Alternative Pop from Hellena

Athens-based singer-songwriter and producer Hellena offers music that exists in the space between ancient myth and cutting edge sonic output. Born near Mount Olympus, the legendary home of the Greek gods, she stitches vivid storytelling into her sound, infusing her art with both dreamlike and shadowy elements. Her ethereal yet commanding voice delivers thoughtful lyrics, exploring existential themes with an almost cinematic quality.

Embracing the spirit of the underdog, Hellena creates music that uplifts and empowers, speaking to those who feel like outsiders. Her sonic world blends dream pop, indie rock, electronic elements and traditional Greek folk, resulting in a sound unlike anything else. Over the years, she’s performed at iconic venues such as The Troubadour in Los Angeles, taken the stage at festivals including SXSW and Eurofest and even played Liverpool’s historic Cavern Club while her presence on the MTV Unsigned chart, where she reached the Top 20, confirmed her as a name to watch in the independent music scene.

Since making her entrance in 2013 with her debut single “Don’t Change,” Hellena has continued to build a discography that’s charmed listeners around the world. Following her EP Kissed the Sun in 2018, she crowdfunded and released her first full-length album, DEMYTHED, in 2020. Now, she returns with HARMONIA, her highly anticipated sophomore album, which introduces a superheroine character and features collaborations with artists from around the world.

A standout moment from the album comes with her new single, the curiously titled “I CUT OUT NICOTINE AND I DON’T LIKE BRANDY,” which delivers a striking fusion of Greek and English lyrics, demonstrating her ability to pair diverse influences into a singular musical vision. The track explores the process of self-discovery and breaking free from inherited patterns, reflecting on how we often idolise parents or caregivers, only to later recognise their flawed influences. With an uplifting energy, the song is ultimately a celebration of independence, an anthem of stepping away from the past and embracing the limitless possibilities of the future.

Setting the scene with bright acoustic guitar strums and hushed vocal leads, the intricate click of percussive elements is met with the steady pulse of kick as the song takes on a folk pop soundscape. Flowing with beat-driven groove, Hellena’s dazzling voice takes flight, resulting in an alternative pop outing that flows with invigorating rhythm, moody dance-inflected vibes and infectious melodic writing that flickers between English and Greek lyricism, serving up an engaging listening experience from start to finish.

Laying down another spectacular showcase of her knack for fusing diverse musical styles into something exciting and truly compelling, “I CUT OUT NICOTINE AND I DON’T LIKE BRANDY” delivers an instantly memorable and enjoyable jam that’s packed full of twists and turns. With footage shot on an iPhone and direction from both Thomas Miller and Giota Gounari, the song’s music video presents an enthralling visual accompaniment that follows Hellena from Greek ruins and stunning natural scenery, along streets at night to red-drenched corridors, resulting in a gripping expereince that enhances the impact of the track.

Watch the music video for I CUT OUT NICOTINE AND I DON’T LIKE BRANDY below