Domna Kountouri belongs to the new generation of singers in Greece. She is talented with her vocal skills expanding to all kinds of music.
Domna Kountouri was born and raised in Nea Koutali, on the island of Lemnos, Greece. She was very young when she practiced singing.
What made you decide to pursue a career in singing?
At the age of twelve, I was singled out as a talent by my teacher Anthi Gourounti at school. She heard my voice and there was something there for her. At the age of fourteen, I debuted as a soloist in the local choir on the island I was born and there the local musicians listened to my singing. When I was fifteen, I was already singing professionally.
What kind of singer would you classify yourself as?
I am the key that opens many locks. I have the ability to sing many different music genres and subgenres. My music background has a multi-collective factor and that has helped me to develop and excel my vocal techniques.
Where do you get your inspiration from and how do you transcribe this inspiration into notes and lyrics to create a song?
Life and death inspire me in every aspect. Events, stories and emotions that stand out inside of me, make me have the urge to don them musically and find the words that will describe them as much as meaningfully as possible.
What genre of music do you like to listen to?
All kinds of music. One could find diamonds in them. Songs that surpass their genre and embrace everything. When at home, I prefer to listen to the movie theme songs.
What are some of your collaborations you remember proudly?
Surely Christos Nikolopoulos is a teacher and a role model for me. But in reality, Antonis Gounaris is my collaborator who influences me with his orchestral performance and advice as much as anyone else and his influence is reflected in my music.
Do you find yourself limited by the material you have available?
In the past, it happened to me sometimes to feel like I am artistically limited and this has become my guideline to always choose music that interests me so as to support it throughout my whole performance on stage.
As a modern vocal coach, how difficult is it to guide and advise the new generation of musicians?
I am a modern vocal coach in contemporary singing. I obtained my degree from the Greek National Conservatory and my mentor was Anna Diamantopoulou. The method I have been taught is the best method for a singer to find his moment and personality in singing. I am in touch with the new generations and I fully comprehend their needs and beliefs. This gives me the ability to be close to my students and they experience self-improvement through this process. But also, it’s me who becomes a better person by being in contact with them.
Do talent shows and social media assist an artist to build a career?
A career in the music industry cannot be built simply by involving an artist in a music television program. It requires hard work and luck to sing the right song at the right time.
What’s next for you?
An English-speaking song I have written and prepared. The title is “Turn” and I hope you like it.
