Akylas

Biography

Early Life and Musical Education

Akylas (full name Akylas Mytilinaios) was born in 1999 in the city of Serres in northern Greece. He grew up in a close-knit family that faced financial hardships, an experience that fueled his drive to achieve more in life. From a young age, he showed passion for music and the arts. He attended the Music School of Serres, where he learned music theory and composition, and also took part in theater workshops that honed his stage presence. This early education built the foundation for his artistic identity. Akylas has mentioned that seeing his parents struggle pushed him to pursue his dreams and create his own artistic path, transforming personal challenges into creative inspiration. 

Early Career and The Voice

After finishing school, Akylas sought practical performance experience. He spent about two years working as a singer on cruise ships, entertaining diverse audiences across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Performing every day in genres from disco to rock became a “masterclass” for him, greatly improving his vocal skills and confidence on stage. His first introduction to Greek TV audiences came with The Voice of Greece in 2021. He stood out with powerful renditions of pop hits like Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way”. Although he did not win the competition, the show gave him valuable exposure and experience. Shortly after, in mid-2021, Akylas delivered his first major live performance at Thessaloniki Pride, an LGBTQ+ festival.

Viral Success and Debut Releases

Akylas leveraged social media to reach a wider audience. He built a strong online presence, posting cover song performances that quickly went viral on platforms like TikTok. His covers of popular songs gained thousands of views and followers, opening the door for him in the Greek music industry. In 2021, Akylas released an original song called “Fthinókrasso,” (meaning “Cheap Wine”), which narrated his early experiences living in Athens.

His big breakthrough came in 2024 with the single “Atelier”, a catchy indie-pop track produced in collaboration with Papazó. “Atelier” became a hit that introduced Akylas to a wider Greek audience. He followed up with more music, including songs like “Ela Kontá,” (meaning “Come Closer”). During this period, Akylas also embraced his identity as an openly queer artist, using his music and public platform to promote messages of love, self-expression, and social justice. His style blended modern pop with indie aesthetics and a theatrical flair.

Road to Eurovision 2026

By late 2025, Akylas was gaining momentum as one of Greece’s promising new pop figures. He co-wrote an electro-pop song titled “Ferto”, drawing on his own life story to critique greed and overconsumption. In January 2026, Greek broadcaster ERT announced Akylas as one of the contestants in Sing for Greece 2026, the national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest. His entry “Ferto” immediately became a fan favorite, amassing over 2 million views within weeks of its release and trending among Eurovision circles online. Akylas advanced from the semi-finals and headed into the national final as a frontrunner.

Artistic Style and Personal Life

Akylas’s artistic persona is defined by originality and honesty. He proudly identifies as a queer artist and often highlights themes of acceptance and self-love in his work. Musically, he combines up-tempo pop and electronic beats with an indie pop sensibility, and he isn’t afraid to incorporate theatrical elements into his shows. Akylas draws inspiration from both Greek and international music. He has cited his life challenges and upbringing as major influences on his songwriting. Beyond music, he occasionally engages in other creative projects. For example, his early involvement in drama workshops hints at a flair for acting and storytelling on stage.