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Source: http://www.lgr.co.uk

The Cypriot star had performed to a near-capacity crowd at the Hammersmith Apollo in London on March 14.

Tony Neophytou caught up with the successful Cypriot pop icon.

The UK’s massive fan-base is really the best in the world says the star. Michalis will afford us his insight into what inspires his composition-writing for the No.1 Best-Selling artist.

Michalis, 29, will also further elaborate on his personal voyage into the occupied territory of Cyprus, his parents are descendants of Kyrenia. So, here goes…

Q. As you know, British Greek-Cypriot reaction is very strong, you’d experienced the adulation of 3,500 in May 2007 Hammersmith Apollo. The UK’s fan base has the strongest enthusiastic support anywhere, is the love here best in the world?

A. Well, you are right. Surely, the experience in May 2007 was one of the best experiences of my life. I was very touched by the warm welcome and I look forward to meeting with this wonderful audience again. Moreover, when I visit London I get to meet the relatives that I have there, with whom I am very close, so I am truly excited for my visit in UK for many reasons!

Q. Listeners on LGR 103.3fm have tuned into the brilliant music for almost a decade, with Heria Psila jamming the air-waves on full-throttle (Tony smiles), as the Greek-Cypriot No.1 contemporary-selling artist, what is the recipe for success?

A. To be honest with you, there is not a recipe. When I compose and create my music I just close my eyes to the outside world and turn to my inner feelings and thoughts. So, I am just honest with myself and try not push things by creating something which is supposed to be a success. However, if a song gets to be a success, that is even better! Everybody needs the audience’s love.

Q. New ‘7’ set is brilliant, love this album! ANY tracks you’ve distinguished, or liked more, any favourites? How do you rate this album, a best effort? It’s got this introspective depth and maturity…

A. Well, thank you very much! It is true that with this album I feel much more complete and matured than ever because it combines various sounds and styles. Each song is the result of an inner evolution and development so I really cannot say that I prefer this song, instead of another, but if I was to choose, I would say Thalassa and Parta Ola Dika sou.

Q. All-time Favourite tracks you’ve sung?

A. Well, I cannot be put on this position where I have to choose among my songs. I have loved each of them with the same way so I believe that it is the audience that can decide which song it prefers.

Q. While in Cyprus at the start of March, you paid a rare excursion to the occupied territory, parents descend from Kyrenia, what thoughts and feelings entered your head at this point? I guess it must a goal of yours to hold a concert in a free Kyrenia?

A. What a strong experience this was…! Full of powerful feelings, a touching and emotional moment. I would absolutely want to sing in a free Kyrenia. It would be great to hold a concert which will celebrate a new era. After all, music is above politics. It is above everything.

Q. You’ve won so many well-deserved accolades (ARION MUSIC AWARDS) have you built an extension to house all of the trophies, do you keep them in a library?

A. No, I haven’t. You know, trophies can give you joy and sometimes happiness when you receive them but you cannot stick on them. Reality and every day life pass them and make you move on. (Brilliant answer)

Q. Exciting news, you’re to release an English album, this is a breakthrough development, more listeners will appreciate the music, is a world career a goal of yours?

A world career? Well, let’s take one step at the time! Right now I am focused on the recording of this exciting album and I hope that more and more people in Europe will get to know me and my music. That alone, is a big goal for me…

Q. If you were on a desert island (imagine Cyprus completely emptied of all it’s people) what three things would you bring? Michalis, how do you relax in your spare-time?

A. Well, this would be easy: my guitar, Manos Hadjidakis music and the book: The Island, by Victoria Hislop. As for my spare time, nothing big: I relax with the company of my close friends at home, I enjoy reading, listening to music and going to the cinema.

Thank you very much for the time! It's been an absolute pleasure!

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