Los Angeles, CA – The London-born acclaimed singer and songwriter with Greek roots, Athena Andreadis, discusses her biggest inspirations, influences, and successful music career with The National Herald ahead of her upcoming EP release.
From as young as five years old, Athena Andreadis developed a love for music and singing, and despite being so young, she quickly discovered that she wanted to pursue it in the long run.
Discussing her inspirations with The National Herald, she revealed how early on, she realized that “this [music] is my calling”, and then as she became older, she reflected on the importance of sharing music “in a place of uncertainty,” where the world is in “such great need of messages of peace and love now more than ever.”
“My music is very much inspired by those topics, as well as mindfulness and awareness of ourselves, so we can bring harmony within ourselves, within our community and outside with the world, including the environment that we depend on,” Andreadis told TNH.
“It’s just wonderful to feel that in my own little way, I can contribute, and I feel like we all have so many unique gifts and we’re probably more powerful than we think. Even a small act of kindness could create a ripple effect. So, we’ve just got to get out there and give our light to the world every day in our different ways.”
Andreadis explained how she has more than 15 years of professional experience as an acclaimed singer/songwriter, and is known for releasing five studio albums, combining the Greek and English language, including her debut album, ‘Breathe with me’, which came out in 2007, ‘Peeling Apples’ (2010), ‘Giini Aggeli/Earth Angels’ (2014), ‘Ready for the Sun’ (2017) and ‘Outside of Time’ (2020).
Athena Andreadis live in concert. Photo: Courtesy of Athena Andreadis
Over the years, she has also released several songs and EPs including ‘Hands on Glass’ (2012). Her latest EP, ‘Uncovered’, is set to release this Spring.
Andreadis shared how even though her first record was produced in English, “my music is very much influenced by Greek rhythms and themes.”
Born in London, Andreadis shared how she spent her life living between Thessaloniki, Greece, and the UK, and 10 years ago, decided to move to LA to continue her music journey.
She explained how when she first visited LA for work, she saw LA combined what she loved about London, “with the weather of Greece.”
“I was like – ‘oh, I found my chosen home here’ – so I took the brave move and decided to move here,” she explained.
“Shortly after, I met Leonard Cohen [the acclaimed Canadian singer-songwriter], who was a hero of mine that I grew up listening to…and his son was producing his record at the time, and he ended up asking me to be on it.”
“I sang a song called ‘Traveling Light’, which is very Greek. I sang the choruses, Leonard Cohen sang the verses, and then that ended up being his last record, which also won a Grammy. So that was a wonderful experience and also a kind of sign that I should be here.”
Discussing her unique sound, Andreadis explained that she originally “came from the folk world,” however, with each album she released, she tapped into different genres and incorporated different influences.
Her first record reflected the folk genre, and featured “folky elements and Greek sounds and rhythms,” and with each following release, she expanded her style to include indie, British-Scandinavian influences, as well as both traditional and modern Greek sounds.
Athena on stage with Andrea Bocelli. Photo: Courtesy of Athena Andreadis
She also noted some of her musical influences and biggest idols she has looked up to throughout her career, including Leonard Cohen, John Lennon, The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Tori Amos, Bob Dylan, and Manos Hadjidakis.
Now, having built a strong and successful career over the years, the Greek-British artist shared what she has loved most about her chosen profession.
“I feel like for me, writing music and singing are a need – it’s almost like needing to drink water, or eat – it’s a basic need for me so I have to do it,” Andreadis expressed.
“Something I love about it though, is creating. I think it ties you and reminds you of your true essence, and of home, and it makes me feel connected to everyone and everything,” she said.
“It’s also led me to meet amazing people, and artists are often beautiful creatures and beautiful humans, and it’s just opened up so many different creative avenues for me. I love connecting with a live audience too, so that’s been one of my highlights.”
In a final comment made to The National Herald, Andreadis shared a message she hoped her listeners would take from her music and lyrics.
“People interpret music in such different ways, but one message that I’d like to leave people with is the message of how we are love, at the end of the day, at our very essence, and we just forget who we are sometimes,” adding she wishes “just to encourage people to just be a light in your own world for others.”
Athena Andreadis will be hosting an exclusive live performance for her upcoming EP, ‘Uncovered’, at the Village Studios in Los Angeles on Saturday, April 18.
To find out more about Athena Andreadis and her latest music, visit www.athenaandreadis.com
