Danaides

Original Theatrical Score — Danaides

Written in Italian by Andreas Kalvos in 1813, The Danaides, the only completed tragedy published by the poet himself—waited for almost two centuries before finding its first theatrical life. This long-hidden work finally emerged from the page, allowing its poetry, its myth, and its voices to resonate on stage for the very first time.

Composing the original theatrical score for this remarkable production was an invitation to enter a dialogue with history, poetry, and myth. The music was conceived not merely as accompaniment, but as another voice within the performance, one that carries the emotional weight of silence, memory, longing, and resilience.

Working alongside Natasha Triantafylli has been one of the defining artistic relationships of my life. Over the years, her vision, sensitivity, and fearless artistic courage have profoundly shaped my own voice as a theatre composer. Every collaboration with her challenges me to grow, but with The Danaides she raised the artistic bar higher than ever. It has been both a privilege and an inspiration to be part of her creative journey and especially of a production of such historical and artistic significance.

My deepest gratitude goes to the remarkable cast for their generosity, dedication, and breathtaking performances. And a very special thank you to the exceptional Artemis Bogri, whose expressive and luminous mezzo-soprano became the soul of the production, elevating every musical moment with extraordinary artistry.

To share this experience at the Little Theatre of Ancient Epidaurus, nestled between the ancient walls and the sea, where history, myth, and theatre breathe as one, was nothing short of magical.

Thank you to everyone who made this unforgettable journey possible. Until the next story.

Mama, Life is Wildly Beautiful

“Mama, Life is Wildly Beautiful” is finally out, and this release means so much to me.

I wrote this score in 2011 for Angela Brouskou’s acclaimed production at the Onassis Stegi, shortly after the release of my album Exit. When Angela invited me to compose the music, I felt deeply honored and equally challenged.

What I didn’t know then was that this project would become the beginning of an extraordinary journey through theatre and cinema.

Over the past fifteen years, I’ve had the privilege of composing music for seventeen beautiful stage and film productions, a journey that eventually brought me all the way to Los Angeles. I hope to continue collaborating with inspiring directors and bringing music to many more beautiful stories.

The release of “Mama, Life is Wildly Beautiful” is a very special milestone for me. It marks not only the celebration of this work, but also the path it opened.

Over the coming months, I’ll be sharing, one by one, the scores I’ve written for theatre and film. I’m excited to finally bring this part of my work into the light and share it with you.

Sweet dreams. 🤍


Fun fact: ✨

In 2013 Monika performed “Keep Me Blue” live for the very first time during her legendary series of performances at the Onassis Cultural Centre for her EP “Primal”.

New Single – LA Like A Song

Today’s Top Tune by KCRW!

Nearly ten years after her much‑talked‑about NPR Tiny Desk Concert, which introduced wider audiences to the disco‑driven “Secret in the Dark”, Monika revisits the creative era that marked the beginning of her international career.

The Secret in the Dark album was inspired, recorded, and completed at the iconic Dunham Studios in Brooklyn — the creative home of The Dap‑KingsEl Michels Affair, and Menahan Street Band. The musicians involved have left their mark on landmark projects by artists such as Amy WinehouseMark RonsonNorah JonesClairoKali Uchis, and Bruno Mars.

The album was originally released via Other Music, with distribution through Fat Possum and Secretly Canadian, and quickly evolved into a cult alternative record, earning major critical acclaim from outlets such as pitchfork  / New York Times  / Fader  / Brooklyn Vegan //  Stereogum // Billboard  // KCRW // The Guardian  // PASTE as well as  Liberation . 

During the same period, Monika made frequent appearances on French television music sessions and recorded two additional tracks with French DJ and producer Yuksek.

In late 2025, Secret in the Dark resurfaced across influential playlists and DJ sets, culminating in regular rotation on the legendary Despacio Soundsystem by James Murphy (LCD Soundsystem) and Soulwax / 2ManyDJs, while also gaining its own dedicated Reddit page.

In early 2026, two more previously unreleased tracks from that era — early versions of which were born at Dunham and Diamond Mine Studios in Brooklyn — are being brought to light once again.

Once more, the distinctive groove-driven sound of the team behind El Michels Affair — featuring Leon Michels on keyboards, Nick Movshon on bass, and Homer Steinweiss on drums — combined with additional production from Monika herself and rising producer Xcellence, infuses the new songs with the analog magic and soft‑rock roots that have shaped her artistic identity.

“LA Like A Song,” released on Friday, February 20th, marks Monika’s first new release in three years, serving as a bridge between past and present — reviving the spirit of her New York–era sessions while signaling an exciting new chapter in her timeless sound.

New Single – I’m Nothing Without You

Monika’s “I’m Nothing Without You” is a captivating power ballad and the first release of her upcoming album “Proud” that marks a much-anticipated return to her international audience. “Proud” is a landmark album for Monika bringing a new artistic era in her life both as composer and performer. Monika’s consistent ability to bring ripples to audiences and within music industry circles has brought major attention from media and radio stations awaiting the release.

Monika returns more mature than ever with the music and lyrics of her fourth English album titled “Proud”. An album that acoustically condenses her entire journey from “Avatar” to today, combining cinematic, artistic, funk and disco sounds with intense rock elements, with strong melodies as the common element between tracks.

It is a piece of work with a lot of gravitas that was seven years in the making with constant testing and evolution of ideas, melodies, lyrics and production sound where Monika’s compositional genius creates timeless, emotional, universal songs. Life maturity shines through the album and if you look closely, you can distinguish various aspects of Monika’s experiences throughout those seven years some as profound as starting a family all the way to writing cinematic music for films.

“It’s hard to write what I’m experiencing in the moment. I usually write when the dust settles and experiences become memories”

The heavy influence of Monika’s life in the US prevails in this album with songs like “In LA”, “Griffith Park” and “Amerika”. The artist’s awakening is apparent from the lyrics of the song “Proud” where she was able to dig deep into her psyche, find what drove her to success all these years and decoding that to a simple need of acknowledgement from her loved ones that was no other than to hear “I’m Proud of You”.

MONIKA composes Original Songs of NETFLIX’s New Year’s Eve movie!

“The Lost Daughter” by Maggie Gyllenhaal

This New Year’s Eve movie by Netflix has a full Hollywood A-Listers cast and Monika’s signature on the soundtrack!

A soundtrack made to order for the director Maggie Gyllenhaal from one of the most important and recognized Greek artist of her time.

Monika composed the tracks of the original songs for the movie “The Lost Daughter” by Maggie Gyllenhaal, who recently won the Golden Osella Award for Best Screenplay at Venice Film Festival as well as another four at Gotham Awards: “Best Feature”, “Outstanding Lead Performance”, “Bingham Ray Breakthrough Director Award” and “Best Screenplay”.

Featuring leading roles by the shiniest stars in Hollywood today including Olivia ColmanDakota JohnsonJessie BuckleyPaul Mescal and Εd Harris, the movie premiers on December 17th in theaters in the US and a global Netfilx premiere on December 31st as the featured New Year’s Eve special.

The Original Soundtrack includes 2 orchestral theme tracks and 10 songs, 8 of which are performed by Monika, one by Pashalis Terzis and one by Giorgos Papadoupoulos.

Listen on Spotify

Original score: Dickon Hinchliffe
Additional Music By Monika

MOVIE CAST 

Olivia Colman as Leda Caruso
Jessie Buckley as Young Leda Caruso
Dakota Johnson as Nina
Peter Sarsgaard as Professor Hardy
Ed Harris as Lyle
Paul Mescal as Will
Dagmara Domińczyk as Callie
Oliver Jackson-Cohen as Toni
Jack Farthing as Joe
Alba Rohrwacher as Woman

CREDITS

Music: Monika
Lyrics: Μοnika & Stavros Xenides
Performing: Monika, Pashalis Terzis, Giorgos Papadopoulos
Musicians: Monika, Aris Zervas, Giorgos Sotiropoulos, Makis Alefragkis, Vaggelis Katsarelis, Stamatella Spinoula, Stavros Papagianakopoulos
Production / Label: Royal Music
Producer: Stavros Xenides
Music Producer: Monika
Production Assistant: Aris Zervas
Sound engineering, Mixing & Mastering: Giorgos Sotiropoulos

Special Thanks
Christos Konstantakopoulos
Osnat Keren
Nikos Aliagas
Gianna Terzi
Giannis Foskolos
Nikos Nikolaou  

Celebration of 40 Years of Greece’s EU Membership at Zappio Megaro

I would like to apologize to all my fans that keep asking me why they couldn’t see me live at Zappio Megaro yesterday at ERT1. I was informed that the entire ceremony was delayed and ERT1 had to cut the broadcasting before the end of the event.

No worries 🙂 this one is for you guys. Hope you enjoy!
m

MONIKA – Εκδήλωση για τα 40 χρόνια από την ένταξη της Ελλάδας στις Ευρωπαϊκές Κοινότητες

Θα ήθελα να ενημερώσω όλους εσάς που επικοινωνήσατε μαζί μου για πληροφορίες σχετικά με την εμφάνισή μου στο Ζάππειο Μέγαρο πως δυστυχώς δεν προβλήθηκε ζωντανά στην ΕΡΤ1 η παρουσίαση των δύο τραγουδιών καθώς λόγω καθυστέρησης έναρξης της εκδήλωσης δεν υπήρχε επαρκής τηλεοπτικός χρόνος για τη προβολή όλου του προγράμματος.

Μην ανησυχείτε όμως! 🙂 Αυτό είναι για εσάς. Ελπίζω να σας αρέσει!
μ

Live piano performance at Zappio Megaro 27/05/2021:
Saving The World (Music by Monika / Lyrics by Stavros Xenides
Stala (Music and Lyrics by Monika)

Watch the full live performance on my YouTube Channel

Θα βρείτε όλη την ζωντανή εμφάνιση στο κανάλι μου στο YouTube

❤️

KALLIMARMARO (THE OLYMPIC THEME SONG)

“The Lighting Design of the Panathinaic Stadium (Kallimarmaro)”

I would like to thank the @hellenic_olympic_committee for the honor of choosing me to compose the music for the launch of the renewed lighting of the Panathenaic Stadium last night. Congratulations to @georgetellos and the whole team for this extraordinary lighting work which, from now on, will be showcasing the beauty and value of this historic venue.

Music: Monika

Lighting Architecture: George Tellos – Lighting Art

Event Planning & Production: FYE For Your Event

Cinematography: Dimitris Palaiologos

Ευρωπαϊκή Ημέρα Μουσικής | Monika with her kitchen piano

Η Μόνικα έχει όρεξη να αυτοσχεδιάσει.
Με αφορμή την Ευρωπαϊκή Ημέρα της Μουσικής, η Monika θα τραγουδήσει στο Μέγαρο Μουσικής Θεσσαλονίκης όπως τραγουδάει στο πιάνο της κουζίνας του σπιτιού της.
Μία αυθεντική και αφιλτράριστη έκθεση του εαυτού της, μακριά από τις μεγαλειώδεις εμφανίσεις που την έχουμε συνηθίσει.
Για πρώτη φορά η Monika αφήνεται μόνη της μπροστά στο κοινό, ελεύθερη, χωρίς προγραμματισμούς και συγκεκριμένη επιλογή κομματιών, για να εκφραστεί και να τιμήσει την Γιορτή της Μουσικής.

Monika Φωνή, Πιάνο
Σκηνοθεσία Stavros Xenides
Ηχοληψία Γιώργος Σωτηρόπουλος
Φωτισμοί Παναγιώτης Τσεβρένης – Lighting Art

Tickets and more info at:

http://www.tch.gr/default.aspx?lang=el-GR&page=3&tcheid=2683#

Something is Blooming at Herodion

I hear the crowds, I’m standing on ancient grounds. A light breeze with the sweetest smell of flowers slides through my dress and feels like the all the spirits of the ancient world who once perfumed here are whispering good luck. My earpiece is in place. Total silence. I see the spotlight. Total white. It’s time to go on stage.

You share your love, I see it in your eyes, I see it in your posts, I read it in your comments. I couldn’t thank you this year back stage because of the special circumstances. I can still hear you. I’m eternally grateful.

A very special thanks to Athens Greek Festival

«Κάτι ανθίζει στο Ηρώδειο»
ΜΟΝΙΚΑ

Πρώτη παρουσίαση δίσκου
«Ο Κήπος Είναι Ανθηρός»

Ωδείο Ηρώδου Αττικού
Ιούλιος 2020

Ερμηνεία: ΜΟΝΙΚΑ

Συμμετέχει η Άρτεμις Μπόγρη, mezzo soprano

Σκηνοθεσία: Σταύρος Ξενίδης
Ενορχήστρωση: Άρης Ζέρβας
Φωτισμοί: Γιώργος Τέλλος

Επιμέλεια Ορχήστρας & Χορωδίας Royal Άρης Ζέρβας
Ενορχηστρώσεις Άρης Ζέρβας, J. B. Flatt, Monika
Σκηνοθεσία Σταύρος Ξενίδης
Φωτισμοί Γιώργος Τέλλος – Lighting Art
Ήχος Γιώργος Σωτηρόπουλος, Φώτης Δεμερτζής, Λάζαρος Καραγιάννης
Βοηθός Σκηνικού Ιάσωνας Ορλάντος
Κινησιολογία/ Χορογραφία Χρήστος Καφετζής
Διδασκαλία/ Επιμέλεια Χορωδίας Μαρία Μεντζίνη
Κοστούμια Monika Zeus + Δione
Σχεδιάστρια κοστουμιών Monika Λυδία Βουσβούνη
Κοσμήματα Έλενα Σύρακα
Στυλιστική επιμέλεια Χριστίνα Ευσταθίου
Κοστούμια Ορχήστρας & Χορωδίας Royal DS Clothes Athens
Μake-up Γιώτα Μαυραγάνη
Hair Ευάγγελος Ιατρόπουλος, Ζωή Μαντούκα
Καλλιτεχνική συμμετοχή Άρτεμις Μπόγρη μεσόφωνος
Εκτέλεση παραγωγής Royal Music LLC

Μουσικοί
Γιώργος Σωτηρόπουλος Μπάσο
Μάκης Αλεφραγκής Τύμπανα
Βαγγέλης Κατσαρέλης Τρομπέτα
Νίκος Μέρμηγκας Μπουζούκι/Λαούτο/ Μαντολίνο
Σταματέλλα Σπίνουλα Βιολί
Θοδωρής Μουζακίτης Βιολί
Κωστής Καριτζής Βιολί
Κατερίνα Τεπελένα Βιολί
Ελευθερία Τόγια Βιόλα
Κωνσταντίνος Γούζιος Βιόλα
Άρης Ζέρβας Τσέλο
Γιώργος Κοκκινάρης Κοντραμπάσο
Γιάννης Δημητριάδης Πλήκτρα
Αλέκος Βουλγαράκης Κιθάρες
Lilia Esipova Άρπα

Χορωδία
Μαρία Μεντζίνη
Δέσποινα Ισταμπουλούογλου
Χρυσή Βασιλειάδου
Μαρία Καζάλα
Ίλια Ξεφτεράκη
Αλεξάνδρα Μαρκοπούλου
Θοδωρής Παπιώτης (και μπουζούκι)
Φίλιππος Πασαλίδης
Madeleine Harcourt (και φλάουτο)
Άλια Πανέτσου

Χορός
Χρήστος Καφετζής
Μαρία Βάθη

Saving The World

Nothing I say or do can ever show the gratitude I feel for the medical staff and all the people working in hospitals during the COVID-19 outbreak. I did feel that the least I can do for them is to sit at my piano and try to express all the things we all experience and keep inside. From the doctors and nurses to the sanitation workers, you were my inspiration for this song and I truly thank you from the bottom of my heart.

The song is called Saving The World and much to my surprise, it became a global initiative, adopted by true forward thinking companies and individual influencers all having in mind one simple goal: To give back to these everyday heroes that are Saving The World.

With 100% of the songs proceeds from YouTube being donated to the national health service of each country the song is released in, we can proudly say that we are making a difference with every YouTube view! I think we learned a lot through this crisis but the thing that humanity experienced for the first time is that we are all one and that our collective action can really make a difference.

In that spirit, I urge you to share this song and help the people in your country that go to war, day in and day out, with nothing but a mask and a pair of gloves – our everyday heroes saving the world.