In conversation w/ Tamta
APRIL 4, 2025 → WORDS ADRIÁN GOMIS EXPÓSITO PHOTOGRAPHY MARIA KOUTROUMPI CREATIVE DIRECTION & SET DESIGN ELEKTRA AVGOULI, IOANNIS ANDREOU STYLING IOANNIS ANDREOU HAIR ALEX METAXOULIS MAKE-UP VIVIAN KATSARI, MARIANNA YORK NAILS SUPERNOVA PRODUCTION ELEKTRA AVGOULI POST-PRODUCTION MARIA KOUTROUMPI
Tamta has never been one to follow the rules. A bold artist, a fashion icon, and a fearless advocate for self-expression, she continues to push boundaries with her ever-evolving sound and aesthetic. With the release of ‘KHORUMI’ and the upcoming ‘The Heroine’, she blends tradition with the avant-garde, creating a musical and visual universe that is uniquely hers. In this exclusive interview, Tamta delves into her artistic evolution, the powerful symbolism behind her latest work, and how she continues to redefine pop stardom on her own terms.
HAT PALY HOLLYWOOD SUNGLASSES AVAVAV BRA & PURSE VAQUERA UNDERWEAR MARIEYAT BROWN PANTS CHARLIE CONSTANTINOU TOP POSTER GIRL SHOES BHIVE CAMEO PANTS TAMTA’S ARCHIVE BRACELETS STYLIST’S ARCHIVE GROCERY STORE EMPLOYEE’S UNIFORM AND ACCESSORIES TA ROUXA TOU VASILIA
You’ve become known as a visionary pop artist, fashion force and queer icon. How do you define your artistic evolution, especially with the release of ‘KHORUMI’ and the forthcoming ‘The Heroine’?
My artistic evolution has been a bumpy ride, but I have enjoyed every part of it. With each music project, I have discovered more and more about what truly matters to me and what fuels my creativity. I’m more confident than ever before. I dive deep into myself, and I’m not afraid to show the world my most authentic side. I’m beyond thankful to be in an artistic phase where my fans connect deeply with the messages in my songs.
‘KHORUMI’ blends traditional Georgian elements with leftfield electronic and pop. What inspired you to merge these genres, and how does this track represent your fearless artistic journey?
I’m always searching for ways to mix Georgian, Greek, and English with pop and other various music genres. As for ‘KHORUMI’, the truth is that it proved to be a challenge in its early production stages. ‘KHORUMI’ draws inspiration from the Georgian War Dance of the same name. The original song has a fast-paced, unconventional rhythmic pattern. My producer (shoutout to TEO.x3) thought that leftfield electronic would be the best way to maintain the dynamism of the original dance while also making the track match the sound of the rest of the EP. ‘KHORUMI’ makes me feel powerful. I mean, I’m fiercely chanting in Georgian during the bridge—how could I not feel fearless? It is one of my most personal music projects to date.
TOP MARIA PATELIS SHOES RICK OWENS UNDERWEAR AND TIGHTS STYLIST’S ARCHIVE
The black-and-white aesthetic in your new music video is captivating and enigmatic. What was the inspiration behind this visual style, and how did you collaborate with Alexander Stamatiadis on its direction?
The decision to make the video black-and-white came from Alexander, and I agreed immediately because I trust his aesthetic input. I value the opinions of my collaborators, whom I personally choose. Alexander and I have worked together before, and he’s a talented young director. My goal was to beautifully showcase elements from the Georgian traditional dance in a simple way, set in nature and the forest to highlight the natural beauty of Georgia. Alexander, along with my creative producer Evelina Evangelia Stilidou and DOP Tasos Khatzis, truly brought this vision to life!
The character I portray is a strong female figure, a kind of ‘villain heroine’, representing hope for migrants around the world. Many are often forced to walk through forests for days in search of a better tomorrow, and through this storytelling in the music video, we wanted to give them hope. While I may not have walked through a forest myself to reach a better tomorrow from Georgia to Greece, I hope my personal story can also inspire others.
Your fashion choices have always been bold and impactful. How does your partnership with stylist Beau Tiger Rae shape the vision for your music and videos? What role does fashion play in your life and career?
Fashion and the many changes I’ve made throughout my career come from my own passion and need to authentically express myself. It has always been an important part of my identity and a key element in my artistic expression. When it comes to fashion, I’m usually very clear about what I want. For this aesthetic and concept of the video, I think Beau Tiger Rae was the perfect fit.
ROBE DOUBLET NECKLACE & EARRINGS I-SAULT BODYSUIT & SHOES CHRISTIANA HADJIPAPA BRA LIZA KEANE MESH DRESS WOLFORD SHOES BHIVE
You’ve worked with major fashion brands like Mugler, Adidas, and Converse. How does your identity as a fashion force influence the way you approach your music and performances?
I think fashion influences my music as much as it influences my life. My aesthetic and overall visual identity are a big part of my artistic vision. I want everything I do to tell a story. Fashion is a statement. Picking the right outfit, from top to bottom, helps me communicate my personal experience in the best way possible. I experiment with fashion the same way I experiment with my music. My EP ‘The Villain’ and my EP ‘The Heroine’ follow a dark versus light narrative. This is visible in my outfits as well: monochromatic dystopian fashion versus cutesy J-pop fashion.
Your role as a judge on X Factor Greece and X Factor Georgia, as well as your experience representing Cyprus at Eurovision, shows your influence in the music industry. How has your experience in television been, and how has it shaped the way you present yourself as an artist?
I’m so thankful for my television journey so far. There is something special about taking on the role of a mentor and helping young artists unlock their full potential. I have been in their place; that is how I started my career in Greece, after all. Eurovision has a special place in my heart too. I don’t think these appearances have impacted the way I present myself as an artist, but they have given me new and exciting ways to share my artistic vision with the world.
With the international success of your new music, how do you feel your connection with global audiences is evolving? What are your hopes for your future adventures?
I think we are just starting to get to know each other, but I must say this is a strong start. To be honest, since my LP ‘Identity Crisis’, I have been redefining myself as an artist. I’m in a more mature era, artistically speaking, and I’m so proud that my most personal projects so far have been so well received by the global audience. I’m just laying the groundwork for some unexpected musical adventures. This fast-paced evolution pushes me and my team to outdo ourselves with each project.
CAPE TOP & PANTS MARKELLOS POLYDOROU JEWELLERY CHRISTIANA HADJIPAPA × 886LAB
DRESS PORPHYRIA TOP & BRA GOD ERA BRACELETS STYLIST’S ARCHIVE
You’ve spent time in different cities, including Athens and London, while developing your new projects. How has this experience influenced your music, your image, and your connection to various cultural scenes? Have these cities influenced your art in any way?
I believe that traveling is very important, at least for me. It has always been a source of inspiration in everything I do. Whenever I visit a new country or city, I love to explore by walking for hours, observing the world, the architecture, the scents, the music, and the overall culture. I also spend some weeks in Los Angeles throughout the year, which offers a different vibe from the other two cities. Each city and country provides me with personal experiences that translate into my life, influencing not just my music and style but also serving as a constant source of inspiration. This is noticeable in my EP ‘The Heroine’, which is heavily influenced by my trip to Japan.
The upcoming release, ‘Chrome Hearts’, is a shift into hyperpop. What can you tell us about this new direction and how it differs from the darker themes of ‘The Villain’ EP?
Both are part of the same project. From day one of its production, I was eager to share this dual project with the world. As humans, we are not static—we evolve, change moods, and adopt new habits. This music project was a way for me to showcase two very different sides of myself.
The concept of multiple identities plays a central role in your artistry. How do you navigate creating these different personas, and how do they reflect different aspects of your personal journey?
As artists, I believe we are all multifaceted. Some parts of us take precedence over others depending on which stage of life we are in. Creativity is often sparked by the unfamiliar and the unconventional. All these personas are unique, yet they’re essential pieces of who I’m as a whole.
Your fans can expect a high-energy, immersive experience during your upcoming headline show at Colours Hoxton in May. What should they expect, and how will this show differ from your past performances?
This will be my first time performing in front of an audience in London, and I’m really excited about it! We will present a piece of our performances from Athens at SMUT, the one and only techno queer club. I’ll be showcasing my new music alongside some of my older songs, accompanied by my four amazing dancers. It will be a show that reveals both the dark and bright sides of me. While most of my songs are in Greek, I’ll also include some English and Georgian tracks to convey my personal identity and represent myself as an artist.
As a queer icon, you’ve had a major influence on LGBTQ+ culture. How important is it for you to create a space for queer expression within your music and your broader artistic output?
Music is truly a powerful platform for supporting the LGBTQ+ community. I have had a wonderful connection with the queer community since the beginning of my career—we understood and connected with each other immediately!
This community is significant for many artists nowadays, and some try to force a connection with them. As a group, they have a strong voice and have become highly influential. Personally, I never had to force this process—it happened naturally, and I’ve been fortunate to gain their support without any special effort. I want everyone to live unapologetically and experience the joys of life. It is important for me to create a safe space for all my fans. This community truly understands my vision, which is why it has become an indispensable part of it.
TOP & BELT LADO BOKUCHAVA SKIRT & BOOTS GOD ERA DAGGER THEO TRIAN PINK TAPE STYLIST’S ARCHIVE
The Tamta and Her Identity Multiverse photoshoot accompanying this interview is visually striking and powerful, much like your personal expression and style. Can you take us behind the scenes of the creative process? How did you work with the team to translate your unique artistic vision and multifaceted identity into this shoot?
I initially organized the photoshoot primarily for my social media content. However, as we developed the concepts, the creative team delivered such a powerful and visually striking result that it truly reflected my many identities. I felt it was too good to just post on social media, so I’m thrilled it will be showcased exclusively in your magazine. I’m excited for the audience to see this side of me in this next chapter—thank you for that!
Looking ahead to the full album release in May, how do you see these two EPs—‘The Villain’ and ‘The Heroine’—coming together as a complete artistic statement? What themes or ideas do you want your audience to walk away with?
As an artist, I’m many things, and my influences vary. I feel that this exact characteristic of my artistry is reflected in the contrast between these two EPs—they are so different yet so connected. I suppose my point is that an artist doesn’t need to tie themselves to a specific sound or limit their creativity in any way. The artistic freedom that this body of work has given me is truly liberating.
If there’s one thing I want people to take away from this, it’s to live your life unapologetically. For some people, you will always be The Villain, and for others, The Heroine. Be true to yourself, no matter what others think of you.
In conversation
w/ Tamta
APRIL 4, 2025
WORDS ADRIÁN GOMIS EXPÓSITO
PHOTOGRAPHY MARIA KOUTROUMPI CREATIVE DIRECTION & SET DESIGN ELEKTRA AVGOULI, IOANNIS ANDREOU STYLING IOANNIS ANDREOU HAIR ALEX METAXOULIS MAKE-UP VIVIAN KATSARI, MARIANNA YORK NAILS SUPERNOVA PRODUCTION ELEKTRA AVGOULI POST-PRODUCTION MARIA KOUTROUMPI
Tamta has never been one to follow the rules. A bold artist, a fashion icon, and a fearless advocate for self-expression, she continues to push boundaries with her ever-evolving sound and aesthetic. With the release of ‘KHORUMI’ and the upcoming ‘The Heroine’, she blends tradition with the avant-garde, creating a musical and visual universe that is uniquely hers. In this exclusive interview, Tamta delves into her artistic evolution, the powerful symbolism behind her latest work, and how she continues to redefine pop stardom on her own terms.
HAT PALY HOLLYWOOD SUNGLASSES AVAVAV BRA & PURSE VAQUERA UNDERWEAR MARIEYAT BROWN PANTS CHARLIE CONSTANTINOU TOP POSTER GIRL SHOES BHIVE CAMEO PANTS TAMTA’S ARCHIVE BRACELETS STYLIST’S ARCHIVE GROCERY STORE EMPLOYEE’S UNIFORM AND ACCESSORIES TA ROUXA TOU VASILIA
You’ve become known as a visionary pop artist, fashion force and queer icon. How do you define your artistic evolution, especially with the release of ‘KHORUMI’ and the forthcoming ‘The Heroine’?
My artistic evolution has been a bumpy ride, but I have enjoyed every part of it. With each music project, I have discovered more and more about what truly matters to me and what fuels my creativity. I’m more confident than ever before. I dive deep into myself, and I’m not afraid to show the world my most authentic side. I’m beyond thankful to be in an artistic phase where my fans connect deeply with the messages in my songs.
‘KHORUMI’ blends traditional Georgian elements with leftfield electronic and pop. What inspired you to merge these genres, and how does this track represent your fearless artistic journey?
I’m always searching for ways to mix Georgian, Greek, and English with pop and other various music genres. As for ‘KHORUMI’, the truth is that it proved to be a challenge in its early production stages. ‘KHORUMI’ draws inspiration from the Georgian War Dance of the same name. The original song has a fast-paced, unconventional rhythmic pattern. My producer (shoutout to TEO.x3) thought that leftfield electronic would be the best way to maintain the dynamism of the original dance while also making the track match the sound of the rest of the EP. ‘KHORUMI’ makes me feel powerful. I mean, I’m fiercely chanting in Georgian during the bridge—how could I not feel fearless? It is one of my most personal music projects to date.
TOP MARIA PATELIS SHOES RICK OWENS UNDERWEAR AND TIGHTS STYLIST’S ARCHIVE
The black-and-white aesthetic in your new music video is captivating and enigmatic. What was the inspiration behind this visual style, and how did you collaborate with Alexander Stamatiadis on its direction?
The decision to make the video black-and-white came from Alexander, and I agreed immediately because I trust his aesthetic input. I value the opinions of my collaborators, whom I personally choose. Alexander and I have worked together before, and he’s a talented young director. My goal was to beautifully showcase elements from the Georgian traditional dance in a simple way, set in nature and the forest to highlight the natural beauty of Georgia. Alexander, along with my creative producer Evelina Evangelia Stilidou and DOP Tasos Khatzis, truly brought this vision to life!
The character I portray is a strong female figure, a kind of ‘villain heroine’, representing hope for migrants around the world. Many are often forced to walk through forests for days in search of a better tomorrow, and through this storytelling in the music video, we wanted to give them hope. While I may not have walked through a forest myself to reach a better tomorrow from Georgia to Greece, I hope my personal story can also inspire others.
Your fashion choices have always been bold and impactful. How does your partnership with stylist Beau Tiger Rae shape the vision for your music and videos? What role does fashion play in your life and career?
Fashion and the many changes I’ve made throughout my career come from my own passion and need to authentically express myself. It has always been an important part of my identity and a key element in my artistic expression. When it comes to fashion, I’m usually very clear about what I want. For this aesthetic and concept of the video, I think Beau Tiger Rae was the perfect fit.
ROBE DOUBLET NECKLACE & EARRINGS I-SAULT BODYSUIT & SHOES CHRISTIANA HADJIPAPA BRA LIZA KEANE MESH DRESS WOLFORD SHOES BHIVE
You’ve worked with major fashion brands like Mugler, Adidas, and Converse. How does your identity as a fashion force influence the way you approach your music and performances?
I think fashion influences my music as much as it influences my life. My aesthetic and overall visual identity are a big part of my artistic vision. I want everything I do to tell a story. Fashion is a statement. Picking the right outfit, from top to bottom, helps me communicate my personal experience in the best way possible. I experiment with fashion the same way I experiment with my music. My EP ‘The Villain’ and my EP ‘The Heroine’ follow a dark versus light narrative. This is visible in my outfits as well: monochromatic dystopian fashion versus cutesy J-pop fashion.
Your role as a judge on X Factor Greece and X Factor Georgia, as well as your experience representing Cyprus at Eurovision, shows your influence in the music industry. How has your experience in television been, and how has it shaped the way you present yourself as an artist?
I’m so thankful for my television journey so far. There is something special about taking on the role of a mentor and helping young artists unlock their full potential. I have been in their place; that is how I started my career in Greece, after all. Eurovision has a special place in my heart too. I don’t think these appearances have impacted the way I present myself as an artist, but they have given me new and exciting ways to share my artistic vision with the world.
With the international success of your new music, how do you feel your connection with global audiences is evolving? What are your hopes for your future adventures?
I think we are just starting to get to know each other, but I must say this is a strong start. To be honest, since my LP ‘Identity Crisis’, I have been redefining myself as an artist. I’m in a more mature era, artistically speaking, and I’m so proud that my most personal projects so far have been so well received by the global audience. I’m just laying the groundwork for some unexpected musical adventures. This fast-paced evolution pushes me and my team to outdo ourselves with each project.
CAPE TOP & PANTS MARKELLOS POLYDOROU JEWELLERY CHRISTIANA HADJIPAPA × 886LAB
DRESS PORPHYRIA TOP & BRA GOD ERA BRACELETS STYLIST’S ARCHIVE
You’ve spent time in different cities, including Athens and London, while developing your new projects. How has this experience influenced your music, your image, and your connection to various cultural scenes? Have these cities influenced your art in any way?
I believe that traveling is very important, at least for me. It has always been a source of inspiration in everything I do. Whenever I visit a new country or city, I love to explore by walking for hours, observing the world, the architecture, the scents, the music, and the overall culture. I also spend some weeks in Los Angeles throughout the year, which offers a different vibe from the other two cities. Each city and country provides me with personal experiences that translate into my life, influencing not just my music and style but also serving as a constant source of inspiration. This is noticeable in my EP ‘The Heroine’, which is heavily influenced by my trip to Japan.
The upcoming release, ‘Chrome Hearts’, is a shift into hyperpop. What can you tell us about this new direction and how it differs from the darker themes of ‘The Villain’ EP?
Both are part of the same project. From day one of its production, I was eager to share this dual project with the world. As humans, we are not static—we evolve, change moods, and adopt new habits. This music project was a way for me to showcase two very different sides of myself.
The concept of multiple identities plays a central role in your artistry. How do you navigate creating these different personas, and how do they reflect different aspects of your personal journey?
As artists, I believe we are all multifaceted. Some parts of us take precedence over others depending on which stage of life we are in. Creativity is often sparked by the unfamiliar and the unconventional. All these personas are unique, yet they’re essential pieces of who I’m as a whole.
Your fans can expect a high-energy, immersive experience during your upcoming headline show at Colours Hoxton in May. What should they expect, and how will this show differ from your past performances?
This will be my first time performing in front of an audience in London, and I’m really excited about it! We will present a piece of our performances from Athens at SMUT, the one and only techno queer club. I’ll be showcasing my new music alongside some of my older songs, accompanied by my four amazing dancers. It will be a show that reveals both the dark and bright sides of me. While most of my songs are in Greek, I’ll also include some English and Georgian tracks to convey my personal identity and represent myself as an artist.
As a queer icon, you’ve had a major influence on LGBTQ+ culture. How important is it for you to create a space for queer expression within your music and your broader artistic output?
Music is truly a powerful platform for supporting the LGBTQ+ community. I have had a wonderful connection with the queer community since the beginning of my career—we understood and connected with each other immediately!
This community is significant for many artists nowadays, and some try to force a connection with them. As a group, they have a strong voice and have become highly influential. Personally, I never had to force this process—it happened naturally, and I’ve been fortunate to gain their support without any special effort. I want everyone to live unapologetically and experience the joys of life. It is important for me to create a safe space for all my fans. This community truly understands my vision, which is why it has become an indispensable part of it.
TOP & BELT LADO BOKUCHAVA SKIRT & BOOTS GOD ERA DAGGER THEO TRIAN PINK TAPE STYLIST’S ARCHIVE
The Tamta and Her Identity Multiverse photoshoot accompanying this interview is visually striking and powerful, much like your personal expression and style. Can you take us behind the scenes of the creative process? How did you work with the team to translate your unique artistic vision and multifaceted identity into this shoot?
I initially organized the photoshoot primarily for my social media content. However, as we developed the concepts, the creative team delivered such a powerful and visually striking result that it truly reflected my many identities. I felt it was too good to just post on social media, so I’m thrilled it will be showcased exclusively in your magazine. I’m excited for the audience to see this side of me in this next chapter—thank you for that!
Looking ahead to the full album release in May, how do you see these two EPs—‘The Villain’ and ‘The Heroine’—coming together as a complete artistic statement? What themes or ideas do you want your audience to walk away with?
As an artist, I’m many things, and my influences vary. I feel that this exact characteristic of my artistry is reflected in the contrast between these two EPs—they are so different yet so connected. I suppose my point is that an artist doesn’t need to tie themselves to a specific sound or limit their creativity in any way. The artistic freedom that this body of work has given me is truly liberating.
If there’s one thing I want people to take away from this, it’s to live your life unapologetically. For some people, you will always be The Villain, and for others, The Heroine. Be true to yourself, no matter what others think of you.