Angelika Dusk knows we don't talk enough or openly enough about postpartum depression

Zoe Dimitriou, 18/06/2025

LADYLIKE

Photo by Nikos Koustenis

Angelika Dusk took her time, had a child, made peace with herself, and now she’s back, ready to party like it’s 1984. If you loved Beautiful Love, get ready for even more electrifying tracks. Also, go borrow some clothes from your mom or aunt: it’s time for a musical trip through the magical world of the 80s.

Angelika Dusk invites us to let go, to feel, and to dance.  Because, as she says, “the more we open up, the closer we get.” She found a moment before her upcoming show Friday, June 20th, at the authentic and cozy courtyard of Galiandra in Athens,  to talk about her return, motherhood, the great and not-so-great days of being a mom.

– Angelika, where did you find all those 80s clothes? How much thrifting did you do?

Back in the day, my sisters and I used to tenderly mock my mother for the 80s clothes we’d find in her closet. Well, they turned out to be incredibly useful for this video, so no mocking now! My stylist, Vina Neofotistou, also helped — she tracked down some great pieces from designer Dimitris Petrou that worked really well.

– Tell me 3 things you’d want to bring back from the iconic 80s (please don’t say shoulder pads!)

I’m laughing because I actually love this denim jacket I have with shoulder pads! But aside from fashion, I’d love to relive the simplicity of not having a phone: when you had to look someone in the eye to talk to them. I miss the cassette tapes we used to make with care and love, the excitement of waiting for your favorite song to come on the radio, playing with other children in the neighborhood without fear, and dancing at bars that don’t exist anymore...

– Who do we dedicate “Breaking My Heart” to?

To anyone we like but can’t have. Or... can we?

– You seem to have come back sexier and more upbeat than ever. What happened during your pause that made you so happy?

Thank you! I’m definitely happier because I’m slowly learning to do what truly expresses me and not listen to other people’s opinions, especially now that I can shut out that nagging voice that used to say “you’re not good enough.” That little devil was torturing me on my shoulder for year, but I’ve sent it away. Then I had my daughter and that made me grow up, without a choice, and made be her support and role model.

If mom isn’t okay, how will the child be okay? Of course, not every day is pure bliss, but my stress relief is music-making, my dogs, therapy, and definitely dancing. Dancing helps me forget everything, let go, listen to my body. And afterwards I feel calm.

– Our site is read by lots of moms, especially new ones. Would you share how you handled your postpartum depression and how dance helped?

I’m glad you asked because it’s a topic we don’t talk about enough and we should. Mental health is just as important as physical health, once basic needs are met, that is. As a society, we’re taught to neglect it or to "just be strong."

Thankfully, I knew I was at risk for postpartum depression, so from the second day in the hospital, my husband and I agreed that I’d see a psychiatrist. Therapy helped me recover a lot. The sooner a woman realizes it, seeks help, and receives it, the faster she can reconnect with herself and her child.

Dancing helped me during that time and every time I felt stressed. I’m very lucky to have found an incredible person, choreographer Markella Manoliadi, who helped me connect with my body, let go, and improvise when I dance, something I never imagined I could do. It's a kind of therapy for me.

– What songs are you teaching your daughter?

She likes songs from my earlier albums, she plays them and dances around. When she was born, I made her a Spotify playlist that includes Michael Jackson, Phil Collins, Ella Fitzgerald, BB King, even Mozart. I’ve always sung songs from my favorite 80s movies to her, like Grease and Flashdance, and musicals like The Sound of Music. In the car, we sing along to Anna Vissi’s Fotiá, and luckily my kid is a little metalhead: she’s been choosing Metallica and Rage Against the Machine since she was 2, and we headbang together.(laughs)

Photo by Nikos Koustenis

– What is the ultimate 80s pop anthem that will make you dance at a party?

All of them (laughs). I’m not joking, as soon as I hear 80s music, I jump up to dance. No one can stop me. If I had to pick just one, I’d say the classic I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me).

– Who do you experience “Deeper Love” with every day?

With my daughter. I can’t get enough of her. She’s five now and she’s absolutely adorable. Sure, there are moments where she tests my patience and I just want her to fall asleep, but then I sit and watch her sleep like a total mom cliché.

– When do you feel “True Connection”?

When I let go of the “shoulds” and just live. Like when I forget that “she has to take a bath today” or “she must be asleep by 8 p.m.” Then I have the best time with my daughter.

– If you made a mixtape for someone today, what tracks would you put on it?

It would be such a random mix of songs that I think they would throw it back at me! But my favorites would be:Pure Feeling – Florence and the MachineWindy Town – Chris ReaThe Promise You Made – Cock RobinStop – Sam BrownMannish Boy – Muddy WatersKlino Ta Matia – Michalis HatzigiannisKashmir – Led ZeppelinWild is the Wind – Nina SimoneTemptation – Diana KrallSeek and Destroy – MetallicaWanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ – Michael Jackson… Are you dizzy yet?

– How many summer live shows will you do or attend this year? What’s your plan?

I’ll do one special gig at Galiandra in Metaxourgeio. It’s a beautiful classic Athenian courtyard, they serve the best burgers and hot dogs, and the concert is free for everyone. Beyond that, I won’t be performing more this summer because I’m focused on recording the rest of my 80s-inspired album. But I’ll be attending concerts: I’m going to see London Grammar, Marina Spanou, Alanis Morissette at Montreux Jazz Festival, and some classical performances too.

Photo by Nikos Koustenis

– What’s your favorite summer habit in Athens? And what will you do this summer?

Sitting anywhere that has air conditioning! Honestly, I hate summer, all my friends know it. I love winter so much that I’ve even tattooed a giant snowflake on my arm. But when it's under 30°C, I love going to open-air cinemas, watching a great movie with nachos and that fake orange cheese. I even go on my own. The rest of the summer I’ll escape to an island where it’s super windy, and I’ll be really happy.