A singer-songwriter who grew up in Newton Aycliffe is channelling her Greek heritage into a sun-soaked new release that promises to bring a taste of the Mediterranean to listeners this summer.
Annis Rallis will release Stay (Meíne Edó) on July 10 – the lead single from her debut EP Eyes Wide Open, set to be released on October 16.
The track celebrates Ms Rallis’ Greek roots and blends bossa nova rhythms, Latin influences, and traditional Greek bouzouki to evoke the sounds and atmosphere of the Mediterranean.
Annis said: “It feels like a full-circle moment being back in the North East, where it all began for me with a guitar my grandma bought from a car boot sale, and now releasing my debut EP here after finding my way back to music.
Singer-songwriter Annis Rallis, who hails from Newton Aycliffe, is channelling her Greek heritage into a sun-soaked new release that promises to bring a taste of the Mediterranean to listeners this summer. (Image: Supplied)
“Life has a funny way of guiding you, and the right things eventually find you along the journey.”
Stay (Meíne Edó) was written while Ms Rallis was touring Europe with the musical theatre production Berlin Berlin.
She describes the song as “warm, romantic and feel-good.”
The single was produced in Heighington in collaboration with David Crabtree and features contributions from County Durham musicians.
The track was developed at Mr Crabtree’s home studio.
Annis Rallis in Dance of the Vampires (Image: Supplied)
The music video for Stay (Meíne Edó) was filmed in Athens and will premiere on July 12, 2026.
The single cover artwork is part of a larger original painting by Ms Rallis’ grandmother, inspired by the Greek Evil Eye.
Each track from the EP will reveal a new section of the artwork, gradually uncovering the full painting by the time the EP is released on Ms Rallis’ 30th birthday.
The EP explores themes of love, healing, self-discovery, and personal growth.
Ms Rallis has already drawn praise from music tastemakers.
Shakk of BBC Introducing said: “Éna Astéri has a cinematic sound that could fit right into a Disney movie.”
Also reflecting on her earlier work, he said: “Fake Love tackles deep topics without losing its catchiness.”
Ms Rallis trained at London’s Urdang Academy and spent more than a decade performing professionally in musical theatre across Europe.
It was a yoga teacher training course in Bali that helped her rediscover her voice and shift her focus from performance to songwriting.
This period of reflection and reconnection led her to begin writing the songs that now define her musical journey.
In addition to her music career, Ms Rallis is the founder of Halo Yoga Loft on Duke Street in Darlington.
She developed the wellness space with guidance from Stephen Gill, owner of Butterfly Effect Records.
Through both music and yoga, she hopes to help others reconnect with themselves and find clarity and strength.
Ms Rallis said: “It helps provide others with the space and guidance to reconnect with themselves, listen to their needs, and find strength and clarity, just as it helped me.”
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Stay (Meíne Edó) and the rest of the EP reflect Ms Rallis’ commitment to honest storytelling and emotional depth, combining contemporary sounds with traditional Greek influences.
The single will be available on all streaming platforms on July 10.
Fans can watch the Athens-filmed music video when it premieres on July 12.
Follow Annis Rallis on Instagram @annisrallis and on TikTok @annisrallis for updates and new releases.
