successful Greek of the diaspora, you are an ambassador for Greece and Cyprus abroad. How has the Hellenic community in the USA responded to your success?
“The Hellenic community has welcomed me with open arms, and I am honoured to be a part of it. I believe people can relate to what I am doing since they have ties to two different areas. I have received great letters from people who are proud to see someone putting our story on the map.”

evangelia (3)Did your cultural upbringing influence your road to success in any way?
“Absolutely. For many years, my father was the president of the Pan Cretan Association of America. Throughout the years, he brought several fantastic cultural events to tour the United States of America, and I would attend all of them and meet all of the performers. In my family, it was always crucial to embrace, cherish, and celebrate our ancestry. My non-Greek mother was always enthusiastic about this as well. Going to Crete every summer and living on the farm with my Yiayia cemented my ties to the island. Embracing my history and ethnicity in my music today has allowed me to create a sound that is completely mine and tells my story.”

Do you have any plans to visit Cyprus soon?
“Now that I am in Athens for my residency, I intend to visit Cyprus more frequently because it is so close. Every time I have visited, it has been a welcoming experience, and I hope to return many times more. I also intend to hold a concert on the island soon.”

Do you have a mantra – a positive phrase or affirmative statement that you say to yourself for the purpose of motivation or encouragement?
“Meráki, my favourite Greek word, means to put so much heart and soul into whatever I do that I leave a piece of myself behind. It motivates me to live my life to the fullest and to push my work to its limits.”

What is the legacy Evangelia would like to leave behind?
“Artistically, I hope to be remembered for introducing Greek culture to mainstream music on a global scale. Personally, I want to be remembered as a compassionate person who encouraged people to pursue their ambitions.”

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