Independent labels have carved out a foothold in a digital world, rising from the ashes of the financial crises and the collapse of the traditional physical music industry. In this round table, their leaders break down what still stands in their way: market gaps, digital shifts, and structural chaos. They also spotlight the wins they\u2019ve fought for and the motivations driving them forward, embracing collaboration and how that can amplify their momentum, making the entire Greek scene bigger at home and abroad.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Independent labels have carved out a foothold in a digital world, rising from the ashes of the financial crises and the collapse of the traditional physical music industry. In this round table, their leaders break down what still stands in their way: market gaps, digital shifts, and structural chaos. They also spotlight the wins they\u2019ve […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"tags":[],"event-cat":[],"nationality":[],"music-genre":[],"destination":[],"topic":[],"language":[79],"class_list":["post-28633","event","type-event","status-publish","hentry","language-english-el"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"","ams_acf":[{"key":"date","label":"Date","value":"9 \u039c\u03b1\u0390\u03bf\u03c5 2025"},{"key":"launch_time","label":"Launch Time","value":"14:30"},{"key":"end_time","label":"End Time","value":"15:30"},{"key":"hero_image","label":"Hero Image","value":15152},{"key":"performers","label":"Performers","value":[{"ID":17091,"post_author":"1898","post_date":"2023-04-26 21:27:17","post_date_gmt":"2023-04-26 18:27:17","post_content":"\n
Dario Dra\u0161tata is executive director of Dallas Records Croatia and Serbia with almost 3 decades
of experience in music industry, from record label & publishing, to promoting, booking and
management. Before starting at Dallas Records he was DJ, music editor and
music journalist . Since it's foundation in 2018 he is president of RUNDA \u2013 regional indie labels
association from Adria region and from September 2023. Chair of IMPALA independent music
companies associations. He's also a board member of WIN and HDU\/Zapraf - Croatian
Discographic Association and Collective Society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n","post_title":"Dario Dra\u0161tata (HR)","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"dario-drastata-hr","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-04-08 14:16:25","post_modified_gmt":"2025-04-08 11:16:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.athensmusicweek.gr\/?post_type=speaker&p=17091","menu_order":0,"post_type":"speaker","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":17948,"post_author":"2133","post_date":"2023-05-10 18:06:59","post_date_gmt":"2023-05-10 15:06:59","post_content":"\n Andreas Mitrelis was born in Patras in 1977 and he is in the Greek Music Business over 25 years as a Radio DJ, Promoter, Manager, part of indie labels, producer, director and many more. He has studied music Production and business in London.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In 2019 he founded Veego Records, a record label focused on new sounds and Artists and Vinyl Re-issues. <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n","post_title":"Andreas Mitrelis (GR)","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"andreas-mitrelis-gr","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2026-04-01 12:25:43","post_modified_gmt":"2026-04-01 09:25:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.athensmusicweek.gr\/?post_type=speaker&p=17948","menu_order":0,"post_type":"speaker","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":22089,"post_author":"2133","post_date":"2024-04-29 19:22:57","post_date_gmt":"2024-04-29 16:22:57","post_content":"\n Chris Hocking is a music industry professional working at the intersection of music, technology, and digital rights. With over 20 years of experience across creator workflows, artist management, record label A&R, and digital rights management, he focuses on building systems that support the long-term growth of independent music.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He is the founder of Indiy, a global marketplace and community for music services, and The Factory Music Group, where he develops monetisation infrastructure for independent artists and rightsholders.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Alongside his work as a founder, Chris serves as Head of IT & Digital Innovation at MESO Events a non profit based in Athens Greece, contributing to initiatives such as Music Tech Europe Academy and Athens Music Week. His work in these roles is focused on empowering the next generation of music professionals therefore, bridging the gap between music, technology, and entrepreneurship, and helping emerging talent navigate a rapidly evolving industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n","post_title":"Chris Hocking (UK\/GR)","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chris-hocking-gr","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2026-04-17 13:13:47","post_modified_gmt":"2026-04-17 10:13:47","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.athensmusicweek.gr\/?post_type=speaker&p=22089","menu_order":0,"post_type":"speaker","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":27180,"post_author":"2133","post_date":"2025-04-14 17:08:35","post_date_gmt":"2025-04-14 14:08:35","post_content":"\n Manos Dedevesis is COO & Head of Publishing at Stay Independent, as well as an Executive Producer and A&R, with a consistent and impactful presence in the contemporary Greek music scene.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He is a graduate of the Department of Music Technology and Acoustics and brings nearly 16 years of professional experience as a producer, creator, and music business consultant. His work includes over 20 chart-topping hits and a catalog of more than 300 songs, distinguished by a practical, modern approach to production and artist development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As co-founder of Icon Music and Stay Independent, he played a key role in the transition of the Greek music market into the digital era and in establishing Spotify\u2019s presence in Greece. Through his work, approximately 50 artists have been supported both locally and internationally, achieving placements in Spotify\u2019s global debut charts as well as significant commercial success, including diamond and platinum singles and albums.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At the same time, his company manages over 300 artists, reinforcing his long-standing and active role in the industry. Today, he serves as a Board Member of Icon Music and co-owner of Stayindependent Greece, offering tailored music business consulting services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With a strong focus on collaboration and sustainable artist development, Manos Dedevesis continues to contribute to shaping a modern and functional music landscape in Greece, earning the trust of artists and industry professionals alike.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Manos Dedevesis (GR)","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"manos-dedevesis-gr","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2026-04-17 23:01:43","post_modified_gmt":"2026-04-17 20:01:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.athensmusicweek.gr\/?post_type=speaker&p=27180","menu_order":0,"post_type":"speaker","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":26032,"post_author":"1898","post_date":"2025-03-28 12:51:10","post_date_gmt":"2025-03-28 09:51:10","post_content":"\n Lefteris Moumtzis is a versatile musician, songwriter, and producer with over 25 years of experience. Renowned for his solo and band projects, he released his debut solo album, Now Happiness (2016), followed by Beaming Light (2019) under the alias Freedom Candlemaker. His latest album, Ageless, arrived in February 2025.\u00a0<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Beyond his solo work, Moumtzis has composed for theatre, dance, film, and documentaries, demonstrating his artistic range. He co-founded Louvana Records and served as Artistic Director for Fengaros Festival, Fengaros Music Village, and Louvana Records (2009\u20132024), shaping Cyprus\u2019s independent music scene. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n A dedicated mentor since 2012, Moumtzis conducts workshops and produces emerging artists. His collaborations include acclaimed musicians like Fotis Siotas, Michalis Siganides, Alkinoos Ioannides, and Michalis Tterlikkas, solidifying his influence in Greek and Cypriot music. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Blending creativity with mentorship, Moumtzis continues to innovate, leaving a lasting impact on audiences and artists alike. He is currently off for new adventures as the director of Vavla Vibes, his new Creative Sanctuary.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n","post_title":"Eleftherios Moumdjis (CY)","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"elefterios-moumdjis-cy","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-04-22 11:03:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-04-22 08:03:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.athensmusicweek.gr\/?post_type=speaker&p=26032","menu_order":0,"post_type":"speaker","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}]}],"yoast_head":"\n
Social Media Links:<\/strong>
Facebook: https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/dario.drastata\/<\/a>
Instagram: @dariodrastata
LinkedIn: https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/dario-dra\u0161tata-32714b14<\/a>
Twitter: @drastata
DALLAS RECORDS: https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/DallasRecordsOfficialPage\/<\/a>
RUNDA: http:\/\/www.runda.digital<\/a>
IMPALA: https:\/\/www.impalamusic.org<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 6 years, the label released almost 50 records and keeps on going.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n