The Heroine’s Journey of Daphne Gerogianni

What is the best thing that I love about my work?

The priceless gift of expression!! Communicating my thoughts and feelings and sharing my view of the world through the power of music is truly invaluable!

I sincerely believe that music has the power to significantly impact and influence human emotions and perceptions. As quoted by F. Nietzsche in his book Twilight of the Idols (1889), “Without music, life would be a mistake.

What is my idea of happiness?

Health, Love, Freedom, Creativity

What is my greatest fear?

Because I believe that words (both in verbalizing and writing) have more power than many of us ever realize, I’d rather not concentrate on fear…

What is the trait that I most deplore in myself?

My too analytical mind… it gets too tiring at times…

Which living persons in my profession do I most admire?

They are quite a few, but the one I admire the most is unfortunately deceased… I still miss David Bowie…

What is my greatest extravagance?

Travelling!

On what occasion would I lie?

Perhaps in a life-threatening situation to protect my loved ones, but hopefully never!

Lies complicate things for everyone involved, especially for ourselves, since the worst scenario is that we may come to believe the things we lie about.

What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work?

The business side of it…

When and where was I the happiest, in my work?

I think that every live show that I perform peaks my levels of adrenaline!!

The same applies to every time that I am in the studio bringing a song into life!

If I could, what would I change about myself?

Well, I really strive to be less of a perfectionist…

What is my greatest achievement in work?

Certainly one of the highlights in my career was when the fashion brand Gucci favored my first band’s cover version on Joy Division’s “She’s Lost Control” as the music theme for their Cruise 2016 campaign. Since April 2021 the Gucci commercial film is screened at the Gucci Garden Museum in Florence/Italy and also within the Museum Virtual Tour via the museum’s website, while travelling to Shanghai, Seoul, Bangkok, Tokyo & Sydney.

I also consider myself very fortunate to have had the experience of opening for names like Nick Cave, The Fall, Pet Shop Boys, Hooverphonic, Mark Almond, Scissor Sisters, Anne Clark, Stereo Mc’s.

Where would I most like to live?

I would love to be able to share my time between Brixton/London, Soho/New York, and the small Aegean island of Antiparos!

What is my most treasured possession?

My voice and also my endless notebooks that I write my lyrics in!

Yes, I still use physical paper and ink to write my lyrics…

What is my most marked characteristic?

Certainly independence!

What is my most inspirational location, in my city?

Inspiration may strike me at any time and any place!

Everything I see, feel, and experience, has the potential to inspire my next song.

What is my favorite place to eat and drink, in my city?

The Seafood restaurant “Psarokokkalo” (El. Venizelou 19, Melissia 151 27), and the Greek Mediterranean restaurant “Oi Thessaloi” (Melenikou 2, Votanikos 104 47).

What books influenced my life and how?

Having been born on the island of Crete, all the writings of Nikos Kazantzakis have had a significant influence on me. I read them in my very early years and they certainly grounded in me the realization that life is too short and too precious.

“Act as if death did not exist, and act with death in mind at every moment…”

You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day?

David Bowie, Beethoven’s Symphony No 7 Op. 92: II. Allegretto, The Dark Side of the Moon.

Who is my hero or heroine in fiction?

My hero in fiction is the Alexis Zorbas character in The Life and Times of Alexis Zorbas (written by Nikos Kazantzakis), because of his lust for life and deep empathy on the essence of things. Yet Yorgis Zorbas (renamed Alexis in the novel) was a real-life person…

Who are my heroes and heroines in real life? Anyone from all walks of life that cares to alleviate suffering… Because they represent the best of whom we can be…

Which movie would I recommend to see once in a lifetime?

a) Blade Runner of 1982 directed by Ridley Scott, because of Roy Batty’s solitary “Tears in Rain” monologue in the final scene, and

b) Sweet Bunch (Greek: Γλυκιά Συμμορία, Romanized: Glykia Symmoria), a Greek 1983 experimental independent underground art film directed by Nikos Nikolaidis, because of its “All for One and One for All” heroic atmosphere and the unrepeatable “Anatomy Course” scene.

What role does art play in my life and work?

As Richard Wagner once wrote, “Art transforms into beautiful images the most terrible aspects of life and thus elevates and comforts us”.

What do the words ‘You are the storyteller of your own life’ mean to me?

I will answer this question quoting the chorus from a song of mine: “For better or for worse, in our madness we’re still blessed, for it’s under our breath that we color this world”.

It is up to us to make good use of our limited time on planet Earth!

Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime?

Being an artist involves (amongst other traits) being vulnerable and exposed.

So I would say definitely My Heartland…

Which people or companies would I like to work with in 2022?

Andrew Eldritch

Brian Molko

James Lavelle

Brian Eno

Dimitri Tikovoï

Timo Maas

Beggars Group (4AD, Rough Trade Records, XL Recordings)

Cherry Red Records

Mute Records

Bella Union / Simon Raymonde

What project, in 2022, am I looking forward to work on?

Finishing my forthcoming album and shooting a few video-clips!!

Photo Credits: Christos Petropoulos

Where can you see me or my work in 2022?

Unfortunately the spread of Covid-19 continues to take its toll on the live music industry. So due to the health-related risky, unpredictable, and possible last minute cancellation circumstances, I don’t think I’ll be doing any live shows in 2022.

Still, I’ll be releasing my new songs/album on all major digital music platforms (Spotify, iTunes/Apple Music, deezer, Amazon, etc.).

My work is always traceable through my site: https://www.daphnegerogianni.com/

What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me?

“Passion Never Retires” in my concept of the phrase entails boundless experimentation, a yearn for continuously learning and growing, and ceaseless passion for the act of creating something new that adds value to our world…

Which creative professionals should Peter invite to tell their story?

Aleka Apergi (Manager@athinorama magazine&website, DJ)

Maria Papidaki (Radio Producer, DJ)

Sakis Tsitomeneas (Film Distribution Executive, Radio Host, DJ)

Marianthi Christofidou (Macramé Jewelry Artist, Journalist)

Stefanos Tsitsopoulos (Journalist, Author, Radio Host)

Dimitris Athanasiadis (Journalist, Web Editor@athensvoice.gr, Radio Presenter&Producer@AV 102.5)

Sotiris Roumeliotis (Radio Host, Music Journalist, VO Artist, DJ)

Nikos Paravatos (Music Therapist, Music Producer)

Nicholas Dimitropoulos (Director)

Shannon Lenahan (Actor)