Michalis Quinelis (Stavento) in an interview he gave answered questions about his hometown, Alexandroupoli where he lives with Ivi Adamou and their daughter.
The favorite of the youth and not only our local artist, in the last song “Drosostalia” he wrote is a fairy tale to put his daughter Anatoli-Nefeli to sleep. Michalis Quinelis, otherwise known as Stavento (Drunken or ICU), who sings with his teacher BD Foxmoor. The rapper, lyricist and musician has written many songs for famous singers, but his greatest anxiety was always when he would have to work with the woman of his life, Ivi Adamou, because then everything must be perfect. He was born in Alexandroupoli and below he guides us through his own life between Athens and his birthplace, his neighborhoods and haunts.
You have written quite a few songs. Tell us a “secret” behind one of your songs that not many people know until now?
When I wrote the song “Mantissa” that I gave to Marina Satti, at the beginning I had given the title “Magisa”. Along the way I changed it because I felt that this title didn’t suit the timbre of her voice so much.
Who would you write a Eurovision song for (apart from Ivi Adamou)?
For Marseaux, with the same ease as I would write for Ibe.
Can you describe your daughter, Anatoli-Nefeli, in 15 words?
I won’t describe the East in just 15 words, I’ll just say that she has her own wonderful world and when she decides to put me in it, I become a child with her.
“In you” or “For you”?
Both depending on the occasion: if you are single “In you”, if you are married “For you”. Personally, I like them equally, I don’t tell them apart.
Where do you live now? Why did you leave Athens?
Now I live in Alexandroupolis. When I come to Athens I stay in the center. I don’t feel like I’ve left Athens though. My life is divided into two and I am more where the circumstances require it. For now, this place is Alexandroupolis.
Your favorite sound/noise in Alexandroupolis?
In the winter, after 5 pm when everything is quiet and you don’t hear anything. That is, the silence.
What makes someone Alexandrupolitan?
His household. We are all “housewives” – “housewives” they say (s.s. laughs).
Eis it true that the shrimps of Alexandroupolis are the most beautiful in the world?
I don’t know if they are the best in the world, but we definitely have some of the nicest shrimp and you can find them everywhere, especially when they are in season.
What is your favorite restaurant in Alexandroupoli and which coffee shop?
I can’t say a specific one because they are all my friends and I don’t want anyone to be misunderstood. But I assure you that everything is excellent.
The best slogan you have seen on a wall in Alexandroupoli.
“F*ck I love you”
What’s the best place to get away in Alexandroupolis?
My studio and that’s why I choose to be there.
How do you imagine her AAlexandroupolis in 50 years?
As a hub, I hope multicultural and humane, since we are Asia’s gateway to Europe. I want to hope that its environment will not be altered with all that is happening in the surrounding area, natural gas and gold mining, which seems to be inevitable. I wish that they are done with the greatest possible respect for nature and the environment.
Where else could/would you like to live in Greece?
I think the next city I would like to stay in is Ioannina, which I also like very much.
What do you miss from the Alexandroupolis of your childhood?
The spread and the flatterers he had. Now all the children play in a park, there are no more hidden playgrounds that we used to go to.
Which director would you like to make a film about Alexandroupolis?
Who else; I would like Giorgos Lanthimos to film it. I don’t know what kind of movie he could make, but wouldn’t it be great?
If the AAlexandroupolis was a person, who would it be?
She would have the face of the goddess Te Ka. Now you tell me who she is. It’s from the movie “Moana” and basically it’s like an island that sleeps and when it wakes up it’s human. It reminds me of her because Samothraki is opposite.
What would you first show in Alexandroupoli to a foreign guest of yours?
I would take him to Makri which is a seaside village and my place of origin. Infinite beauty, with its seas, mountains. She is wonderful!
Your favorite walk?
Towards Makri from Alexandroupoli.
Favorite drive?
Towards Ancient Mesimvria and going by car behind Petrotas.
The best view in Alexandroupoli?
The Prophet Elias in Makri, from where you can see the entire Thracian Sea and Samothrace.
What stresses you and what relaxes you in Alexandroupoli?
I’m not bothered by anything, I’m mainly concerned about the infrastructure related to sports, children in general and hospitals. I believe that if it were better this would be a more magical city. It is already beautiful but it falls short in these, as I imagine every country town does unfortunately.