Rave Utopias: A series of Respublika podcasts

#1 Fofi Tsesmeli

In the first Respublika podcast, Yannis-Orestis Papadimitriou and Fofi Tsesmeli discuss the history of Greek rave, clubbing, and party culture. As a journalist, radio producer, and DJ in some of the country’s biggest clubs, "DJ Fo," as she is also known, has played an important role in the development of electronic dance music in Greece.

#2 K.atou

In the second Respublika podcast, Yannis-Orestis Papadimitriou and K.atou discuss the new party culture, the inclusivity of electronic dance music, and the meanings of rave. DJ K.atou has been actively involved in the Greek and international electronic scenes for over two decades.

#3 Petros Floorfiller Kozakos

In the third Respublika podcast, Petros Floorfiller Kozakos joins Yannis-Orestis Papadimitriou to discuss the history, current state, and future of the electronic music scene. Petros Floorfiller's professional journey has coincided with the evolution of electronic dance music. Having begun his career at the storied FAZ club in Mavili Square before going on to DJ at the biggest international clubs, he is arguably the most influential DJ in Greece.

#4 Leandros Kyriakopoulos

In the fourth Respublika podcast, Yannis-Orestis Papadimitriou and Leandros Kyriakopoulos talk about the various branches of rave and the distinct evolution of psychedelic trance. With festivals and parties held in remote locations that require time and effort to attend, psychedelic trance fans are prepared to travel in all dimensions—mentally, physically, and artistically. Leandros Kyriakopoulos is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Sociology of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, with an interest in contemporary technocultures. He is the author of Representations of the Uncanny: Nomadism and Aesthetics in the Psychedelic Rave Scene (Nissos 2020).

#5 Melita Karali

In the fifth Respublika podcast, Yannis-Orestis Papadimitriou welcomes Melita Karali to discuss the inclusivity of rave culture, and the various transformations the scene has undergone and continues to undergo as it evolves. Melita Karali tells stories through words, sounds, and videos. She is a journalist, documentary filmmaker, activist, and music fanatic; she began working professionally in radio at the age of 15, has hosted music shows on television, and has worked as a party promoter.

#6 Efi Alevizou

In the sixth Respublika podcast, Yannis-Orestis Papadimitriou and Efi Alevizou talk about the history of electronic music, including the people who danced to it, the places where it was played, the media that covered it, and its distinct fashion sense. Efi Alevizou is a journalist. She holds degrees in marketing and journalism and has worked for a variety of magazines, newspapers, radio stations, and websites.

#7 Lorenzo

In the seventh Respublika podcast, Lorenzo speaks with Yannis-Orestis Papadimitriou about his career at the forefront of the evolution of Greek rave culture. Lorenzo co-founded the legendary Factory club, which had a significant impact on the rise of electronic music in Greece, as well as the Qbase club, which contributed to the expansion of the local techno scene. He also owns the promotion company Blend Athens.

#8 Lukasz Twarkowski

In the eighth Respublika podcast, Yannis-Orestis Papadimitriou and Lukasz Twarkowski talk about his performance “Respublika,” the experiment of living in the remote forest that led to its creation, the experiences that inspired it, and the liberating power of rave. Lukasz Twarkowski creates multimedia performances that combine theater and the visual arts. He frames his projects as an extension of reality through multimedia. His creative work is distinguished by the exploration of the potential and limitations of theater as a medium and tool of communication.

#9 Panagiotis Menegos

In the ninth and final Respublika podcast, Panagiotis Menegos joins Yannis-Orestis Papadimitriou to discuss his introduction to rave music as a teenager in the western suburbs of Athens, the underappreciated genre of electroclash, and the magical experience of parties. For the past twenty years, Panagiotis Menegos has worked as a journalist and radio producer. He has founded and established partnerships with a variety of analog and digital media.

Yannis-Orestis Papadimitriou – Production and Presentation
Stefanos Konstantinidis / Fabrika Studio – Sound Engineering and Broadcast Signal
Nikki Georgiou – Production Management
Alexandros Roukoutakis – Creative Concept