DistantNews
Support us
Mithridatis: "Trap is not the worst thing to happen to Greek music"
🇬🇷 Greece /Culture & Society

Mithridatis: "Trap is not the worst thing to happen to Greek music"

From Ta Nea · () Greek

Translated from Greek, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

Interview Sources not specified New plan
  • Greek hip-hop group Imeroskoumbria is reuniting for two anniversary concerts at the Release Festival, sparking excitement among fans.
  • Mithridatis, a member of the group, discussed the band's hiatus, their return, and the current state of Greek music, including trap.
  • The group's return is a significant event for Greek hip-hop, with initial concert tickets selling out rapidly.

Ten years after their hiatus, the beloved Greek hip-hop group Imeroskoumbria is making a powerful comeback with two anniversary concerts as part of the Release Festival on June 20 and July 3. The announcement has sent waves of excitement through fans of the genre, who eagerly anticipate seeing the group back on stage together.

Mithridatis, speaking ahead of the highly anticipated performances, shared insights into the band's current status, the reasons behind their pause, and the possibility of a future reunion. He revealed that the first concert sold out almost immediately, prompting the addition of a second date. Mithridatis admitted to feeling significant stage fright, a feeling that accompanies him until the performance begins.

At the end of the first song, we all felt like not a day had passed.

— MithridatisDescribing the immediate chemistry during the first rehearsal for the reunion concerts.

Reflecting on their rehearsals, Mithridatis described the reunion as feeling natural, stating, "At the end of the first song, we all felt like not a day had passed." He explained that while each member pursued individual paths, the reunion felt organic. "In 30 years, it didn't take much effort; it brought us together immediately, without much fuss."

Trap is not an evolution, it's a mutation.

— MithridatisOffering his view on the relationship between hip-hop and trap music.

The conversation also touched upon the evolving landscape of Greek music, particularly the rise of trap music. Mithridatis offered a nuanced perspective, stating, "Trap is not an evolution, it's a mutation." He argued that trap is not the worst thing to impact Greek music, suggesting that certain folk music genres warrant more critical examination, especially concerning their influence on young listeners. He emphasized that the lifestyle promoted by certain genres and artists is as significant as lyrical content, noting that even artists who didn't explicitly detail certain themes in their songs often projected them through their lives. He recalled that explicit lyrics were prevalent even in 2015, indicating that the phenomenon is not entirely new.

Mithridatis acknowledged that while some of Imeroskoumbria's past lyrics might be controversial today, they are accepted due to the group's special place in the public's heart and history. Despite the emotional significance of their return, he does not regret the band's split, believing everything happens for a reason. He left the door open for the reunion to potentially lead to new material, comparing band dynamics to any relationship, with its inevitable ups and downs, influenced by external factors.

I don't think it's something I should regret; everything happens for a reason. Even our anniversary shows have a reason.

— MithridatisReflecting on the band's past split and the significance of their reunion.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Ta Nea in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog