Greece Archives - Athens Music Week

Dinnos Georgountzos (GR)

admino — Thu, 07 May 2026 11:45:27 +0000

Dinnos Georgountzos studied philosophy, music, and software engineering. He is the Secretary General of “APOLLON” – Greek Musicians’ Royalties Collecting Society, and President of a three-year cycle with one-year tenure of the GEA Organisation – Organisation of Greek Record Producers, Singers, and Musicians. He has been working in the music industry since 1986. He has participated in recordings with the majority of Greek composers, singers, and musicians, and has collaborated with world-renowned symphony orchestras as a composer, orchestrator, and producer. Since 2002, he has held administrative and executive positions in the field of Intellectual Property and Related Rights, with continuous participation in committees, conferences, and forums with state bodies and executive officials from organisations in Greece and abroad, representing his country in the commercial and administrative processes of Collective Management Organisations. As a member of the “Musicians in Action” collective and during his two-year tenure on the board of the Panhellenic Musicians’ Union, he actively addresses professional artists’ issues, transferring his experience to the field of action for Greek musicians.

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Antonis Markogiannis (GR)

Artur — Thu, 07 May 2026 07:08:09 +0000

Antonis Markogiannis is a veteran of the Greek discography and the driving force behind Alpha Records (originally founded as AM or “Alfa-Mi”). Since the label’s inception in 1987, he has played a critical role in shaping the “Golden Era” of modern Laïko and Greek pop. As a producer and executive, he has been instrumental in the careers of Greece’s most iconic voices, managing a prestigious roster that includes legends such as Stelios Kazantzidis, Stamatis Gonidis, Angela Dimitriou, and Lefteris Pantazis.

Under his leadership, Alpha Records established itself as one of the most successful independent powerhouses in Greece, known for its high-volume “hit” production and its ability to capture the pulse of the Greek nightlife scene. Markogiannis navigated the label through significant transitions, including its acquisition and rebranding in the late 90s, always maintaining a focus on high-fidelity production and commercial longevity. His work bridges the gap between traditional folk roots and modern mainstream entertainment, ensuring that the label’s extensive catalog remains a staple of Greek radio and digital platforms.

He is widely respected as a “maker of stars,” possessing a unique instinct for identifying timeless melodies and the vocalists who can bring them to life within the competitive Greek market.

His perspective is rooted in the belief that a record label should be a creative sanctuary for artists while maintaining the discipline of a commercial leader. He is particularly focused on the preservation of the “Alpha” legacy, ensuring that the label’s historic recordings continue to resonate with new generations through strategic digital curation and the constant scouting of fresh, authentic talent.

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Ioannis Xenikakis (GR)

Artur — Thu, 07 May 2026 06:46:07 +0000

Ioannis Xenikakis is the CEO and founder of Viral Music Group, an innovative independent record label and digital distribution company that has become a key player in the modern Greek music scene. With a career built on navigating the shift from traditional media to digital-first consumption, he has positioned Viral Music as a bridge between emerging talent and the global streaming market. Under his leadership, the label has specialized in identifying and scaling urban and pop trends, leveraging digital-native strategies to achieve massive commercial reach.

Through Viral Music Group, he manages a diverse roster of artists and provides comprehensive services that include digital distribution, music publishing, and high-impact promotion. His work is defined by an agile, tech-forward approach to the industry, focusing on the power of social media and algorithmic growth to break new records. By fostering partnerships across the Balkans and the wider European market, he has successfully expanded the footprint of Greek independent music, ensuring that local creators have the tools to compete on an international level.

He is an active advocate for the modernization of the Greek music business, championing transparency in digital rights and the importance of independent distribution networks.

His perspective is driven by the synergy of music, technology, and trend-driven marketing. He is particularly focused on the “viral” potential of modern content and how strategic digital placement can transform independent artists into household names in an increasingly fast-paced and competitive media landscape.

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Iosif Kotsifakis (GR)

Artur — Thu, 07 May 2026 06:45:43 +0000

Iosif Kotsifakis is the CEO and a founding member of ICON MUSIC GREECE, a premier record label, production house, and music publishing company that has redefined the modern Greek pop landscape. With a background as a prolific songwriter and producer (often recognized by his creative alias “Joe Minor”), he has been a driving force behind some of the biggest radio hits in Greece. His leadership at ICON MUSIC focuses on a 360-degree approach to artist development, blending cutting-edge music production with strategic digital marketing and distribution.

Under his guidance, ICON MUSIC has transitioned from a hit-making production hub into a full-service label powerhouse, maintaining successful long-term partnerships with major players like Panik Records and Minos-EMI. Kourtis’s work is characterized by a “hit-factory” mindset that prioritizes high-fidelity sound and commercial viability, helping domestic artists achieve multi-platinum success and dominant airplay. His expertise lies in identifying “the next big sound” and navigating the complexities of music publishing and creator rights in the digital era.

He is a key contributor to the Greek creative community, advocating for the evolution of music production standards and the professional growth of young composers and lyricists.

His perspective is fueled by the intersection of creativity and data-driven strategy, operating under the mantra that great music requires both technical precision and emotional resonance. He is particularly focused on how independent labels can leverage social media trends and streaming analytics to build sustainable, long-term careers for contemporary Greek artists in a saturated global market.

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Athanasios Dimopoulos (GR)

Artur — Tue, 05 May 2026 12:45:22 +0000

Driven tech innovator with a BSc in Computer Science & Applied Informatics, specializing in software development and entrepreneurship. Experienced in international work environments, I excel in collaborative, fast-paced settings, driving innovation and results. Currently developing FESTIVITY based in Athens.

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Gerasimos-Theodoros Georgiadis (Tr4cer) (GR)

Artur — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 07:53:05 +0000

Tr4cer is a 24-year-old multi-platinum certified music producer active in the urban and hip-hop scene since 2021. With a bachelor degree in Journalism and Communication, he combines creative vision with a strong understanding of media and audience dynamics.
The last years, he has expanded his work beyond production into artist development and management, while also working as an A&R for artists and songwriters. Through these roles, he has contributed to multiple successful projects, helping shape emerging talent and elevate their sound within the industry.

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Periklis Vasileiadis (GR)

Artur — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 15:22:38 +0000

Periklis is the Entrepreneur Experience Director for Endeavor Greece. On the sideline, Periklis, also, manages the Investor Network of Endeavor Greece, supporting Greek entrepreneurs to raise money from some of the most well-known funds globally. Periklis started getting involved with entrepreneurship during his high school years and since then he is actively involved in the Greek tech ecosystem, by being part of the Board of Directors of multiple youth-led organizations. Before joining Endeavor, Periklis was a Startup Ecosystem Analyst at The Port Global.

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Sami Vasileios Amiris (GR)

Kiki — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 13:27:50 +0000

Sami Vasileios Amiris, F.L.C.M., M.Mus., B.Sc. He was born in Thessaloniki, Greece. He was a scholarship student in Anatolia College for all years of middle and high school. He studied music, first with Panagiotis Moralis, whom he sites as an influence in listening and playing by ear, and later in Contemporary Conservatory of Thessaloniki. At Anatolia, he studied music with Prof. William Gladd, whom he sites as a great influence in all aspects of his musical growth. He studied Mathematics at the University of Crete, Heraklion and University of Athens, jazz studies at London College of Music, classical piano with Prof. Dimitri Toufexis, a concert pianist and conductor of international stature and a Julliard Alumnus and Professor and composition with Dr. Ath. Zervas, Profs. Th. Antoniou, Fabio D’Andrea.. Very important for his musical development were the long-time association and friendship with the master drummer Zach Pinakoulakis, and the brief encounter he had with the great Mal Waldron. Central in his musical life have been the collaborations with Yiannis Stavropoulos and Periklis Trivolis in the power Jazz piano trio “Nukeleus” (“Masterpieces Revisited” two-CD album released in 2009) and with Antonis Ladopoulos in the highly interactive and critically acclaimed saxophone – piano duo “Phos” (“Phos” released 2012, “Expanded Matrix” released 2016, many more albums available on Soundcloud). He has been the pianist of the Big Band of the Municipality of Athens since 2000 and also serves as its current musical director. He teaches at Deree, the American College of Greece. He has appeared in countless jazz festivals and venues both inside and outside Greece, both as a leader and sideman. He has shared the stage with people like Bobby Shew, Ralph Peterson, Nils Lundgren, Rex Richardson, Markus Stockhausen, Arild Andersen, Patrice Heral, Craig Bailey, Chico Freeman, Ron McClure, Sean McGowan, Reiner Witzel, David Garibaldi, Dom Famularo, Walfredo Reyes Jr, Marko Djordjevic, Manuel Orza, Veronica Mortensen, Takis Paterelis, Giotis Kiourtsoglou, Vasilis Rakopoulos, the Athens State Symphony Orchestra etc. He has lectured in various seminars in various institutions and festivals, like the Pannonian Bridge Project (Novi Sad, Serbia), 6th Summer Jazz Academy (Corfu), Ioannina Jazz Festival, University of Macedonia, Deree, etc. As a teacher, he has had many success stories. Students of his have enrolled in many of the world’s most prestigious music institutions, both at the undergraduate and graduate level. He is considered one of the best-known jazz pianists in Greece. His style encompasses many influences, from classical and contemporary music to jazz and blues and all related styles, to the music of Central and South America, Cuba, as well as Africa, India, Arabia, Maori and Ancient Greek music. He puts great emphasis on the use of complex rhythmic techniques in music, and how to create new sonic landscapes using them. He is also very fond of the rhythmic and melodic possibilities inherent in the Eastern and Ancient Traditions. He is a firm believer that mathematics is one of the greatest tools to open new worlds in every field of music. Also, he believes that creative musicians should have a good knowledge of the physics of sound to better understand their craft, and be competent in music technology, as the possibilities are endless. Currently, he lives in Athens, Greece.

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Chris Yonas (GR/AU)

Artur — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 13:27:22 +0000

Chris Yonas is a distinguished Greek-Australian classical pianist and composer, celebrated for his refined pianism and distinctive artistic voice. Since 2024 he is a co-founder of Yriart Music Network, a cultural non-profit committed to supporting artists, contemporary music, composers, and interdisciplinary artistic creation. He began his musical studies at the “Musical Horizons” Conservatory, where he earned his Soloist Diploma in 2016. He is a graduate of the Hellenic-American Educational Foundation with an International Baccalaureate Diploma and is holder of a Bachelor of Arts (Honors) and a Bachelor in Music Performance degrees from Deree – The American College of Greece (ACG) where he studied with the internationally acclaimed pianist, Dimitri Toufexis. His further international studies span institutions such as the University of Melbourne, the Mozarteum University in Austria, Stanford University, Lund University & Uppsala University where, alongside music, he explored multiple interdisciplinary fields including philosophy, mathematics, game design & entrepreneurship. As a soloist, Chris has received distinctions in national and international competitions and performed in prestigious venues such as the Athens Concert Hall (Megaron), the Greek National Opera’s Alternative Stage at SNFCC, the “Parnassos” Literary Society, the Basil & Elise Goulandris Foundation, the Athens College Theatre, Mozarteum University (Salzburg), Victoria College of the Arts (Melbourne), the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, Branner Hall (San Francisco), and Vårdklockan Church in Gotland, Sweden. In December 2025, in recognition of his distinguished artistic activity, he was honored by the Academy of Athens with the prestigious “Eleni Tim. Mykoniou” Artistic Award for piano performance.

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Georgia Alexiou (GR)

Artur — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 14:29:47 +0000

Georgia Alexiou works for Greenpeace Greece as the Volunteers and Events Coordinator. She studied Social Anthropology at the University of Manchester and completed her MSc in International Development and Humanitarian Emergencies at the LSE in 2022. Originally from Athens, Greece, Georgia has worked in the non-profit sector over the past eight years, including at the British Red Cross, Practical Action and St John Ambulance. Aside the charity sector, she has also been involved with the production of numerous festivals and the community radio station, Voices Radio, in London. For four years, she has hosted the radio show Violet Rays and DJs across the UK and Greece, from Brick Lane Jazz Festival, Grow and Teleion.

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