The inaugural Mousik-ί Festival proved to be an impressive and promising initiative, setting the stage for a bright future in the Greek-Australian music scene.
The festival showcased bands from the Greek-Australian alternative music scene, skillfully blending cherished Greek tunes with Western rhythms.
While all four bands have done solo shows and performed in different festivals, it was the first time that came together for the night- and what a better venue than the historic Corner hotel in Richmond.
The evening commenced with Artemis, whose soulful renditions, accompanied by piano and bouzouki, captivated the audience with a unique blend of favorite folk and light folk songs infused with a touch of Greek jazz.
Throughout 2023, Artemis, known for her theatricality, drew crowds of all ages, adding a dynamic layer to her musical presentations while maintaining a deep respect for the roots of Greek music and its iconic composers.
Following Artemis, Erinaki, the musical collaboration between Konstantinos Kalamara and Stavroula Thomopoulou, took the stage, expanding their lineup to include eight musicians. They offered a musical panorama, presenting both original compositions from their recent debut album and covers of renowned artists like Arvanitaki and Sperantza Vrana. Their ability to seamlessly weave original creations with classic covers highlighted the evolving potential of Greek music in Australia.
Exactly one year after their debut, Heirs Of Apollo surprised and delighted the audience with their explosive fusion of traditional Greek melodies and rock. With six members on stage and additional contributions from members of Erinaki and Cats and the Canary, the ensemble delivered a dynamic performance, seamlessly blending Pontian, Thracian, Epirotic, and other regional styles. The resulting whirlwind of dance persisted until the end of their set.
The party continued though with the last act being Cats and the Canary, Australia’s first and only Greek swing band. Renowned for their reinterpretations of songs by iconic composers such as Hatzidakis, Chiotis, Tsitsanis, and contemporary artists like Mirela Pachou and Penny Baltatzi, the band focused on songs from the golden era of Greek cinema. Once again, they won over the audience, concluding the evening on a high note.
In summary, the inaugural Mousik-ί Festival, organised by the bands themselves, proved to be a success and we were told that it will continue with its second instalment next year. Kudos to both the bands and the organisers, and we anticipate more initiatives like these in the future.
