Podcast: The Cretan Lyra Proves That Music Knows No Borders
Podcast: The Cretan Lyra Proves That Music Knows No Borders

The Musical Journey of Giannis Kapetanakis

In the new Discover Crete podcast, we step into the world of Giannis Kapetanakis — a lyra player unafraid to experiment. He blends Cretan tradition with Eastern influences and modern techniques, shaping a sound entirely his own.

From his childhood in Athens, where he would play Cretan melodies on a… melodica, to his performances abroad and his mastery of live looping, his path has been marked by inspiration, experimentation, and a deep love for music.

He speaks about the need for artistic expression, the connection with the audience that shapes every performance, and how his music adapts to any place and moment. Self-taught, creative, and deeply connected to the lyra, he reminds us that tradition is not static — it evolves.

Hit play and discover a different sound from Crete.