From reading your bio it seems that theater has been a huge part of your life. Have you always wanted to be on the stage in some form?

Being on stage makes your heart beat real fast and you feel you do something very full of meaning. However, I find singing gives me much more of a thrill. It's exciting, energizing and lots of fun.

You have acted in a couple TV series. What was that experience like? Is that something you would like to do more of?

Actually two of the TV productions were televised theatrical plays, which were well rehearsed and found very easy to do and act on camera. Of course I would love to do more for TV and even more for film, especially comedy, parts that have a funny and crazy side.

Have you done any actual TV style sitcoms or dramas? You said you would like to do comedy, what shows do you enjoy?

No, I haven't really been in an actual TV style sitcom or drama; I was given the chance a few years ago but didn't have time to do it unfortunately...

I like Friends, The Nanny, Cheers, and Sex and the City of course!

How do you balance theater and music?

For the moment music is the most important thing, a kind of secret mission that I need to accomplish somehow. There's a lot I have to work on and develop as a performer and songwriter, so I am focusing on the music and try to take it forward as much as I can.

When did you decide to pursue a career in music?

Being part of a band in Greece called Minima, with very good musicians who were also the musicians of Christos Dantis, I started writing and co-writing songs (music and lyrics) which I found extremely creative and fulfilling and also a great way to do something of my own.

What kind of success did minima have?

As a band minima we had the chance to tour with Christos Dantis, so we were starting to emerge among other already established and well-known bands but all this met a number of obstacles and problems and had to stop as the band split up.

What was it like working and touring with Christos Dantis?

That brings to mind a song by Bryan Adams - Summer of '69, where it says "those were the best days of my life"! We had a great time; Christos is an easy-going, cool guy with enormous talent. We traveled around, saw beautiful places, sometimes we would play live in a festival that took place next to a river or on a beach.

Has it been hard to break into the pop scene coming out of Greece?

It's a very long process and a hard one too! It takes time to meet the right people, musicians, rehearse and put your act together. I had to adjust to new things, different audience. I roughened up the sound and tried to work my way to more rocky stuff.

Where do you find your influence for songs?

It can be something personal, a situation, a memory, past experience or something I have read in a book, magazine, article, a word or a phrase that will spark up a story.

Who are some of your musical influences?

PJ Harvey, Madonna, U2, Rolling Stones.

What artists would you like to tour with or collaborate with?

With Anastacia!

What are your plans for coming to America?

I will try to book some dates and play live, probably acoustic maybe in the next few months.

What are you looking forward to about playing in America and trying to break into that scene?

Just have a chance to visit America from time to time, find more opportunities for work and maybe meet some of the legends of music!

How has the Olympics effected live in Greece? Do you have any big plans for the Olympics?

I'm sure there's lots happening but being away for a year now my big plan is to spend a few weeks in Greece, go on holiday and see the Olympic Games.

Is there anything special you want to see at the Olympics?

Beach volley, water polo, 200 meters and anything else I can find tickets for!

What is your take on the current American politics and the War?

America is a great country that has nurtured huge talent; images of war don't really belong in this picture.

What are your three biggest pet peeves?

1) People being jealous and trying to make you feel guilty for what you are.

2) Being extremely meticulous and picking on little things and non-important faults - being a perfectionist.

3) Making promises that one is not able to realize.

If you were on a deserted island who would you like to be stranded with and what four CDs would you want with you?

Stranded on an island with Bono from U2!

I'd make sure I have the best of Michael Jackson, U2, Led Zeppelin and Immaculate of Madonna.

You seem to be influenced a lot by Bono. What do you draw from Bono?

I like his voice very much; he writes great songs and sort of combine's earthiness with spirituality as an artist, he's got everything.

What is your ideal musical situation, i.e. solo, full band?

For the moment being a solo artist is quite convenient, gives me freedom of choice but things might have to change in the future.

It seems like you stay busy with various groups and theater. Where do you want to see Kalliopi in three years?

On a world tour!

What do you think of shows such as Pop Idol and American Idol?

I haven't really watched these shows. I feel they can be a bit cruel and traumatic, but who knows if you're a unique talent can be a window to the world.

If you do not watch reality shows what do you watch?

I try not to watch too much TV and usually only watch movies, documentaries and TV series.

What else would you like folks in America to know about Kalliopi?

Kalliopi is a name from Greek Mythology and one of the nine muses. I was named after my grandmother but all my family and friends call me Kelly since I was a child. I have traveled to America twice on vacation and been to the West Coast, Las Vegas, Texas, New Mexico and New York. I have loved it and it reminded me a lot of Greece. It would be great to make friends there and meet people who will love my music.