Interview with Chris “The Greek” Panaghi

Interview with Chris “The Greek” Panaghi

2 June, 2008 | 1.42PM

• Written by: amathusmusic
• Filed under: Music News : amathus music, chris the greek panaghi

Check out the interview with Chris Panaghi of Amathus Music after the jump.

How did you get involved with the music industry?

I started out as a club and mobile DJ on Long Island, NY.

After many years of spinning in various nightclubs thoughout the NY Tri-State area, I had the itch to create music and get involved with music production and remixing.

I felt it was a natural progression being a club DJ moving into production and remixing.

Which do you prefer the most: DJing, producing, remixing, or being a radio mixshow DJ?

I really enjoy DJing.

I like mixing the radio mixshows because I thrive on listener feedback, people calling in and responding to the tracks I play and put on the airwaves.

I feel listener feedback is so key to becoming a better DJ; being able to connect with dance music enthusiasts and having them vibe to your music and mixing is such a high.

You completed a remix for Yoko Ono of John Lennon’s legendary song, ‘Give Peace A Chance’. Tell us about it.

Well, it was an absolute pleasure to work on this project.

It’s always a bit harder to remix a piece of work from that era due to the timing issues but it’s a lot of fun.

I was really honored to do this remix and felt that since the original was so unbelievable, I wanted to bring it to a new era and give it a European trancey vibe that would make dancefloors scream.

Greek vocalist Helena Paparizou’s hit ‘My Number One’ won the Eurovision Song Contest and you were a big part of that project. What can you tell us about it?

This is another good example of a great song that translated into a monster hit all over Europe and beyond.

‘My Number One’ winning the Eurovision contest is a huge honor for the Greek community worldwide and I am very proud of Helena.

I am truly blessed to have been asked to be a part of this project.

I wanted to remix the song having a house feel yet keeping a radio friendly vibe.

I felt that since the song has a very catchy hook that it just needed a bit more edge to work on dancefloors.

A DJ’s ears trained from playing on different dancefloors can be very beneficial in making dance remixes.

Are there any differences between remixing for the American audiences versus the European audiences?

Well, in many cases the styles are different which affects the direction to take any production.

When I really want to impact the European market, I know that I have to keep that frame of mind so I don’t make something very “NY” sounding.

The NY scene just seems to have its own sound that does not translate very well into the European market.

What additional advice do you have for new DJs that want to get involved with remixing or music production work?

Follow your heart and be true to what you believe in.

It’s very easy to get sidetracked or to become lazy.

Most of the battle is just showing up and doing the right thing.

Stay true to yourself and work hard.

What are your future plans?

I’m currently the President of Amathus Music, which is an indie label located in New York.

I’m always looking for new producers and remixers to work with so send me your work.

Amathus is doing very well and has a great staple of artists.

I will continue to keep DJing in various guest spots all over the world, as well as my mixshow on XM Radio.

I am very dedicated to dance music and my career.

I always strive to reach all my goals and dreams.

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