Location: Budapest, Hungary
In 2001, a group of individuals from Hungary (Greeks and Hungarians) with a special passion for Greek music, formed Mydros - a Greek band specializing in Rebetika, a style of music commonly referred to as “Greek Blues.”
The band has made a name for itself in Hungary, performing year round at various events and in turn, promoting and preserving Greek music.
Below, our interview with band member, Gabor Smuk:
DailyFrappe: What is the current estimate of the size of the Greek community in Hungary? Where are they concentrated?
Gabor Smuk: There was a census in 2001, where two thousand people declared themselves to be Greek. According to an official estimate, about four thousand compatriots are of Greek descent and most of them live in Budapest. All our significant towns have communes, however, Belogiannis is often referred to as the “Greek village of Hungary.”
DF: You’re Hungarian. What drew you to Greek music?
GS: In the '80s, Greek music and dance became very popular in Hungary, as it was part of «dancehouse» revolution. I think dancehouses are not really known in Greece. They are not really like the bouzoukia. Instead, imagine a big «γλέντι» with live music and with big circles of dancers, that include teachers who teach the correct steps. This type of new entertainment attracted many young people and that's how my parents got to know each other. As children, we were taken to Greek dancehouses, where we were influenced with Greek music and dance.
DF: How did the six of you hook up?
GS: My brother, Tamás, and I started to play together as kindergartners. Playing Greek music was one of our favourite forms of entertainment. While other children played soccer, we played Greek music for our dog. Our childish fun slowly turned into a big dream to have a real band and to have our own concerts – this time, for humans. One day we saw a Greek boy on the television, who played the bouzouki. We became very enthusiastic, and my mother followed up and contacted him. We formed our first band, called Mytikas, at the ages of 10 and12. It was a big curiosity to see such young children play music together, so we had many performances.
DF: When did the group form?
GS: Our little two-man band, Mystico, eventually broke up, but we learned many things about playing together. We decided to continue more professionally, and looked for new members, and a new name. Our first appearance as Mydros was in September 2001.
DF: Who plays what instrument?
GS: We have two singers: Athina and Lavínia. Athina is Greek and both of them have been learning the language for many years. Our bouzouki player, Nikos, came from Belogiannis. He also plays guitar. My brother provides the percussion with touberleki, cajón, and plays guitar. I play the accordion, the keyboard, and manage the band. Our bass player is Jani. We try to play dynamic, enthusiastic music with the typical instruments of the Greek taverns.
DF: How often and where do you perform? Do you perform for the Greek community of Hungary only or also in other cultural programs?
GS: Usually we play two times a week. We have our own programme - two dancehouses and two taverna nights each month, and we participate in many cultural festivals. The Greek community organizes events, mainly anniversaries and feasts. We usually accompany the Greek dance ensembles and choirs as well. We take part in private events, like weddings. Sometimes we play abroad - this summer we were on tour to Ireland and to Greece.
DF: Any CDs out there for fans to buy?
GS: We released our first album - “Πέντε χρόνια" (Five Years) last year in May. It proved to very popular among Greeks and Hungarians too. Thank God! There are more than twenty songs on the disc, grouped by types of dances.
DF: Parting comment?
GS: Thank you very much for your interview. It is a very big honour to us. If you come to Hungary, please don't forget to visit us :)
No worries here. Thanks, Gabor and best of luck!
Mydros band mates include singers Athina Csyef and Lavinia Viragh, accompanied by musicians Nikos Stavropoulos, Janos Abraham, Tamas Smuk and Gabor Smuk. More info at http://www.mydros.hu/
posted on Thursday, January 15