Zeeya is a dynamic, experimental guitar-violin duo based in London, playing a repertoire of pre-war (WWII) Rebetiko and folk Greek music.

 

The ‘Laiki kithara’ (folk guitar) and the violin became increasingly important instruments in the urban folk music of the early 20th century in Greece and minor Asia.

 

With musicians such as Antonis Dalgas, and Spyros Peristeris, the guitar breaks away from its monotonous rhythmic role and explores a plethora of melodic approaches. The violin acts as a second voice guiding and supporting vocals through lyrics that are very expressive, often long stories about love and despair, rejection and death.

 

As Zeeya, Vasileios Voulgaropoulos and Ismini Mouzakiti bring a progressive twist to the songs, experimenting with various techniques involving rhythms, harmonies and flavours from different musical genres.

 

As a project, this is a space to explore this repertoire and these two instruments from a variety of perspectives - drawing inspiration from contemporary bands like Roviolides, Kadinelia, Monsieur Doumani and others.