Maria’s Slate featuring…
A Special Interview
with Elli Kokkinou


As a first generation Greek-American with two very Greek parents, it was no surprise that I grew up in a household that listened to Greek music 99.9% of the time. My mother and grandfather instilled the love of dancing and music in me at a very young age.

By Maria Athanasopoulos
maria.athanasopoulos@gmail.com

I was so intrigued by Greek artists and their unique styles that I even sang the laiko song “S’anazito Sti Saloniki” by the accomplished Dimitris Mitropanos, for my 3rd grade talent show and no this was not in Greek school! So naturally when I received an email requesting I interview Elli Kokkinou, yes “the” Elli Kokkinou, I was completely ecstatic and couldn’t say yes fast enough.

Elli is a beautiful singer that I particularly respect and adore for many reasons, some of which include her compelling vocal talent, professional composure and her incredible sense of fashion glam. The high energy performer clearly isn’t afraid to be risqué which is evident by one of her most successful CD’s titled “SEX” which was certified gold on the day of its release and who can forget “Masai” or “To Gucci Ton Masai”? Therefore, I expected Elli to be somewhat wild, very private and definitely had her down to be a vain prima donna.

My preconceptions immediately vanished once Elli walked into her NYC hotel to meet me dressed in cut off blue jean shorts, an emerald green off the shoulder t-shirt, flats, free flowing hair, and minimal makeup. It was especially shocking when she did not shake my extended hand but greeted me with a hug and kiss. Elli’s down to earth personality and openness of spirit immediately surfaced, making my interview with her seem more like a conversation with a new friend.


Welcome to New York City Elli! I know you will be back here in October for your North American concert tour and will also be performing in Chicago, Boston, LA, Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal. What brings you here in August?

I’m here for a week long promo tour that was organized by Jimmy Panagiotou or Jimbabway as you all probably know him! He thought it would be good for the media to get to meet the “real Elli” and also for me to meet my fans and to say thanks before my concert tour kicks off in October.

Can you tell us who is Elli Kokkinou? What single word best describes you?

Who am I? I don’t know, I’m a persistent person and an optimist. Crazy, would be how I best describe myself, in a good way of course!

Where do you call home?

Home is where my baby is and that is in Athens, where I was also born.

Why did you decide to pursue music?

I never thought I would be a professional singer, however I grew up singing and one day something clicked inside of me telling me to start singing in public. I started working and singing for fun to see if this is what I wanted to do. The first time I sang professionally at a real organized event, I immediately felt alive and knew it was right. Kostas Tournas also made me see that I can really do this.

Who are some of your musical influences?

When I was younger, I never listened to Greek music, my dad was a jazz lover and my mom was into disco. So when I started thinking about being a singer around the age of 19, I looked up to mostly non-Greek artists such as Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and Barbara Streisand.

Really, I’m surprised that you liked these musicians during your teenage years living in Greece. If you could collaborate with any American artist, who would it be and why?

Only one? There are so many! I think I would die if I could sing with Jon Bon Jovi, I really adore him! I was really in love with Jon Bon Jovi when I was 22, I love his voice, his music and his down to earth lifestyle. He is real and doesn’t live a fake or staged life. Others include Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Alicia Keys, and Jennifer Lopez.

Do you write your own lyrics and music? Do you play any instruments?

Never, I can’t write lyrics. Well I never really say never, but I’m sure I won’t be good at writing lyrics and music. I do play the keyboard but I’m not able to compose my own songs. I also play the guitar but haven’t played or planned to play on tour.

You moved to LA in 1992 and studied at the Musicians Institute of Technology, why did you return to Greece after graduating? Why didn’t you stay in the states?

My mom! I went back to Greece for my mom, I was 24 then and I had big dreams but I still couldn’t leave my mom alone. So I went back to pursue music there.

You put out many successful CDs, “SEX” was especially popular amongst Greek-Americans as well as your most recent “Eilikirna”, tell us about your next CD…

My new CD will be released this fall, its going to be very unique and multifaceted. One of the songs, “Pame Xana”, will soon be released digitally so you will hear it online and it will also be featured in my tour in October.

How did you get involved with recording the track “Demenes” for the Barbie Movie “I Barbie Kai To Diamantenio Kastro”?

I loved Barbie growing up and I still love animated films. Barbie is the doll of every girl’s dream. When I was very young, my mom used to travel in the US and I couldn’t wait for her to return to bring me a Barbie doll. So when I was approached with this opportunity I immediately took it since I always wanted to work on an animated film.

In June 2008, you gave birth to a baby boy. How do you like being a mom? Do you see yourself having more children?

It’s the best thing in my life, it is what I do best and also what I love to do more than anything else. I think I was mean to be a mom. Alexandros is amazing and I can’t wait to go back to Athens to see him.

I definitely see myself having a second child, but not sure as to what the time frame is, when it comes it comes!

I can’t believe you had a baby, you look fabulous! Can you tell us what your daily diet consists of? What about your exercise regime?

Well you just saw me eat 4 chips so not that healthy! Haha just kidding!

I’m actually a very healthy eater was very lucky during my pregnancy since I didn’t experience any crazy cravings. I actually ate less then than I do now!

My nutritionist also helped me by showing me how to cook healthy and to eat what I crave in moderation. It is very important to eat all natural and whole foods. I used to eat every 2 to 3 hours during my pregnancy and I only gained 22 pounds.

My exercise routine is not what it used to be since I had the baby, I don’t have much time to myself. But it does make me happy to be able to take care of my home, husband and baby. Although I do have help, I don’t have a full time or live in nanny. I don’t like the idea of having someone in my home over night or on the weekends.

Pre-baby, I used to exercise very hard, 5 to 6 days a week for 2 hours with my personal trainer. During my tours, I will finally be taking care of Elli again. I plan to get back on track with my exercise routine, but I also look forward to sleeping!

As I’m sure you know, you have a large fan base here in the US. There are many aspiring musicians that look up to you and hope to someday reach your level of success. What is the best piece of advice that you can give them?

Oh thank you! I have been through a lot in this career and I must say being patient and constantly persistent is what helped me finally make it. When I have a goal, I have a target and don’t see right from left, I just see my target and just go there. I hit many barriers along the way but I never gave up. I have gotten rejected so many times! But I believe that if you are good in what you do and you have a good support system that believes in you, then it will empower you to accomplish your goals.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I definitely see myself being a mom to a 2nd baby. I just hope and wish that my family and I are healthy in 5 years. I hope to be doing what I love and have peace in my life. I don’t want to be stressed out with work and whatever comes my way, will come and I will handle it then. I don’t like making long term plans, I have plans and dreams but I want to take it day by day because you never know what will happen tomorrow.


Elli Kokkinou at Nexus Productions Radio

By Georgia Vavas

Sometime this past July, I received an invitation from DJ Stamatis Tsilimos to attend a live interview on 8/15/09 with Elli Kokkinou at Nexus Productions Radio Studio in Astoria, NY. I asked my three young friends to accompany me and they were ecstatic about the opportunity to see and listen to Elli in person--both at the Nexus Studio and Central Sushi Lounge in Astoria. To my amazement, the whole experience was more than what I had anticipated. We walked in to the Studio and were greeted by a large group of fans of Elli and Stamati from all ages--from infants to adults. I wondered what the hype was all about—how could Stamati be on the air with Elli that long? I soon found out. I guess it is all his background experience with interviews he has conducted with many top-notch singers and musicians from all over the world and deejaying for numerous years. My friends and I watched Stamati from outside the Sound Booth while he was interviewing Elli for about two hours. When she came out, she gladly posed for pictures with all her fans with a huge smile on her face.

Nexus Productions Studio looked absolutely beautiful and had a lot to offer—sushi, snacks, soft drinks, flowers, colorful plants and huge banners all over the Studio advertising the upcoming Blue & White Party given by Nexus Productions Radio on 9/10 and Elli’s upcoming concert on 10/9. I was very impressed that this little Studio in the heart of Greektown Astoria was so well organized and visitor-friendly. People can walk in unannounced and be amazed at what they see.

The next surprise came when the whole group was told that we were going to Central Sushi Lounge in Astoria. Little did I expect that Stamati would usher us past the long line that was stretched around the block to a VIP area upstairs. We were treated like royalty. We watched the scene below which was packed with fans who came to hear Elli sing. Kalomira, who represented Greece in the Eurovision Fame Contest, was right next to us. My friends were thrilled and posed for pictures with her.

In summary, my New York experience with DJ Stamati’s interview with Elli Kokkinou was quite unforgettable. My friends and I are looking forward to the next big event sponsored by Nexus Productions Radio—The Blue and White Party on September 10, 2009, at the Chateau Body English in Carle Place, L.I. For more information about the Nexus radio program which features Greek music 24/7 and a variety of other offers, visit www.nexusproductionsradio.com or call 1-718-606-9225.

©2009 NEOCORP MEDIA


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