The Greek-Armenian singer, who has received critical acclaim for her songs, is visiting Armenia for the second time.
Athena Manoukian sat down with ARMENPRESS’s Angela Hambardzumyan to talk about her career and dreams.
“I started singing when I was 12. That’s when I won in a music TV show in Greece. Then I participated in the selection phase of Junior Eurovision. At the age of 17 I worked at one of the best clubs in Greece where I had my own show program and I had the chance to record three songs. I released the XO song in Sweden, while the music video was shot in Australia. I am happy that it turned out to be a success”, Manoukian said.
Is it easier for you to write songs for yourself or other artists?I am writing songs in the last three years. I write from my heart, my soul. I find it easy to collaborate with other artists. I wrote a song for Elena Paparizou, who won the 2005 Eurovision. We wrote Chains On You together with my producer, DJ Paco.
You are Armenian, and you live in Greece, but most of your songs are in English. Why is that? Have you ever written songs in Greek or Armenian?
I have recorded one Greek song. I remember listening to Sirusho’s Kele Kele many years ago, I loved it very much. There is even a video where I am singing it. Actually I didn’t understand the beginning of the song which is in Armenian, but I loved it. Yes, I can say I have sung in Armenian.
Asked about ups and downs during her career and what keeps her going, Manoukian said: “I have said no to everything I don’t like, naturally there were times when doors were closing on me. A few years earlier I would get disappointed much more often, but it never even crossed my mind to drop my dream because I’ve always had people near me who supported me. I guess I’ve been dreaming to sing since the day I was born. I would advise to say no to everything you don’t like, everything that isn’t yours. In this case you will have your own and real career”.
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