Giorgos Alkaios
Yes, he is Greek. A very successful Greek singer actually who is going to represent Greece at this years Eurovision song contest.
Before we start... take a look at this years song. I present to you... Giorgos Alkaios & Friends. And what hansom friends that are too... *grins*
Umm... err... *giggles and clicks on play again*....
Ever since he was a little boy he had a restless character. Not only he was interested in music but in sports as well. His primary contact with music and theater came at the 'Happy Village', a summer camp in Varimpompi (area near Athens), were he participated for 4 years at all music and theater activities both as a camper and leader of the campers. That place learned him the meaning of team spirit, organizing and working.
He gave up on school at the age of 16 to study electronics in a private school, from where he graduated and got a degree.
His first appearance on a TV show was back at 1989, when he was presented at the TV show called 'Come To The Light', aired at the 2nd national TV network. This show was practically the first Greek reality show, as out of 1.500 young actors, singers and dancers and after convincing a professional committee, only 20 made to the finals. George was one of them. He earned and won the opportunity to study dancing, acting and music with very accomplished teachers while other great artists from his field of interests taught him out of their own experiences.
During summer of the same year, he successfully entered an audition for the classic Greek drama of Sofoklis, 'Antigone', starring Aliki Vougiouklaki (the ever unforgettable Greek actor). Composer was another Greek giant, Mikis Theodorakis. Rehearsals lasted over 2 months and the opening took place at the ancient theater of Epidavros. This ancient drama participation, at the age of 17, was and still is one of the greatest experiences of his life. He was the youngest participator for the time, not only in a historic play but in a historic place as well.
Scuttlebutt: Prattle... if you don't know Mikis Theodorakis or the ancient theater of Epidavros, I'd recommend you google them... September is near...
During the same summer he decides to change his course from theater to music. Not hesitating to enter another audition that held in a night stage named 'TUNNEL', he got the job again, as a singer this time. In summer of 1991 he participates in concerts all over Greece. After that, George and the composer Avet Kizirian enter contest at Thessaloniki's Music Festival with the song 'You Don't Want Me Dare'. This year 2 young music stars begin to shine... George Alkaios and Sakis Rouvas. (Scuttlebutt: We will drool ... errr... I mean talk about this one another time *grins*) George wins the first singing prize and starts his career... on his return in Athens he signs with B.M.G. records.
George will not rest in his singing success, so he took live action in both music and lyrics composition. Before the release of his first personal music album George writes songs for other artists. Songs for commercials, even for a world wide refreshment. But above all, songs that lasted in time and continue their success till now.
His songs make a difference in Greek music since it was the first time that eastern sounds were combined with western pop, a fact that altered the music standards for the time. 6 personal records were to come, all with huge success. 5 golden and 3 platinum records. A black scarf on his right hand becomes his trade mark for the next 5 years. He is the only Greek artist that entered a personal fetish to the fashion world. (Scuttlebutt: Yes! I remember! That time everybody was wearing a black scarf around their hand. *giggles*) His songs have a special and unique sound as a result of his active participation even in producing with the valuable advice and experience of the producers.
His outstanding success in combination with his low profile character, were the reasons he had so many proposals from record companies after his contract with B.M.G. expired. After 3 months of negotiating he signed with Sony Music. The first record with the new company, titled 'silent sounds', shocked the whole country. His extreme photos along with his new look made the record gold in less than 24 hours. 4 new records were to come. All of them golden and 2 platinum.
In year 2003 after the expiration of his latest contract with Sony Music, which was right after his contract with B.M.G., George decided to sign with a Greek music company rather than an international one. Alpha Records offered him the opportunity of music creation which made him to accept the collaboration. Not only his new contract but his new album as well, persisting of 12 new songs in a DVD package, made some real noise. The same record company, a year after, released a special edition of this album with a 2 hour DVD dedicated to his artistic presence(songs, video clips and amateur videos of his concerts).
George's reputation out of Greece; he is very popular in Greek communities all over the world. He is one of the few Greek artists who hold the record: for the last ten years he is performing without interruption in Cyprus, Germany, Great Britain, Canada, Australia and the U.S.A.
Scuttlebutt: Coming soon to a theater close to you *grins* You should go see him Prattle!! He's very entertaining :)
He has performed in great theaters and concert halls. House of Blues, Manhattan Center, Metro, Taj Mahal, Crown, Fox Studios, Vic Theater are some of the places in which he appeared. Recently he performed twice in Tirana's Concert Hall in Albania; he was also invited for concerts in Bulgaria and Romania.
George Alkaios has also entered the international charts with Greek songs. (Scuttlebutt: This is really a big deal for Greek artists. We are a small country and this doesn't happen very often) In year 2000 his song 'Simadi' was accepted in the music collection of France's Buddha Bar. He is the first Greek artist to be accepted in this album. A year after that, 'Sirmatoplegma' becomes the winnig song for the Turkish team Galata Sarai, when it won the European Super Cup and the UEFA Cup.
Here you can watch the video clips for the Song "Simadi" (the concept remind Michael Jackson's "Thriller").
And here the video clip to the song "Sirmatoplegma" mentioned above.
I don't really like him that blond but... I still love him :)
I don't really like him that blond but... I still love him :)
His first platin LP abroad came from Sweden, when Antique performed his song 'Opa-opa'; and became famous all over Europe. One of the most important Greek singers, Despina Vandi, is performing the same song in Greece and abroad. His song 'S' agapao' (which means "I love you" for those who don't know...) has already been translated into English and is expected that it will be performed by a foreign artist. The same song is a hit in Eastern Europe by a famous Romanian artist although George has never given his permission for this production. His song 'Ki olo mou leipeis' will be used as musical trailer by the greatest broadcasting company of Bulgaria.
Scuttlebutt: I know there's a lot Greek in there *snickers* but here at ScuttlePrattle you'll learn about other cultures and nationalities too! :)
Let me know what you think :))
Oh... and before I go... let's look at that song presentation again... hummm....
Love,
Scuttlebutt
