ATHENS – From the age of five, Christos Aslanis had developed a strong love for music, and despite it being just a hobby at first, he became deeply passionate about it. And as he got older, it became something he actively wanted to pursue. Aslanis went to university to study mechanical engineering, and while doing so, he also began taking music more seriously, where he is now recognized as an independent Greek singer, songwriter, and producer for the last 14 years.
The artist
The 35-year-old, who alongside his music career, is an engineer, currently works in property management across Thessaloniki and Athens for his business – Aslanis Luxury Suites.
In an interview with The National Herald, he shared how he recently saw his go viral online, after an old music video of his song ‘Planitis Gi’ (Planet Earth) resurfaced.
Despite having made music and releasing this track more than a decade ago, the Greek artist and performer said the video gained significant attention in Greek media, both online and on live television, with more than 215,000 cumulative views across TikTok, YouTube, Instagram and Facebook.
Christos Aslanis and Afroditi Latinopoulou behind the scenes of the Planitis Gi music video. (Photo: Courtesy of Aslanis Group Archive)
The video features Afroditi Latinopoulou, the Greek politician and Member of the European Parliament.
“When I wrote ‘Planitis Gi’ back in 2014, it was an expression of raw emotion, but to see it take on a second life today, over a decade later, is the ultimate gift,” Aslanis told TNH.
“Knowing that the newer generations are connecting with that same melody, saving it, and making it their own is incredibly beautiful. It reminded me that honest, heartfelt music has no expiration date. Having people re-discover me through a song that has meant so much to me is the greatest encouragement a songwriter could ever ask for.”
As someone who has been writing and making music for many years, Aslanis reflected on what he loved most about music and creating music is its ability to “bridge worlds, time, and hearts.”
“Making music is my way of understanding the world and processing my own life. It’s a very visual, cinematic process for me – I write to capture feelings that are hard to describe with just words,” he expressed.
“Music has this unique power to take a deeply personal, private emotion and turn it into something universal that strangers can feel and share. It’s also my lifeline, especially after going through life-altering loss at a young age.” Aslanis expressed how music was instrumental in helping him cope with the loss of his father, who he viewed as his hero, when he was only 16.
He added: “I love that music can carry messages that our society needs today. To me, music is a way to speak about genuine love, devotion, and the beauty of family.”
The music video of Planitis Gi originally released back in 2014. (Photo: Courtesy of Aslanis Group Archive)
Coming to New York and pitching an unreleased song
With more people discovering him and his music, Aslanis now looks forward to bringing his sound and expertise to the U.S.
He revealed that he will be in New York this November to share his music, make connections with the Greek-American community, attend music industry meetings, and share his latest unreleased song, ‘New York, New York’.
Recognized as his very first English song, the track holds a special significance for him, reflecting both the loss of his father and his deep passion for New York.
“Having lost my father before I even turned 17…I grew up always seeking out and being inspired by figures of immense drive, vision, and self-made success. We have always had close ties with America through my family, especially with my sister, Christina Schneider, who lives in Baltimore. She started from absolutely nothing and, through sheer determination, built her own business and became a Certified Financial Planner,” Aslanis shared.
“Seeing her create her own path and rise to the top of her field, alongside self-made Greek-American icons like John Catsimatidis – who went from nothing, to the very top, has been deeply inspiring to me. Catsimatidis, with his life’s journey and his book ‘How Far Do You Want to Go?’, has always been a true hero and idol of mine.”
He added how ‘New York, New York’ is “for anyone who ever arrived in America, inspired by these giant footsteps, and dared to say: ‘I came here to think big.’”
The Greek singer additionally expressed how he felt about coming to New York.
“Coming to New York next month feels like a homecoming in many ways, because of my family ties, but also like the start of a great new chapter,” Aslanis explained.
“What am I most excited about… [is] the energy of the city itself. New York has a heartbeat unlike any other place on Earth. I can’t wait to connect with the Greek-American community, which carries such a beautiful, tireless spirit of heritage and perseverance. I’m eager to share my music live, and perhaps even have this track, which is a tribute to that NY dream, played on
WABC Radio” – which is owned by Catsimatidis – “as a symbol of this continuity.”
To listen to Aslanis’ music, visit youtube.com/@-xristosaslanisofficial5782?si=FgP4cV6OaO_jz8fv.
