Greek independent artist ZERI has brought together influences from Greece, Germany and beyond with his latest single, ‘Gold State of Mind’.
Released on July 10, the track combines pop, R&B and hip-hop with K-pop-inspired performance energy, reflecting ZERI’s approach to music as a way of connecting people across cultures and languages.
Based in Berlin, ZERI said the song was inspired by optimism and the belief that mindset can shape how people approach life.
“For me, it is about consciously choosing confidence, hope and positive energy, even when circumstances are not perfect,” he told Neos Kosmos.
“The song represents the idea that your inner attitude has real power. It can influence how you see yourself, how you face challenges and how you move forward.”
ZERI’s Greek heritage is also part of his identity as an artist. His mother is from Chalkida and his father is from Vrontou, near Katerini, while he spent every summer of his childhood in Greece.
“Being Greek influences me through the warmth, openness and passion I grew up with,” he said.
“Living and working in Germany makes me even more conscious of those roots, and I naturally bring that energy and emotional expression into my music and performances.”
His sound brings together Western and Eastern influences, with pop, R&B and hip-hop each playing a role in the single.
“I wanted to create a global sound by bringing Western and Eastern influences together instead of keeping them separate,” ZERI said.
“I believe music is the one language that does not need permission to cross borders, so my goal is always to connect rather than divide.”
K-pop has also influenced ZERI’s approach to performance, particularly its focus on choreography, visual concepts and stage presence.
“What draws me to K-pop is the level of discipline and energy behind every performance,” he said.
“I take inspiration from that approach in my own work, especially when it comes to choreography, stage presence and the commitment to delivering a complete performance rather than simply performing a song.”
ZERI said he hopes ‘Gold State of Mind’ encourages listeners to feel more confident and continue pursuing their goals.
“If someone finishes the song feeling more hopeful, more focused and less alone, then it has achieved what I wanted it to,” he said.
He is now working on new music, with plans to release more songs consistently and explore different languages.
“I already have a song finished that includes some Greek, and I want to bring more of my culture into my music and share that openness, warmth and energy with a global audience,” he said.
“I feel like it is time for a Greek pop artist to represent our culture internationally, and I would love to be part of that.”
For ZERI, the aim is to create music that can connect with audiences regardless of language or geography.
“Music can make you feel something even when you do not understand the language,” he said. “That is the kind of music I want to create.”
You can listen to ‘Gold State of Mind’ and other ZERI songs on Spotify, YouTube and can find him on Instagram and TikTok.
