Meet Greece-born UK Open Mic performer, Athina-Maria:

Hi Athina-Maria, thanks for joining us! Let’s get into it:

Do you play solo only, or also in a group?

Solo

How old are you?

25

Where were you born?

Greece

Where did you grow up?

Greece

How did that place influence your music? (if at all!)

I started writing when I was involved in open mics in England, beforehand I was inspired by several artists, bands, Beatles, Billy Idol, movie soundtracks, classical composers, Chopin, etc

Where are you based now, and why?

Leeds, I accidentally came here, not with a good plan

What got you into making music in the first place?

Open mic experience

What instrument/s do you play?

Singing, Piano, Guitar, Percussion

Who would be in your top 10 musical influences, and why?

Kylie Minoque, Thalia, Madonna, as pop singers-dancers, in the videos promoted in Greece, Belinda Carlisle
Billy Idol#sweet sixteen
Classical composers: Chopin, Schubert

Do you write your own songs?

Yes

How many years have you been writing songs for?

3 years

What process, or processes, do you often find yourself using when you write songs?

Mythology, emotions, personal thoughts from life & death, eros, time, science, nature ,

Why did you get into playing them in the first place?

Trying to see how it is

What advice would you give new performers who are just starting out playing their first open mics?

Give it a go

What’s the hardest thing, for you, about playing open mics?

Rude audience, they don’t estimate your work & effort, appearance

What’s the most bizarre, or fun, open mic, or gig, you’ve ever played, and why?

When I forget the lyrics or melody of my own song

If it’s not already, are you hoping to make music your full-time career?

Yes

What do you currently find the hardest and biggest obstacles to moving your music career forward?

Being my music heard on radio or films

What’s the one truth about you that people often find surprising?

I don’t copy others

What’s the most exciting project you’re working on at the moment?

Love from a cinema

Where is the main place should people go to find out more about you?

https://instagram.com/athinamariamuse?igshid=ZGUzMzM3NWJiOQ==

We’re done! Anything else you want to share before we go?

No thanks!