Mikro on fyi.news: We have started dancing again!

Mikro (or Mikró) were formed in 1997 in Thessaloniki by Nikos Bitzenis [a.k.a. Nikonn] (vocals, synths, programming) and Giannis Lefkaditis (guitar, bass, sax, synths).

The two friends shared a common vision for an electronic band with influences from pop, rock, and more alternative sounds. Mikro’s sound is “multiform” and blends elements of electronica, synthpop, big beat, dance, breakbeat, drum’n’bass, easy listening, pop, disco, and rock, combining both male and female vocals.

The current lineup of the band, in addition to Nikos and Giannis, includes Chloe Ann (vocals/keyboards), Apostolos Bitzenis (synthesizers), and Christos Aslanidis (synth/drumpads).

So, 20 years after the release of “Afti i poli,” (This city) are we dancing more or less?

I think we’ve started dancing again! In the ’90s, there was a strong desire for dancing and partying. After 2000, it gradually faded, and people slowly stopped dancing.

However, after the coronavirus and the lockdowns, people began to see life differently, and the desire to dance returned. We are once again in a time when people want to have fun and dance, despite the dystopia we’re living in. It may be a reflex to help us survive the madness of the times.

Their song “Afti i poli”(This City) almost 20 years after its release, is still played in clubs and on the radio, having become an anthem for fun and dancing.

What happened during the 10 years that Mikro were away from the music scene?

These past 10 years were a time spent recharging our batteries, clearing our minds, and preparing for a fresh restart with renewed enthusiasm for new music and concerts. We needed to step away for a while to miss it and be missed. We worked on other things, other projects, and when the time came, we said, ‘Let’s go again!’

After a 10-year hiatus (2014-2024), Mikro have made a strong comeback, with new music releases and live performances, including appearances at major festivals.

How challenging was it to create electronic music in Greece in the 2000s?

Electronic music in Greece was a difficult endeavor. We are a country that viewed musicians with synthesizers and buttons with suspicion, especially when we were straddling the line between pop and alternative. Of course, this changed slowly and painfully.

Now, an electronic band can have the same recognition and significance as a rock band or a singer-songwriter. People have moved past the barriers that once dominated.

What advice would you give to an artist starting out now?

The most important advice, in my opinion, is to stay as independent as possible, avoiding bad contracts with record labels that can no longer offer much, and if they do, it will come at a high price. Another crucial point is to do what they love, not what the trends or the world dictate.

What do you remember from your early years in Thessaloniki in the late ’90s?

Thessaloniki was thriving back then! There was a lot of creativity, many bands, live shows, clubbing, dancing, and parties. We were a group of people with big dreams who wanted to make music like there was no tomorrow. We didn’t care about anything else! There was so much energy and excitement. We always thought that success was something distant, especially with the music we were making, but we didn’t let that discourage us. In any case, we were having a great time.

Why did you choose to sing in Greek?

Lyrics always came second in our songs. The music was the main focus. We probably should have paid more attention to the lyrics, but we never saw ourselves as lyricists. First and foremost, we are musicians. But we had to put words in when we were singing. English was the easy choice, as our musical influences came mainly from British bands.

However, when we decided we wanted to connect directly with the Greek audience, singing in Greek became the only option. We also wanted to avoid clichés. We wanted our lyrics to match our electronic music. It was very difficult at first, but I think we managed to make it work.

Which artists have influenced the sound of Mikro?

Many bands and artists from the ’80s and ’90s—pop, indie, new wave, electronic, and dance. We could name some like Depeche Mode, Kraftwerk, The Cure, Duran Duran, David Bowie, Moby, Chemical Brothers, Massive Attack, Underworld, Orbital, LCD Soundsystem, and many others.

The influences are so diverse that it’s created a crazy mix in our minds, forming a multifaceted identity. This is also the identity of Mikro.

Mikro have performed many concerts in Greece and abroad, playing at major festivals alongside world-renowned artists like Morrissey, Hooverphonic, Ladytron, The Raveonettes, Andy Fletcher of Depeche Mode, and others.

Are there any contemporary artists you particularly admire?

There are many talented artists today. While they may not be the mega-bands we grew up with in the ’80s and ’90s, they make incredible music. BICEP, Fred Again…, Wolf Alice, and RAYE are some great examples. But, of course, it’s all subjective.

What can we expect from your performance at ADAF?

A great Mikro set with songs from our entire discography, including our latest album “SUPER HEROES,” released last year. We’ve promised ourselves we’ll do very few live shows, and we’ll be very selective.

We won’t fall into the trap of endless repetition that wears you down. Less, but better. So expect an energetic party with Mikro music and video projections that we’ve curated ourselves. After all, every Mikro performance is another party.

What are your plans for the future?

We’re back in the studio, working on new music. We don’t make long-term plans. The only thing that matters is doing what we love and what fills us up. Today. We don’t even know if the live performance we’re doing might be our last. The future is uncertain, and the present is here.

Their discography from 1998 to today includes 10 studio albums, along with numerous singles and remixes for both Greek and international artists. Their most recent release is the album “SUPER HEROES,” which came out in March 2024.

Mikro will perform on April 5th at the Athens Digital Arts Festival, at Technopolis.

Tickets

Their live shows are accompanied by video projections curated by the band, full of energy that is transmitted to the audience in a unique way, creating the perfect atmosphere for an unforgettable live show/party.