Athena Andreadis

Athena Andreadis was born in London and raised in Greece; the two cultures coexisting through her upbringing. She inherited her singing talent from her Greek mother, but, always bilingual, listened as much to rock, classical and jazz as she did to the traditional Greek songs. Relocating to the UK at her parents’ behest to study commerce at Bath University with a view to one day taking over the family business, she instead won a place at Trinity College of Music studying vocal techniques that ranged from opera to jazz.

In 2006, Athena released a home-produced EP (Snapshot) of mostly self-written material in both English and Greek and played sold-out shows throughout the UK. Encouraged, Athena recorded Breathe With Me in both Greece and London before releasing and promoting the album on her own label. Produced with famed Greek composer George Andreou, Breathe With Me teams Athena’s unclassifiable blend of styles, cultures and influences. Word Magazine wrote, ‘Young, vivacious, charismatic… the balance of her own sensual songs with a mix of tradition and classical influences give her a rare individuality.’ The Guardian put simply, ‘Brave and original. A remarkably fine singer songwriter’ and the Daily Mail declared, ‘Radiating class and oodles of talent…this rare diamond ought to shine.

An accomplished pianist, Athena performs live with an acoustic trio, teaming up with guitarist Werner Kristiansen, bassist Tom Mason and drummer/percussionist Ben Bryant. The band offering a formidable counterpoint to Athena’s passionate vocals and stirring songs. ‘My voice is a vehicle to serve the song,’ Athena says simply, ‘when I sing I just think about what the song is trying to say and the emotion comes naturally.’