From the music of Mykonos to the faith in Christ: The story of Pantelis, the DJ who turned success into a confession of faith
„From the music of Mykonos to the faith in Christ”. If Pantelis Kotakis were to write a book about his life, this title would certainly be more than fitting. Originally from Thessaloniki (Greece), but known worldwide for his unmistakable talent in blending ethnic influences and accents with house music, DJ Pantelis is an artist who has performed in luxurious venues in Dubai, Mykonos, New York, and Berlin. He has been professionally active in the music industry for over 20 years, releasing more than 300 singles and remixes, with his tracks featured in over 400 compilations from record labels such as Ultra USA, Universal Music, and Sony Music, making him one of the most important international DJs in Europe. However, beyond his international success and the tracks that have gathered tens of millions of listens on YouTube and Spotify, Pantelis is a man with deep faith, a practicing Orthodox Christian, born into a family close to the Church. And he does not hesitate to bear witness to this in any context and whenever he has the chance.
In this exclusive interview for doxologia.ro, Pantelis shares the „secrets” of his musical success, as well as how he harmonized his life as an artist with Christian values, confessing that true success is not measured only by material achievements but also by the ability to remain faithful to one's own faith and moral principles.
1. Pantelis, how did your passion for music begin, and what inspired you to pursue a career as a DJ and music producer?
My passion for music began at a very young age. I grew up surrounded by melodies and rhythms that captivated me, and I quickly discovered that music had the power to express emotions that words couldn’t capture. As I got older, I became fascinated by how different sounds could come together to create something beautiful and meaningful.
The turning point came when I started experimenting with mixing tracks and creating my own sounds. I was drawn to the idea of blending different genres and influences to craft something entirely unique. The energy of live performances and the ability to connect with people through music inspired me to take it seriously and pursue it as a career.
2. You ve performed in iconic locations like Mykonos, New York, Berlin, and Dubai. What does success mean to you, and how do you define it beyond numbers and achievements?
Performing in iconic locations like Mykonos, New York, Berlin, and Dubai has been an incredible experience, and I’m grateful for every opportunity. However, I’ve come to realize that true success goes far beyond numbers, achievements, or the prestige of a location.
For me, success is about staying true to my purpose and using my talents to make a positive impact on others. It’s about creating music that resonates with people on a deeper level—music that moves them, inspires them, or offers them comfort. Knowing that my songs have touched someone’s heart or helped them through a difficult moment means far more to me than any statistic or accolade.
3. Tracks like Nais Balamo and Dle Yaman have achieved extraordinary streaming numbers, with millions of listeners worldwide. Given the massive success you’ve achieved, how do you stay grounded and maintain balance in your personal and professional life?
I feel incredibly grateful and humbled by the success of tracks like Nais Balamo and Dle Yaman. Seeing millions of listeners connect with my music is truly a blessing, but I always remind myself that success is a gift rather than something to take for granted.
Staying grounded comes from keeping my priorities in check and remembering why I started making music in the first place. It’s about staying true to my purpose—creating art that moves people and brings a sense of peace or reflection. My faith also plays a huge role in keeping me balanced, reminding me to stay humble and to use my talents for a greater purpose.
4. And since we’ve mentioned humility and balance, which are characteristics of a christian – few people know that you are an Orthodox Christian, born into a family close to the Church. How and when did you first come to know God?
I was blessed to be born into a family that valued faith and maintained a close connection to the Church. Growing up in that environment laid a strong foundation for my spiritual journey. However, I believe that truly coming to know God is a personal experience that goes beyond just being raised in a faithful family.
For me, that moment of deeper understanding came during a challenging period in my life when I was searching for purpose and direction. I found myself drawn to prayer and reflection, seeking peace and guidance. In those quiet moments I truly felt God’s presence and love, not just as a concept I was taught but as a real and transformative experience.
Since then, my relationship with God has continued to grow, shaping who I am and influencing how I approach both my personal life and my music. Faith keeps me grounded, reminding me of the importance of humility and balance, even in the fast-paced and sometimes unpredictable world of music.
5. How do you integrate your Christian faith into your life as an artist? Do you find time to attend the Divine Liturgy amidst your busy schedule?
Integrating my Christian faith into my life as an artist is not just a choice but a necessity for me. My faith shapes my perspective on creativity, guiding me to approach music with intention and purpose rather than just seeking success or recognition. It keeps me grounded and reminds me that my talents are gifts meant to be used for a greater good.
Despite the demands of my career, I make it a priority to attend the Divine Liturgy as often as I can. Worship and prayer are essential for me to connect with God, find peace, and gain strength to face the challenges of the music industry. It’s not always easy to balance everything, but I believe that nurturing my spiritual life is essential for maintaining that sense of purpose and humility.
Attending the Liturgy also gives me a sense of community and reminds me that I am part of something greater than myself. Even when my schedule gets hectic, I try to set aside time for prayer and reflection, keeping my relationship with God at the center of everything I do.
6. In one of our personal conversations, you mentioned your interest in the Romanian Orthodox Church and your desire to learn more about Romanian saints and traditions. What sparked this passion, and what draws you to explore this aspect of faith?
My interest in the Romanian Orthodox Church and its rich spiritual heritage comes from my deep appreciation for the beauty and depth of Orthodoxy as a whole. I admire the spiritual life of the Church in Romania, especially its saints and traditions, which reflect the same timeless faith found throughout the Orthodox world.
7. How do you perceive the importance of confessing Christ in daily life, especially in a field like music? How have you managed to embrace your faith in a world where young people often avoid speaking about Christ, thinking it’s no longer „trendy” or fearing the judgment of others?
Confessing Christ in daily life is crucial because it shapes not only who I am as a person but also the message and authenticity of my music. In a field like music, where creativity and self-expression are at the forefront, openly embracing my faith allows me to remain grounded and purposeful. Music has a profound influence on people, and I believe that sharing my faith through my art can touch hearts and inspire hope.
I understand that, especially among young people, speaking openly about Christ can feel daunting due to societal pressures and the fear of being perceived as outdated or judged. However, I’ve come to realize that faith is not about fitting into trends—it's about living out a relationship with God that transforms every aspect of my life.
By staying true to my beliefs and incorporating my faith into my music, I hope to encourage others to be bold about their convictions. Authenticity resonates with listeners, and I’ve found that when I’m honest about my faith, it not only enriches my creative process but also opens doors to deeper connections with others who are searching for meaning and purpose.
8. Nowadays, we see people everywhere – on the streets, at school, or in the office – listening to music through their headphones. Many young people are exposed to a variety of musical influences that often do not reflect spiritual values. What advice would you give them regarding the choice of music that nourishes both their soul and mind?
Music has a profound impact on our minds and hearts, shaping our thoughts and emotions even when we might not realize it. That’s why it’s so important to be mindful of the music we choose to listen to. My advice to young people would be to seek out music that uplifts and inspires them—music that not only entertains but also nourishes the soul.
I’m not saying that every song has to be explicitly spiritual or religious, but it’s important to choose music that aligns with positive values and encourages growth, peace, or reflection. Songs that promote negativity, anger, or harmful messages can influence our mindset and perspective without us even noticing.
As an artist, I strive to create music that has depth and meaning, hoping to offer listeners a space to reflect and feel something deeper. Music is a powerful tool, and when chosen wisely, it can be a source of inspiration and inner strength.
9. What are your long-term goals and aspirations, both in music and in your personal life? Are there any specific projects or collaborations that excite you?
My long-term goals in music revolve around continuing to create meaningful and impactful songs that resonate with listeners on a deeper level. I want to push the boundaries of my sound, blending cinematic and orchestral elements with modern production to craft unique and immersive musical experiences. One of my dreams is to compose scores for films or collaborate on projects that merge visual storytelling with powerful, emotive soundtracks.
Collaboration is also a big part of my vision for the future. I would love to work with artists and composers who share a passion for blending genres and creating something truly unique. Exploring new cultural influences and incorporating diverse musical traditions into my work is something I’m really excited about.
