Our Story

In 2005, they released their first personal album titled “The Sweetest Intoxication” and made a splash with their rendition of Kostas Tournas’ classic song “Omorfi,” which stood out. The success of “Omorfi” was followed by the title track “The Sweetest Intoxication,” making them widely accepted by the public. In 2006, they released the album “Grifos,” collaborating with prominent names from the Greek music scene. Rodes, Kostas Tournas, and Alexandros Chatzis are some of the artists participating in their unpredictable musical collective, while songs such as “Poso Akoma” and “Kalos Se Vrika” immediately stand out. Keeping their promises to loyal fans who have followed them since their first record, as well as to those who have just joined their circle, “STAVENTO” recently unveiled their hidden card.

In March 2008, they released their third album, titled “Today I Celebrate.” From this release, the song “Mesa Sou” immediately stood out—a track that shifted their musical direction and went on to become the biggest hit of that year. Elena Paparizou’s cover of the song for the MAD Music Awards, along with their joint stage appearance, marked a historic collaboration. From this album, which quickly went gold, other notable songs also emerged, such as “Prin Se Gnoriso,” “Simera To Giortazo,” “Vatrachi,” and more. “Stirring Up the World,” in December 2008, they released, in collaboration with a well-known electronics retailer and Sony BMG, a Special Edition USB stick featuring a new hit song.

“STAVENTO” return with “Ston Kosmo Mas” (“In Our World”). The new song is included in the deluxe repackaging of the album “Simera To Giortazo,” titled “RESTARTED.” “RESTARTED” features several collaborations with both new and previous partners: Elena Paparizou, Lakis Papadopoulos, Natasa Theodoridou, Giorgos Sabanis, and C:REAL. The release also includes a DVD with the latest music videos as well as a surprise documentary tribute. The album went gold.

In April 2010, they released “Mia Fora Ki Enan Kairo” (“Once Upon a Time”)… featuring 18 songs along with many surprises and collaborations. Kostas Chatzis tells “Mia Fora Ki Enan Kairo” with his distinctive voice, Christos Dantis recalls the “First Time” moments that mark us, Ivi Adamou appears on “San Erthi I Mera,” and Smaragda Karydi on “Mia Gynaika Ola Ta Mporei” from the film “I Klironomos.” The album also included several songs that made a significant impact online, such as “Chronia,” “Se Sena Kataligo,” and “Politikantides.” “San Erthi I Mera” became one of the biggest hits of the year, garnering millions of views on YouTube and thousands of sales, while the album’s second single, “Ama Se Eicha Konta Mou,” followed a similar successful path. (In January 2011, the album went platinum.) In December 2010, “STAVENTO” realized one of their biggest dreams. At the 10th Mad Secret Concert, they performed their songs accompanied by the 40-member philharmonic orchestra FOUX ORKESTAR, and were joined in the X-MAS HIP HOPERA by Rallia Christidou, Tamta, and PRO SINNERZ. This unique concert was later released on CD as well as in numbered vinyl editions.

In 2011, “STAVENTO” came forward to present a new song that represents all of us, at a time when we needed more than ever to listen, sing, and dance to “Tha Ta Katafero” (“I Will Make It”).

In 2012, “STAVENTO” continued to surprise us with their musical collaborations. They released a new single titled “Pidáo ta Kýmata” (“I Jump the Waves”) and a few months later performed a special rendition of it on the MAD Music Awards stage with the unique Paola Foka. This explosive collaboration would go on to exceed 10,000,000 views on YouTube. That summer, they released another single, “Astrapsa kai Vrontixa” (“I Sparked and Thundered”), which also achieved great success. The following year, “STAVENTO” collaborated for the second time with Ivi Adamou on the song “Na Sou Tragoudo” (“To Sing to You”), and a few months later, Dimos Anastasiadis also joined STAVENTO in the track “Voutia sto Keno” (“Dive into the Void”).

At the MAD Music Awards that same year, “STAVENTO” made a surprise appearance with Lakis Papadopoulos and Onirama, performing a cover of the well-known song “Gorilaki.” Later in 2013, they changed record labels and released their new album “Stin Akri Tou Kosmou” (“At the Edge of the World”) under EMI/UNIVERSAL. In the fall of that year, they introduced a new singer, Alessandra Rasimovic, with the song and video “Anadromika” (“Retroactively”). At the same time, they released the video for “Ipia” (“I Drank”) exclusively on their YouTube channel, knowing it was a song that would never be played on the radio.

“STAVENTO” never stop creating and collaborating with artists they admire. They reunited with Elena Paparizou for the song “Stin Akri Tou Kosmou” (“At the Edge of the World”) in a surprise music video created by students of AKTO, which reached the Top 10 on many radio charts. (With this song, “STAVENTO” and Elena Paparizou won the MAD VMA 2015 award for BEST URBAN VIDEO). In 2014, Michalis, the founder of “STAVENTO,” began as a judge on the music show “The Voice of Greece” on Ant1—a new challenge that brought “STAVENTO” into homes across the country and made the project even more beloved. A major highlight for “STAVENTO” was Michalis’ collaboration with INDILA on “The Voice of Greece” stage. Equally remarkable was his collaboration with all the members of his team (Team STAVENTO) during the competition. His work alongside the other three judges—Antonis Remos, Despina Vandi, and Melina Aslanidou—was exemplary, culminating in the large-scale concert “MIA CHORA MIA FONI” (“One Country, One Voice”) on July 3, 2014, at OAKA, attended by around 50,000 people, with all proceeds going to the non-profit organization of the Archdiocese of Athens, “Apostoli.” At the MAD Music Awards 2014, “STAVENTO” collaborated with Ivi Adamou and Kostas Tournas in a medley of the songs “Na Sou Tragoudo / Min Tis To Peis.” On September 12, 2014, the incredible “STAVENTO” took the stage for the 2014 Positive Energy Day at OAKA, performing their greatest hits alongside artists such as Stelios Legakis, Ivi Adamou, Kostas Martakis, Giorgos Sabanis, Eleni Foureira, Myronas Stratis, and Isaia Matiaba. In 2014, twenty years after the death of Melina Mercouri, on November 10, the album Playing With Melina / Peirazontas tin Melina was released, featuring covers and remixes from 14 names in the Greek electronic scene and one French artist. “STAVENTO” were selected to remix the track “MEDEA TANGO – Stavento Remix.” Before the end of 2014, celebrating their ten-year anniversary, they released a Best-of double CD titled TO ENA KAI TO MIDEN (“One and Zero”), marking 10 years of creation and music. The compilation includes a total of 32 songs from their 10-year journey. Highlights of this collection are collaborations with many significant artists, some included in this edition: Kostas Tournas, Ivi Adamou, Dimos Anastasiadis, Kostas Chatzis, Alexandros Chatzis, EMIGRE, among others. The compilation also features three new tracks: one titled “Gia Sena Pou Latrevo” (“For You, Whom I Adore”), featuring Violetta Dagalou, a contestant from Michalis’ team on The Voice of Greece; the second, “Sta-vento,” serves as a musical thank-you to all those who accompanied them on this journey; and the third, “Ta Cheili Sou An Filiso” (“If I Kiss Your Lips”), features lyrics co-written by the legendary Lefteris Papadopoulos and METH, making it the most precious gift for their ten-year anniversary!

In May 2015, “STAVENTO” released a new single titled “Aspro Pato” (“White Bottom”). They collaborated with Michalis’ team from *The Voice of Greece* (#teamstavento) on this song, with lyrics and music by METH. It’s an optimistic track that encourages us to enjoy life exactly as it is. Released by MINOS EMI on May 4, 2015, the song has over 8.2 million views on YouTube. On July 10, 2015, “STAVENTO” joined the other three judges of The Voice of Greece—Antonis Remos, Despina Vandi, and Melina Aslanidou—for a major concert, Full Energy Live, at the GSP Stadium in Nicosia, which was hailed as the biggest musical event of the year and a complete success. Giannis Parios also performed with “STAVENTO.” At the end of 2015, “STAVENTO” reached a significant milestone by collaborating with the legendary Giannis Parios on the beautiful song “Paidi Monacho” (“Lonely Child”), written and composed by Michalis METH Kouinelis, elevated by Parios’ soulful voice. The song was released on October 18, 2015, by MINOS EMI. Later in 2015, a new musical journey began as “STAVENTO” performed at a major Athenian venue, Iera Odo, alongside the timeless Giannis Parios and the exceptional Melina Aslanidou. This unpredictable and exciting collaboration captivated audiences every Saturday night and Sunday afternoon, receiving rave reviews and completing sold-out shows by the end of March 2016. The year closed with the release of “PROSIMO THETIKO” (“Positive Sign”) by “STAVENTO,” an encouraging and uplifting song released by MINOS EMI on December 21, 2015, with lyrics and music by Michalis METH Kouinelis. The track also features traditional instruments like bouzouki and baglama, giving it a unique sound.

At the beginning of 2016, “STAVENTO” announced an unexpected surprise: another major musical collaboration, this time with the acclaimed singer Eleni Vitali, on a special track titled “TO MANTILI” (“The Handkerchief”), which blends traditional song elements with Hip Hop. The music and lyrics were written by Michalis METH Kouinelis. The song was released on March 27, 2016, by MINOS EMI. Their eighth album, Akoma Onirevomai (“I Still Dream”), was released on May 23, 2016. The album is a journey that begins in the morning with bright light and ends at night in a gentle darkness. The journey becomes even more magical with dear friends as companions—Giannis Parios, Eleni Vitali, Christos Nikolopoulos, Kostas Chatzis, Giannis Yiokarinis, Melina Aslanidou, and Ivi Adamou—friends who mark milestones in the voyage of the “Stavento” ship. These friends lend their voices and affection to everything STAVENTO wants to express in this album. The album features songs in their signature style but also incorporates strong traditional elements, reinterpretations and playful takes on classic songs, as well as some of their older tracks. A standout moment from the album was the unexpected collaboration with Melina Aslanidou on the song “NERO KAI CHOMA” (“Water and Soil”), which became one of the biggest hits of the season. During its radio run, the track—written and composed by Michalis METH Kouinelis, enhanced by elements of the Pontian lyra—climbed to No.1 on both the Greek and mixed airplay charts, holding the position for four consecutive weeks, and surpassed 13 million views on YouTube. “STAVENTO” and Melina Aslanidou brought their massive hit to life with the music video, released on January 2, 2017, by MINOS EMI UNIVERSAL, which has exceeded 5.4 million views on YouTube. They were awarded Best Duet at the MAD Music Awards 2017 for “Nero kai Choma.” Michalis Kouinelis also took on the role of host for a new musical television project on Alpha, premiering in April 2016, titled The Music Project by Jumping Fish. The aim of the project was to introduce audiences to musicians pursuing their dreams, alongside established artists who have long been part of the soundtrack of our daily lives. Emerging talents from the Jumping Fish platform by Cosmote, which promotes new Greek artists, participated in the show—a melodic meeting of past and present, coordinated by Michalis Kouinelis of STAVENTO, giving a stage to young artists to reinterpret well-known and beloved songs. During the show, Michalis hosted artists in the studio such as Lavrentis Machairitsas, Giannis Kotsiras, Dimitra Galani, Lakis Papadopoulos, Stamatis Kraounakis, Active Member, and others.

In April 2017, “STAVENTO” sparked a new hit with the song “Mikre Mou Dynamiti” (“My Little Dynamite”), an instant success with music and lyrics by Michalis METH Kouinelis. The accompanying music video was filmed in the historic center of Athens under the direction of Dimitris Sylvestros. The song was released on April 30, 2017, by Rootopia and Minos EMI / Universal. Within 20 days of release, “Mikre Mou Dynamiti” had already surpassed 1,000,000 views and today has over 14,000,000 views on YouTube. On May 19, 2017, they released another track, “I Mantissa” (“The Fortune Teller”), which had all of Greece and Cyprus dancing from the first listen and quickly racked up massive views. Within five days, the song reached 2.3 million views on YouTube and trended at No.1. The music was composed by Marina Satti, with lyrics by Michalis Kouinelis. The visually striking video reminded many viewers of Kiesza’s Hideaway. After 19 days, Marina Satti’s song had surpassed 8.2 million views, eventually growing into a viral phenomenon, and today it has over 41,800,000 views. Michalis Kouinelis commented on Marina Satti: “What she has accomplished is no accident. She deserves it because she has done extensive studies that opened her path. Her way of thinking and approach to music, especially composition, is remarkable. We clicked from the moment we met. That single-take video she made is so beautifully rebellious… I wrote the song for her with great joy, knowing how she interprets music.” The collaboration between Michalis Kouinelis and Marina Satti, which led to “I Mantissa,” began during the Greek dubbing of the Disney film Moana (Vaiana), in which Michalis Kouinelis voiced the character Maui and Marina Satti voiced Vaiana. The film premiered in theaters on December 22, 2016. Later in 2017, on September 17, “STAVENTO” released another single, “Mera Mou Geia Sou” (“Hello to My Day”), an upbeat Hip Hop track with melodic elements, written and composed by Michalis METH Kouinelis. The accompanying music video was directed by White Room. The year ended on a sweet note for “STAVENTO” with the release of the music video for the tender and romantic song “Mi Staxe kai Mi Vrexe” (“Neither Rain nor Shine”) on November 1, 2017. This marked a renewed musical collaboration with Ivi Adamou after their previous massive hits “San Erthi I Mera” and “Na Sou Tragoudo.” Ivi Adamou remains a significant milestone in the journey of “STAVENTO.” The song is included on their album Akoma Onirevomai and the video was directed by Dimitris Sylvestros. Music and lyrics were by Michalis Kouinelis, and the release was handled by Rootopia and Minos EMI, with YouTube views surpassing 1,000,000 to date.

2017 was an amazing year for “STAVENTO,” and 2018 proved to be another significant and remarkable year for them. It began in spring with the release of a brand-new single, “To Spourgiti” (“The Sparrow”). “STAVENTO” reunited with the extraordinary Giannis Yiokarinis, and their collaboration, along with the song’s melodic rhythm and clever lyrics, propelled “To Spourgiti” to success, quickly becoming a crowd favorite. Michalis METH Kouinelis again wrote the music and lyrics, while the video was directed, produced, and executed by Nicos Terliamis Films. The single was released on March 11, 2018, by Rootopia and Minos EMI/Universal and has garnered over 2,300,000 views. The next step for “STAVENTO” was their collaboration with Giorgos Mazonakis. What does love mean? “Agapo Simainei” (“Love Means”) answers that and much more, describing love, romance, the intensity of love, its beauty, and its uniqueness. The promotion of this collaboration was highly original: the two artists were locked in a studio for 24 hours, producing the best moments captured in five playful videos titled “24 Hours: Whatever Happens, It Means Something”, which received excellent feedback. “Agapo Simainei” quickly became a favorite, accumulating over 22,100,000 views on YouTube since its release on May 14, 2018, by Minos EMI. The collaboration continued throughout the summer with a tour across Greece and Cyprus. At the same time, Michalis Kouinelis hosted the Amita Motion Positive Energy Day on September 7, 2018, at the Nations’ Wall at OAKA. In addition to hosting, he performed STAVENTO songs alongside Elena Paparizou and Christos Mastoras from Melisses, entertaining over 70,000 attendees in a celebration of positivity. 2018 concluded beautifully for “STAVENTO” with a new collaboration with Ivi Adamou. They released “Diko Mou” (“Mine”), an up-tempo pop track featuring STAVENTO’s signature hip-hop elements and Ivi Adamou’s distinctive performance. Michalis METH Kouinelis wrote the music and lyrics, inspired by his daughter. The song quickly captured the audience, with listeners dedicating it to their own “special someone.” It reached the top 10 on radio charts, was released on November 27, 2018, by Panik Records and Minos EMI, and has since surpassed 13,100,000 views on YouTube.

In 2019, Michalis Kouinelis celebrated turning forty with a personal and introspective song. Titled *“Sarantarizo”* (“Turning Forty”), the new single by “STAVENTO” reflects the essence of Michalis Kouinelis’ life. The track features a classic Hip Hop sound, rooted in tradition, without the instrumental fusions present in many other STAVENTO songs. The music video was directed by Nicos Terliamis Films. The single was released on March 23, 2019, by Rootopia and Minos EMI.

In the eventful year of 2020, Michalis Stavento surprised the world with his collaboration with Themis Adamantidis on the release of the beautiful and romantic song *“Na Diadothei”* (“Let It Spread”). Earlier, he moved audiences with the lyrics of *“Gia Na Thymamai”* (“So I Remember”), a creation inspired by the new realities of the pandemic. At the same time, he contributed to important projects by other artists and spread positive messages with an optimistic tone throughout the year.

In 2021, “STAVENTO” continued their active musical presence with new singles and collaborations released digitally, which were warmly received by audiences. This period was marked by the gradual return to live concerts and reconnecting with fans after the pandemic, while the band maintained a strong presence on digital playlists with songs like *“Gia Na Thymamai”* (“So I Remember”), released during the year and praised by listeners.

2022 was a year full of live performances for “STAVENTO.” They appeared at festivals such as the City Garden Festival alongside Ivi Adamou and other artists, delivering energetic live shows featuring beloved songs from their repertoire. In terms of discography, the gradual release of singles continued this year, paving the way for a major upcoming project that will compile the best releases from recent years.

In 2023, “STAVENTO” maintained a strong presence on the music scene and at festivals, delivering performances noted for their energy and direct connection with the audience. At the same time, they released singles that united their fan community, reinforcing the timeless appeal of their work. It was a season full of energy, dance, and songs like “Gia Sena” (“For You”) and other hits, warmly embraced by the public.

2024 constitutes one of the most important points in the journey of “STAVENTO”: they released a new album titled *Gia Sena* — their first complete musical work eight years after the previous one.

The album Gia Sena includes 13 songs and gathers the singles that were loved over the last eight years, with many major collaborations, among them:

Elena Paparizou
Michalis Hatzigiannis
Stelios Rokkos
Ivi Adamou
Themis Adamantidis
Giannis Yiokarinis
Marseaux
B.D. Foxmoor (on a special track titled “Drosostalia”)

The album was officially released on April 23, 2024, by Minos EMI / Universal and marked the culmination of STAVENTO’s latest musical period, with the band promising an even more active recording continuation in the future.