Singing Dynamite Dioni: "I Love Reaching People Through Music"

The Sydney born vocalist has performed in venues across the globe, including Greece, Qatar, Canada, France, the United States, and beyond. In 2001 the musician co-founded her Athens based group Astyplaz, where she serves as the vocalist and lyricist.

Astyplaz has released two albums and the band's tracks are featured on the international "Buddha Bar XI" hit compilation. Dioni has collaborated with many leading musicians in Greece through a variety of musical mediums.

Currently the Greek-Australian singer is gearing up to release her solo album, launch her one-women show entitled, "Ode to a Crisis," and perform at this year's Greek Festival of Sydney.

In our interview below, the musician who sings in seven languages, discloses the course of her musical journey, career highlights, Greek-Australian upbringing, unwaivering love of Athens, exciting upcoming projects, and more.

To listen to Dioni perform with Astyplaz with "I Can See You Fade" scroll to the very bottom of this article. To learn more about Dioni and her musical endeavors visit: http://dionimusic.com and https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dioni/1375635616071910. .

Maria Athens: When did you realize you were musically gifted? When did you start singing?

Dioni: Well I wouldn't say I was gifted by any means but I definitely had a propensity for the arts as soon as I developed a talking personality! Theatrical productions and singing for the family graduated to talent schools as a kid and then onto further study.

I remember my first performance around 9 or so. "Where the boys are" (Connie Francis) and "Ïn the Mood"(Glenn Miller) were the first songs I publicly performed. I studied the euphonium at school and then started trombone lessons which unfortunately I later abandoned.

Maria Athens: Can you tell us about your Greek-Australian upbringing and education?

Dioni: I had an ideal childhood. I really was very lucky. The perfect balance between a strict private girls' school and the Greek extracurricular events I was dragged to and didn't appreciate at the time! I was very fortunate to have an academic father who was also heavily involved in the Hellenic lobby, (SAE Oceania president among many others) and an artistic ever-supporting mother.

I studied Greek philosophy at university as part of my Mass Communications degree and it was there I discovered a new found love for the Greek language... I also started hanging out with "fresh off the boat" musicians who prompted my love affair with rembetika.

Maria Athens: As an Australian of Greek descent, what compelled you to move to Athens after college?

Dioni: Everything! Do I really need to go into detail?!.... The land is magical-the light, the FREEDOM ....

Maria Athens: What's the story behind your Athens-based group Astyplaz? 

Dioni: We formed in 2001, they found me through the then guitarist and the rest is history as they say...Yes lead singer and lyricist. The original band is 4 but for live shows usually with the addition of drums, sax and guitar. Yes all the others are Greek born and bred. Since moving back to Australia we have informally dissolved Astyplaz for now...maybe we will reunite again in the future.

Maria Athens: You also perform as an international solo singer; where have your talents taken you?

Dioni: Qatar, Czech Republic, France, Germany and of course Australia. With Astyplaz we came to your side of the world – NYC, Chicago, Cleveland and Canada.

Maria Athens: What languages do you sing in?

Dioni: So far I sing in French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, German, Greek and English.

Maria Athens: Are the native Greeks big fans of yours? Was it challenging breaking in to the Greek market?

Dioni: Yes-to both actually, Greece has a great underground scene so we had amazing support which turned us almost mainstream. Most of our lyrics were in English (except for 3-4 Greek songs and one French) but it was amazing going to little villages and everyone knowing the words! As far as the market of course, as EMI Greece didn't, as it turns out have us as their priority but that is a whole other bitter story!

Maria Athens: You have performed all over the world; what locations and appearances stand out most?

Dioni: Just off the top – two standouts come to mind and in great contrast and juxtaposition. The first would be with Giorgos Katsaros in the Ancient stadium of Delphi for the Full Moon Festival, and the other would be on Thanksgiving evening in Chicago in a dive bar with very few patrons most of whom comprised of elderly drag queens.

Maria Athens: What have been the highlights of your career so far?

Dioni: Writing and producing my own show "Öde to a Crisis" is something I am proud of; the adrenalin of the big stadium shows where we were lucky to support major artists with my band Astyplaz; and my first solo album which is to be released very soon is also very exciting.

Maria Athens: What major artists have you collaborated with? Which ones have had the most impact on your own career and aspirations?

Dioni: Many ... as far as Greek artists go–some of the oldies I can name are "The Idols", Giorgos Katsaros, Dakis, Anna Vissi, Filippos Nikolaou, Lakis Papadopoulos just to name a few and international names such as "Faithless" and "Soft Cell" among others. I haven't recorded with them but played with them.

Maria Athens: You are heavily involved in charity work, can you describe your efforts?

Dioni: It varies...it could be just spending some time with disadvantaged and/or elderly people in various stages of life to participating in fundraising events and concerts.

Maria Athens: What are your musical goals in both Greece, Australia, and beyond?

Dioni: World domination of course!! (Only kidding). To be able to tour globally with my new album and get "Öde to a Crisis" out to the masses. Being able to reach and touch people through music is as good as it gets for me.

Maria Athens: Do you feel most at home in Athens or Sydney?

Dioni: Athens is my city without a doubt – I adore it but I was born in Sydney so I definitely feel at home as my family live there; but ask me which city I prefer and there is no thought required – Athens without a doubt- wins hands down!

Maria Athens: Can you tell us about your "Ode to a Crisis" tour that is about to kick off?

Dioni: The details are available on my website but I believe it to be a most topical and current musical show that incorporates all kinds of "crises" facing humans in the 21st century. There are a lot of personal details based on my experience living through the crisis in Greece as well.

It is as entertaining and cheeky as it is thought provoking and sad. I would love to bring it to you guys too.... I'm open for offers! It is a multimedia show- so there are everything from dancers and actors, to video clips and graffiti/street art slideshows.

Maria Athens: What musical feats are you most proud of?

Dioni: The lyrics on my first album with Astyplaz "Name Your Slippers" and working with such amazing musicians in Athens.

Maria Athens: What exciting projects are you currently working on?

Dioni: I am preparing for a show as part of the 2015 Greek Festival of Sydney...called "A Tribute to the Greek Divas" which will include songs of Roza Eskenazy, Dimitra Galani, Alkistis Protopsalti, Tzeni Vanou, Mary-Linda, Marinella, Haris Alexiou and more on April 2nd.