At just 14-years-old, emerging Greek artist Amarylia is already making an impressive entrance into the music industry. The Athens born singer-songwriter and musician has released her debut single, Το Καλοκαίρι Αυτό/To Kalokeri Afto (This Summer), through Heaven Music, blending youthful emotion with nostalgic summer memories in a song that has resonated with listeners.
Despite her young age, Amarylia has been writing her own music and lyrics since she was 12, drawing inspiration from personal experiences while developing a distinctive pop-rock sound. With family ties to Australia’s Greek community and a passion for creating music that connects people across generations and borders, Amarylia speaks to us about her debut release, her musical journey, her inspirations and what lies ahead.
Congratulations on Το Καλοκαίρι Αυτό! Can you tell us about the inspiration behind the song and what it means to you personally?
Thank you! I wrote this song a couple of days after I returned from my summer holidays because that was the last time my friend and I would spend our holidays together, so every time I listen to it, those holidays come to mind.
The song has a fresh summer vibe. What emotions or memories were you hoping listeners would connect with?
Well, I was hoping the song would make listeners feel nostalgic, evoke bittersweet feelings and perhaps make them look forward to the next summer.
How did the collaboration with Heaven Music come about, and what has that experience been like?
Heaven Music is one of the biggest record companies in Greece and it was a dream of mine to become a part of Heaven Music’s family. So, my producer Sofia Arvaniti and I, contacted Heaven Music, presented my song and my vision and that was the start of our collaboration. It’s been a great experience, they trusted me and made me feel like home.
At what age did you start singing or realise you wanted to be a singer?
I was around 10 when I joined the school’s choir but I realised I wanted to be a singer when I was 12. It was the first time I went to Sofia Arvaniti’s live performance and when she stepped on stage with that energy of hers and started singing, that was when I realised that’s what I wanted to do.
Did you have any creative input into the music video? What was your vision for bringing the song to life visually?
There was no need to add anything, it was such a nice idea, the location was great, just some minor details. The vision was to get the song’s message across and make people associate their summer memories with the song.
Summer songs often become the soundtrack to people’s holidays. What do you hope fans think of when they hear Το Καλοκαίρι Αυτό?
I hope nice memories such as a beautiful sunset or a late night walk by the beach would come to mind when someone hears ”Το Καλοκαίρι Αυτό”. I hope the song becomes part of people’s reminiscence.
Looking back on your musical journey so far, what memorable moment stands out most for you?
It’s not just one, but I think I would have to say that the moment that stands out the most for me is the night I presented ”Το Καλοκαίρι Αυτό” for the first time in front of a large audience. The acceptance and their applause was very moving. But what moved me the most was seeing how proud I made my team that night.
How would you describe your musical style?
I would describe my musical style as pop-rock mainstream. I’m sure it will evolve as I get older but I haven’t given it much thought yet.
Who are some of your biggest musical influences, both in Greece and internationally?
My biggest musical influences are Anna Vissi and Michalis Hatzigiannis. They have influenced me in different ways, but both of them have shaped me as an artist. Another major influence is George Michael, whom I really admire both as a singer and a songwriter.
Do you write your own music, lyrics and/or music?
Yes, I’ve been writing my own music and lyrics since I was 12 years old.
You had mentioned upon our initial contact about your grandparents moving to Australia, can you tell us about that?
My grandmother, Stamatia, was born and raised in Epirus. She travelled by ship for one whole month to get to Australia in 1962 seeking for a better future. She arrived at Sydney on her 18th birthday. Then, she met my grandfather, Nick, and got married. She worked in Balmain Hospital from 1965 to 1981. She also used to sing at the Greek Atlas Community Centre in Sydney. They started a family in Randwick and had two children, my father Phillip and my aunt Popi. Then, in 1981, they finally returned to Greece.
What do you enjoy doing outside of music to relax and recharge?
I really enjoy playing tennis in my free time, it takes my mind off everything. I also enjoy watching series and spending time with my grandmother.
Are there any artists you’d love to collaborate with in the future?
Where do I even begin? There are so many artists I’d love to collaborate with! I’m open to suggestions, if someone has an idea, I’m happy to hear it!
What can fans expect from you over the coming months? Is there more new music or any live performances in the works?
I’m working on a new project right now and there surely will be live performances soon. So stay tuned!
Finally, do you have a message for your fans in Greece, Australia, and the Greek diaspora around the world?
First of all I want to say thank you for all this love and warmth I’ve received regarding my first song “Το Καλοκαίρι Αυτό”. I also want to say that music has no borders. A song can remind us of a person, a place, or a moment no matter what language it’s in. Then, it becomes a part of who we are. That’s what I want to achieve through my music, connect with people and become a part of their lives they’ll always want to remember. Above all, no matter where you live, don’t ever forget where you’re from.
With a maturity and artistic vision well beyond her years, Amarylia is proving to be one of Greece’s most promising young emerging talents. From writing heartfelt songs inspired by real-life experiences to staying grounded through family, school and everyday life, she is building the foundations of what could be a bright future in music. As she continues working on new material and prepares for upcoming live performances, one thing is clear: this is only the beginning of Amarylia’s journey.
If ‘Το Καλοκαίρι Αυτό’ is any indication of what’s to come, audiences in Greece, Australia and across the Greek diaspora will be hearing much more from this talented young artist in the years ahead.
Follow Amarylia on Instagram here.
Listen to To Kalokeri Afto on Spotify:
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