As one of the oldest cities on earth the Greek capital is steeped in more history than most metropolitan areas. Undeniably music plays an integral part in the city’s past.
While Athens is heavily centred around displaying its rich and vibrant history for tourism purposes its music is no different in the sense that you can hear traditional sounds on the streets and in restaurants as a means of not only enticing tourists but also celebrating Greek culture.
Whether the music you hear is traditional or Byzantine probably won’t matter for travellers being swamped with the centuries worth of culture entwined in the largest Greek city.
But for those heading past dark experiencing the highly touted nightlife of Athens is a must. It doesn’t come cheap. Expect an entry fee of anywhere between 10-30 Euros. While concert venues are generally open from 9pm clubs start getting packed around 11pm.
Head to downtown Athens at night and you’ll bear witness to an indie renaissance that continues to flourish through a multitude of venues that support musicians from a number of diverse sonic backgrounds, although there is a distinct bent towards bands who are schooled in heavy rock rhythms.
While many may have expected the country’s financial crisis to suck the life out of Athens’ music scene it has instead galvanised a selection of artists picking up their creative tools in protest of the issues surrounding the crisis. Regardless of whether those musicians specialise in hip-hop or pop the music is far from being silenced.
That’s exactly what you would expect from a city that has weathered a mere few thousand years of existence. Despite the state of the economy, despite whatever genre is trending music will always course through the veins of this city as it has from the very beginning.
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Record House, Homer 46 New Smyrna
When a record store declares it loves music more than it does profit you know you’ve found a rare establishment. Record House is more than just what its name suggests. Opened in 1971 and famous throughout Greece this independent record store stocks the LPs and supports the artists that others won’t. With thousands of releases and passionate staff this record haven is a must visit for vinyl hunters.
Sonic Boom Records, Syrou 32
Opened in 1995 with a collection of used vinyl and CDs, a move in the year 2000 allowed DVDs to be added to the store’s stock. While the online store launched two years later Sonic Boom is home to quality secondhand releases that are both new and old. While well-known artists are represented this establishment also supports some of the smaller Greek labels.
To Diskadiko, 88 Kifisias Ave
Opened in 1994 this record store sells both new and used vinyl and CDs. Its specializes in genres such as psych, indie, post-punk, rock, jazz, blues, world, traditional Greek music and much more. While To Diskadiko sells original copies of LPs its new release section is not to be snubbed either.
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Greece’s biggest music festival may have begun in 1995 but it wasn’t until 2004 that its popularity started to increase. That’s unsurprising given this four day event, which is now located over two stages, has booked the likes of Black Sabbath, Moby, Sonic Youth, Franz Ferdinand, Robert Plant, Metallica, Placebo, Slipknot and The Prodigy just to name a few.
Six D.O.G.S., 6-8 Avramiotou st.
A bar, café, garden, gig space and exhibition area are all combined into one cultural mecca within this music venue. Six D.O.G.S. hosts everything from concerts to theatre, parties, workshops, seminars and lectures. Open 10 am daily in the evenings you can catch some of the best local and international acts in this establishment.
Gargarin 205, Liosion 205
First and foremost a house of rock with local and international acts playing over the weekend this venue supports not only underground bands, but also local groups hailing from other genres. Gargarin 205 shows off its diversity with regular DJ events and a cult Greek cinema festival and a music film festival.
See
Streets of Plaka
Take a stroll down this old historical neighbourhood of Athens one evening and you’ll find yourself running into multiple tavernas offering not only traditional Greek cuisine, but also pseudo-traditional live music. Dinner at one of these tavernas is essential for travellers wanting to immerse themselves in the local culture.
Museum Of Greek Folk Musical Instruments, 1-3 Diogenous St. Aeridon Square, Plaka
Located near the Tower Of Winds this museum specialises in the instrumentation that makes up the sound of Greek folk and popular music genres like lebetiko. While samples of the instruments on display can be heard through headphones near the exhibits the museum also holds lectures, recitals and music lessons.
Athens Acts You Should Check Out
Acid Baby Jesus – Soundcloud
Space Punk might be this five-piece’s description of their own sound, but for those unfamiliar with the extra-terrestrial sonic textures of this outfit it includes elements of psych, surf and punk. There’s a bit of attitude in their well but as ‘I’m A Baby’ demonstrates below that they can also be quite self-deprecating. Their 2011 self-titled LP received its fair share of rave reviews see what the fuss is all about and take a listen.
Keep Shelly In Athens – Soundcloud
Light dazzling synth textures and sultry vocals courtesy of Sarah P. are the two forces, which unify to allow this duo to be at the forefront of the city’s emerging electronic scene. With a handful of EPs released since their formation in 2010 all ears are awaiting the release of their debut album, At Home.
Imam Baildi – Soundcloud
With their title inspired by the Southeast Mediterranean dish this 8-piece folk electronica act play an experimental blend of traditional and modern sounds. They released their debut self-titled album in 2007 and successfully used Kickstarter to play their first ever American shows at SXSW in Austin in 2013.
