Mihalis Hatzigiannis is one of the rare ones. He is a true artist, incredibly popular not only in Greece but worldwide, yet he manages to remain modest and level-headed.
Even when being showered with compliments and kind words, he will respond with a shy smile, and a song. He doesn’t like to be asked personal questions, and he stays away from the tabloids.
It is his honesty with the audience and his classic integrity, that made him the “Best selling artist of the decade” in Greece, with more than 3.5 million albums sold, and with a faithful audience globally.
He appeals to the Greek diaspora’s younger audience, who may not be fluent in Greek, but can sing the star’s discography.
And with tonight’s free concert, famous Cypriot singer and songwriter Mihalis Hatzigiannis will headline this year’s Antipodes Festival in Lonsdale Street and tomorrow night’s GreekFest in Sydney’s Darling Harbour.
His Australian experiences
This is not the first time the Cypriot born superstar has visited Australia.
The impressions he always carries back to Greece from his trips to different countries are special in their own way, he says, mostly because of meeting new people, noticing their differences and more so the similarities they share on different continents.
“Each destination has its own unique features and characteristics. I am lucky that it’s part of my job. I have been given the opportunity to visit so many places and to get to know the locals; you really understand how different and similar they are to us. These similarities surprise me every time, especially with the Greek diaspora and Hellenism abroad. And, as for the trips to Australia, it’s a life experience,” Hatzigiannis tells Neos Kosmos.
It was May 1994, when Hatzigiannis was just 15, that he gave his first television interview for Cypriot television LTV after winning the musical competition “Afetiries”. Since then, the 33-year-old has enjoyed a long and successful career. His 15 year long career has seen him perform all around the world, mostly where there’s a big Greek population like the US, Canada, Germany, Belgium, UK, and of course Australia.
Recently, the star released his very first English album called Mihalis, aiming at an audience outside the borders of Greece and announcing the start of his international career.
What he finds amazing, whether he is in the US, the UK or Australia is that Greek music creates a very strong connection.
“Greek language and music is emotionally charged and that’s what makes young people identify and enjoy it. Something that those of us in Greece take for granted. The warm welcome that Greeks abroad always give is amazing. It is something that fills every artist with energy and strength to continue to give their best. Greeks abroad need Greek music because it’s one way of connecting with their homeland. It is an honour to give something to Greeks of the diaspora, in any way you can. Especially in Australia, the contact with fans here is truly unique because the sheer distance between us makes it hard for me to come as often as I would like,” he explains.
Headlining this year’s Antipodes Festival, Hatzigiannis will be following in the footsteps of some of the biggest names of Greek music – George Dalaras, Alikis Protopsaltis, Eleftheria Arvanitakis, Haris Alexiou, Glykeria and many more.
For him, the Antipodes Festival represents one of the most important institutions of the Greek diaspora, and the opportunity to take part in it makes him very proud and happy.
“I admire and respect every artist that appeared before me on the Antipodes Festival stage, and I feel proud that I will have the opportunity to meet fans in a festival of such a large scale.”
Publicity is good, when done in good faith
Managing publicity is a thankless job in the music industry. You cannot avoid it, even in moments when privacy is desperately needed. Starting his career very early in Cyprus, it hasn’t been easy for Hatzigiannis to deal with publicity. Lately, his private life and successful career have been a fascination for the tabloids.
“Publicity and criticism is welcome, when done in good faith and when it doesn’t affect personal information,” he says. “When there’s an ulterior motive behind a situation, that’s when things unfortunately get complicated.”
Known for his catchy pop tunes and heart-rending ballads, his inspiration comes from life’s most powerful emotions.
Naturally love gets the largest share, he admits.
Despite the bad rap pop music receives, with words like ‘manufactured’ and ‘commercial’ thrown around, Hatzigiannis has stayed faithful to his style.
He won’t follow a current musical trend for the sake of being popular or loved. He only produces what he believes in.
“I listen to all kinds of music. Overall, I am interested in creative combinations in music. It’s good to experiment, but in general, you should always trust your instincts. The options are always open.”
The crisis affect – music industry in turmoil
In a period when, according to many, the music industry is going through its final days, Hatzigiannis hasn’t felt the pang of rejection.
However, he admits that with music easily accessible all over the web illegally, the Greek music industry has been heavily affected.
“It is a condition that mainly affects the new artists, when they try to break into the industry and try and get their music released. We are in a transition period where the appropriate balance between the old and the new has to be found. However, the impact of new technologies in all production stages is certainly crucial. Methods of distribution have changed and the market has expanded. Things are moving at a fast pace and need flexibility from us and quick responses. The internet is a tool, and like any tool, what is important is how we use it,” Hatzigiannis says.
When you have been a best selling artist for ten years, an artist who still attracts full concert halls whenever he performs, it might be hard for Hatzigiannis to be in touch with the real situation plaguing the Greek music industry. He admits that the crisis has definitely affected his profession, as every other industry.
“It is obvious to everyone. Everyone has been affected with the crisis, what we do on a daily basis has been affected, because we are part of the same social chain. Many things had to be updated and reassessed. This reassessment is, perhaps, the only positive thing that has come from the crisis. Through these unfortunate, stressful conditions, we realise the real true value of life,” Hatzigiannis tells Neos Kosmos.
At the moment, Hatzigiannis is working extremely hard on his new album, that he hopes will be ready for the Greek summer.
“I hope my fans will love the new album,” he says in his typically modest way.
“I love being surrounded by my fans at concerts. “That’s why I can’t wait to perform at such a big festival dedicated to Greek culture like Antipodes. This perfomance will be a challenge to me, but will definitely be a valuable and memorable experience.”
Mihalis Hatzigiannis will perform on Saturday 16 March at 8:00 pm at Melbourne’s Antipodes Festival in Lonsdale Street, and Sunday 17 March at the Greek Festival of Sydney in Darling Harbour. Both performances are free to the public.