Special - The Dimitris Kontopoulos interview | Eurovision Song Contest News - 2009 Moscow, Russia 

In a rare interview, Dimitris Kontopoulos, the composer of many smash hits in the Greek music scene speaks to esctoday.com's Anna Krasilnikova about himself and his music as well as this year's Greek finalist for the Eurovision Always and forever.

 How and when did you start writing music?
I started writing music many years ago , I can't even remember when it was exactly… I can say though, that  commercially I have been involved in the  music industry since 1999. 
 
How did you decide to begin working in the Greek music industry?
 Well, I can consider myself quite lucky, I suppose, as my hobby became my main business. I got involved since my first project with the Greek singer Iro and her album Etsi eimai ego (This is how I am) in 1999. It was a big success  in Greece, and then, one thing led to another I guess...

Describe your procedure of creating a song. Are there special means or needs you have?

 Hmm, well its not always the same procedure...Maybe I can give you an example: sometimes I play the piano and something comes up. If I like it I continue. If not - I trash it!  Other times I hear inside my head a melody or an idea comes up how a song can be made. In this case, I  usually record it on small recorder, that I always carry with me or note it down. Then I go to the studio and start to develop it. But it's not always inspiration or talent as many might say. I believe that you need to exercise your talent, because if not, what can come up?
 
What was the first song you wrote and what was the first song of yours written for a known artists and which was the first one to become a big hit ?

Oh, I really  can't remember! To tell you the truth, I have a lousy memory so I can't answer that question. All I remember, is a major hit before 2 years from a movie – Loufa ke paralagi and the song was titled Pano stin trella. Then this year with Sakis Rouvas (Greece 2005) – Ola gyro sou gyrizoun. Sorry, but I have to think really hard to answer that question (he smiles) 
 

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If you hadn't been involved in music, what would you be doing now?

Most probably I would be working in the family business my dad had started, which is shipping. 

Tell us your views on this year's entry with Kostas Martakis.

I wanted to write for Kostas, something  that would match his voice and visual appearance and so I came up with a melodic song (pop-rock) tailor made just for him. The title, as you already know, is Always and Forever and the lyrics are written by Vicky Gerothodorou. We will also release it in Greek after the final results are announced. Also this song will be released in Russia, since Sony BMG there, is about to sign a contract with Martakis and will release a new album for their market.

How did you feel about the recent leak of the song on the internet a few days before the final?

I didn't really care about it. The song you heard is not the final mix of Always and forever anyway. I can tell you that there will be changes in the song.