Dimitris Nezis
Award-Winning Greek Pop Artist 

Suraaj Parab (00:17)

Today's guest is Dimitris Nezis, a Greek singer, songwriter, and independent artist whose work has earned international awards, chart success, and cross-border collaborations. Welcome Dimitris to Artist Conversation.

Dimitris Nezis (01:00)

Thank you so much for having me. It's a pleasure to be on your wonderful show, and I cannot wait to chat with you today.

Suraaj Parab (01:09)

The pleasure is mine. I am very happy that we finally met on this platform.

Dimitris Nezis (01:15)

We finally made it. So many times something occurred where I couldn't make it, but thank you for waiting for this interview to happen. It's an honor and a great pleasure.

Suraaj Parab (01:36)

The pleasure is all mine. I've seen your work many times, from your song Mana and beyond, so I really wanted to talk with you.

Let's jump into your origin and finding your path. You were born in Greece and trained in both Athens and London. Looking back, what first made music feel like more than a passion—like something you were meant to build your life around?

Dimitris Nezis (02:09)

As far as I can remember, since I was a little kid, I couldn't do anything else. I only wanted to become a singer. When I went to high school, my parents couldn't afford to send me to a big music school. They were strict and afraid for my future, telling me this industry is not for everyone.

After high school, I went to an economics school to follow their path and satisfy society, relatives, and neighbors, but it wasn't my path. I attended economics school for about half a year and then dropped out. At 17, I immediately started vocal studies at the National Conservatory of Athens. In 2003, I joined Fame Studio, a full-day school for artists where I learned to sing, perform, and act.

At 25, I decided to move to London. That was a huge experience and very important for my maturity as a person and an artist. I studied music performance at the University of West London. After returning to Athens, I dropped my first single in Greek.

Around the pre-COVID era, my main composer, Konstantinos Economopoulos, kept encouraging me to release music in English. I finally gave it a try about seven years ago. Releasing music in English expanded my world—instead of reaching a local market in Greece, it allowed me to connect with an audience of millions globally.

Suraaj Parab (07:26)

I can totally relate. My music was mostly instrumental, and initially, I didn't want a vocalist because I felt vocals suppressed the instrumentation.

Dimitris Nezis (07:46)

That's funny because Konstantinos Economopoulos is a great instrumentalist—in my opinion, he is the Yanni of our generation. I always tell him that adding a vocalist gives instrumental music a whole new aura.

Suraaj Parab (08:19)

My childhood idol who inspired me to play music was Yanni. I am a die-hard fan.

Dimitris Nezis (08:46)

He is one of the greatest instrumentalists in the world. It’s wonderful when artists like Yanni make Greeks proud globally.

Suraaj Parab (08:59)

You have released 24 singles, four albums, and built real momentum internationally. What has that journey taught you about persistence and self-belief?

Dimitris Nezis (09:28)

It's vital to believe in yourself, especially in an industry that demands so much confidence. While audience approval boosts confidence, internal self-belief must come first. You give your belief to the audience, they give back support, and it forms a full circle.

Suraaj Parab (11:12)

I relate to that. In my audiobook, I wrote: "The body follows the mind, the mind follows the thoughts, the thoughts follow the belief. Shift the belief and the system aligns."

Dimitris Nezis (11:41)

I absolutely agree. Like a domino effect or a puzzle, every piece needs to align.

Suraaj Parab (12:34)

You have won over 70 international awards. Did that recognition change your confidence, or did it confirm what you already knew about your path?

Dimitris Nezis (12:59)

Early in my career in Greece, I felt mistreated by the industry, which pushed me to prove them wrong. Releasing music internationally confirmed that I was on the right path. However, awards don't guarantee a career. For me, recognition isn't about thinking "I'm the best"; it acts as fuel to create even better music and projects in the future.

Suraaj Parab (15:55)

I hope the day comes soon when you win a Grammy.

Dimitris Nezis (16:07)

If that happens, I will enjoy it to the maximum, but then tell my team, "Now it's time to release an even better album next year." Recognition brings exposure and widens your reach.

Suraaj Parab (16:47)

We create art because we love the art. Many iconic artists never won major awards, yet millions listen to them. Doing what we love is what truly counts.

Dimitris Nezis (17:24)

Living life is about enjoying things that make us feel full. When you have a gift, it's essential to share it with others.

Suraaj Parab (18:02)

You were part of Chris Redding's Grammy-nominated album In Colors in Me. What did that collaboration teach you?

Dimitris Nezis (18:24)

Chris contacted me because he appreciated my work. It was my first time collaborating on a project originating within the Grammy community. When the nomination was announced, I was in shock. I will be forever grateful to Chris.

Suraaj Parab (19:56)

Your latest song, Mana, has struck a nerve emotionally and culturally. What did this song allow you to express?

Dimitris Nezis (20:34)

Years ago, I heard an instrumental track by Konstantinos Economopoulos and knew I wanted to dedicate it to my mother. In late 2024, I felt the timing was right. I wrote the lyrics and invited several Grammy peers—including Mehran Enverdi, Tarusuri, McGregic, SJ Janani Sayer, and SF One—who were all deeply moved to join.

When I played the finished song for my mother, she burst into tears. Motherhood is sacred, and this song honors all mothers worldwide by blending Greek and English languages. It has also birthed a full multicultural album titled Mana, dropping later this year, combining global instruments, styles, and languages (including Hindi and Sanskrit).

Suraaj Parab (27:25)

If this album wins a Grammy, the Recording Academy will have to ship 50 trophies across the globe for all the contributors!

Dimitris Nezis (28:39)

Every single contributor, even for a single minute, deserves full credit on the liner notes.

Suraaj Parab (29:05)

Looking ahead to your My Origin Tour in 2026 and upcoming releases, what is the next evolution for you artistically?

Dimitris Nezis (29:35)

I am in the process of finalizing dates for my first US tour this year. Beyond finalizing the Mana album, I would love to experiment with musical theater in the US or internationally, as I studied that in London. Over time, my focus has shifted from wanting to party to sharing meaningful messages through my art.

Suraaj Parab (35:01)

As we keep learning and meeting new people, our priorities evolve.

Dimitris Nezis (35:21)

Getting older keeps things exciting. Turning 40 feels like a brand-new decade. Even in my 80s, I see myself releasing music and staying true to the core of who I am.

Suraaj Parab (38:30)

Your energy and self-belief are incredibly inspiring, Dimitris. Thank you for spending time with me today.

Dimitris Nezis (38:58)

Thank you so much. Being part of the Academy is about connecting energy-wise with like-minded, kind-hearted artists like you.

Suraaj Parab (42:01)

Thank you to everyone listening. You can check out Dimitris Nezis’s work on Apple Music, Spotify, and his newly updated website at www.dimitrisnezis.com to sign up for his newsletter.

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