Thank you George for making this interview. We appreciate your story!
Before we had a chance to have our interview with Mr. Kyriakou we went on a search to see what he was all about. Our quest into his story lead us to this;
“George Kyriakou returned to Greece end of 1999 having completed his studies in International Relations at the East London University and in Communications & Audio Visual Productions at the London Guildhall University.
Upon his return, he started working as an assistant to various advertising producers and also got into radio promotion at the greek label Minos-EMI.
One year later he started dealing with radio promotion at EMI’s International Catalogue.
However, his love for electronic music and his life dream to create sometimes a Greek-based electronic label was one of the most important reasons for George to drop his position at EMI.
That was the time, he created Klik records alongside Nikos Barlas, as Label manager & A&R. A label that has been created to provide the globe with Greek-quality electronic music.
Klik Records managed within a sort of time to become the home of the Greek electronic music scene and gained great respect from the Greek crowd and media as well as from Major International Press.
George has compiled up to now several projects for Klik records such as “Hiroshi Watanabe - A Klik Records Tribute”, EveryDay Story series, Fena Fresh, Press R For Galaxy Bar, just to name a few.
A Discography told us that:
“George is one of the Klik records’ label founders, alongside Christos Terzopoulos, who left early, and Nikos Barlas, with whom he runs the label nowadays.
It all starts at the end of 1999, when he returned to Greece, after having studied International Relations and Communications & Audio Visual Productions in London.
Today, George is responsible for the label management, the organization of label events, the cooperation with international artists and labels, as well as the A&R tasks.
Lately and nowadays, George runs his own radio show every weekend nights, from 20:00 till 22:00, for the Athenian radio station "Best Radio 92.6"
Hopes and Dreams:
George decided to quit his position in 2003, as his love for electronic music and his dream to create a Greek-based electronic label was a priority to him.
Thus in 2003, George founded Klik Records to promote the Greek electronic music scene abroad.”
When we talked to George Kyriakou himself after reading about him, he told us his story in his own words like this:
“I returned to Greece end of 1999 having completed my studies in International Relations at the East London University and in Communications & Audio Visual Productions at the London Guildhall University.
My past work experience includes a 3-year engagement with Emi Greece in the position of Head of Radio Promotion for the international catalog.
However, my love for electronic music and my dream to create a Greek-based independent electronic label became a priority by that period so I decided to quit. Thus in 2003, in cooperation with Nikos Barlas, we founded Greece's most influential electronic music record label, Klik Records, where I am responsible for the label management, the cd production, and distribution, the organization of label events, the cooperation with international artists and labels, as well as the A&R tasks.
On top of this, I also run, since 2008, my own radio show every weekend nights, from 20:00 till 22:00, for the Athenian radio station "Best Radio 92.6".
With regards to my DJ sets and DJ booking activities, I performed and also promoted within the last decade various special parties featuring some of the hottest names of the international scene such as Scsi-9, The Timewriter, Aeroplane, Paul Kalkbrenner, Nick Warren, Deep Dish just to name a few - and cities such as London, Munich, Moscow, St Petersburg, Dubai, Athens, etc.”
Where do you want to go *with your music?
Nowhere actually. Music is part of my everyday life for years now. Can't live with it. I am just doing my life steps and organize everything based on it !!
You have just been on Phangan to play. What is your Koh Phangan story?
My first visit was back in 2005 I think and it was a shock. A very first visit is always kind of a big surprise. I just fall in love with this island straight away. Since then I am visiting Koh Phangan once a year for my annual break. it is a perfect place for me to hide, relax think, feel, and get organized.
How would you classify your music?
Hmm, it's always hard to classify my music style. I always try to mix interesting music no matter the genre but in the end, if I need to describe my style in three words then I would say it Intelligent Dance Music
Where and Who do you get your inspiration from?
I am collecting music for the last 25 years. Inspiration always comes through everyday life experiences. As I already said I use music daily. One track is always strong enough to adjust my feelings and for me, this is all about life .. strong feelings controlling our mind.
Do you find Koh Phangan to be the right place for you? Where is your favorite place here?
I love Koh Phangan. it’s a magic island. Too much positive energy around… I love the laid-back feeling, the people’s smiles, the sunsets, the parties, the easy and relaxed way of life.
The truth is that Koh Phangan changed quite a lot within the last 7 years. I think it's becoming too expensive for long breaks.
How do you feel about Phangan compared to Greece or where you have been working before?
Every single gig is special no matter the location. its special cause it gives me a unique chance to meet new people, to make new friends, to explore new cultures. I had a great time there
Where do you think The Phangan Scene is headed?
I am not fond of Full moon parties. I think Koh Phangan it’s a techno island !!!
For my taste most of the time the music is too hard to follow too banging and it’s a big shame ‘because this is not what people are always looking for …
I really had a great gig at Loi Lay Floating Bar. In the end, I saw so many people with different musical backgrounds dancing on the floor under my deep house sounds…
So yes for me there is enough space down there to promote deep house nights…
This year I was lucky to meet at Loi Lay some really special DJs and personas… people like Darragh Casey, Acrobat, and more.
Loi Lay is just a great place to party.
But I have another favorite… Eden Garden Saturday night after party. David Chang is such a great DJ.
I didn’t have the chance to talk to him but I was lucky enough to follow two of his Saturday sets and I really enjoyed to the max his long set.
This is a place I also want to play and I hope next time I am back I will be able to spin my music down there!!!
What are your next projects on Phangan?
I live In Greece so no plans so far. I am currently in search of a booking agency in Asia
What are your next projects around the world?
I am currently organizing the 2013 release schedule for the label (this year we celebrate 10 years of Klik records) plus some very special club nights in Athens.
Do you see yourself playing on Phangan 10 years from now?
I hope so, however, I think life is too short thus I always try not to think that far….
Mr. Kyriakou reminds me a bit of Mr. Meeyakhi from Karate Kid - am I the only one who made this comparison ;)?
I really like this comment. if you say so !!! nothing much I can do ..smiling.
Maybe I can use it as my DJ nickname next time I am back!!!!
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