Julio Imeri
In the bustling heart of Athens, where residents and visitors rush to and from, I found myself caught in a particularly trying day. The weight of the world seemed to bear down upon my shoulders as I made my way towards my home. Yet just before I descended the stairs toward the metro, a street musician’s voice overshadowed the song that was simultaneously playing through my headphones. I’m certain that among the many footsteps around me, I was not the only one caught up in her thoughts. I was amazed by the power of a complete stranger who, on this particular day, decided to pick up his guitar and sing on the streets, making my worries disappear.
This is why I asked him to chat a bit about his music. He agreed, and in our conversation, he shared his passion for street music with me.
Julio, can you tell me a little bit about yourself and how long you have been in Athens for?
I’m Julio Imeri, a 31-year-old man from Albania. Two years ago, my life took a remarkable turn when I made the decision to permanently move to Athens, Greece, following the love of my life. Gjirokaster, my hometown in Albania, holds a special place in my heart. It’s where I grew up and created countless cherished memories. Greece, however, has always felt like an opportunity for me, especially when it came to my musical career aspirations. Consequently, as I embarked on my professional singing journey here in Greece, Athens not only became my creative hub but, thanks to my wife I found here, a place to call home.
Can you tell me a bit about where your passion for music came from?
Ever since I was a child, music has been an integral part of my life, a legacy passed down through generations of musicians in my family. My dad especially had a significant influence. My journey into the world of music began at the age of fourteen when my dad gifted me a personal computer and an electronic piano. I remember those days by the tinkering of the piano keys and experimenting with beat creation. Music became a means to express myself, especially because I wasn’t very social as a kid. I wanted to share this with people in similar situations by crafting music that resonated with people.
After I completed high school, I made the life-changing decision to pursue music as a career. I started by playing guitar at local venues, entertaining crowds at weddings, and tipping my toes into music production for fellow artists. It wasn’t until five years ago that I took the next profound step in my musical evolution by embracing the role of a singer-songwriter, penning my own melodies and lyrics.
I saw you for the first time when you were singing on the streets in Athens. Ever since, I have seen you perform quite a few times. What’s your story there of being a street artist?
Five years ago, I took my first step onto the bustling streets of Athens as a street musician, and I’ve been sharing music with passersby almost every single day since. What truly captivates me about street performance is the freedom it offers- an opportunity to engage with people in a unique way, distinct from the usual stage of bars and concert halls.
But next to this freedom, there also exists another reality for us street artists; the streets, especially of big cities like Athens, are not always harmonious. There are moments where some fail to grasp the language of music and show disrespect. Nevertheless, the highs far surpass the lows. After all, it was through one of my street performances that I met the love of my life.
What kinds of music do you play?
I mainly play modern pop, pop rock, and alternative genres. When I play on the streets, I typically perform a blend of covers and originals. I plan to perform more and more of my own creations going forward.
Apart from music, what motto do you live by?
I love the feeling of being free. So, a motto that has always resonated with me is “if you can dream it, you can do it.” It embodies the sense of ambition and limitless potential for the things you set your mind to. Apart from music, I have always been intrigued by traveling. Even though my travels have not been very extensive thus far, I’ve had a passion for exploration since I was a child. From my earliest days, I was curious and wanted to see the amazing things the world has to offer. Travel definitely remains on my bucket list.
You’ve already followed your dreams this far. What are your plans going forward?
For the moment, I will continue to play live music on the streets. But I will soon be releasing my first album and plan to have live performances. My dream for the future is to continue in front of people and write songs that they can resonate with. Because that’s the power of music.
You’re a big advocate for following your dreams. What is something you would tell someone with a dream?
As you can see by my motto, I’m a big believer in whatever dream you can achieve. But a dream will remain a dream without hard work and commitment.
In our conversation, Julio mentioned that his passion for music grows every time he can have an impact on someone. While he tries to grow professionally, street performances will always hold a strong place in his heart. His decision to perform on the streets has the amazing power to create memorable moments in people’s daily lives. They can turn a gloomy day into a radiant one and an already joyful day to even greater heights.
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