Markos Papadatos – Urban Rebel PR Interview

A revered journalist and editor-at-large for Digital Journal’s music news coverage, Markos Papadatos hold an impressive catalogue of over 21,000 original articles earning him the title of The Power Journalist. 

An avid figure in the world of entertainment, lifestyle and sports media for almost two decades, Markos has interviewed some of the hottest names in music spanning a vast array of genres including Hardwell, Joel Corry and Mark Knight, to Dolly Parton and Michael Bublé. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that industry accolades such as “Best Long Island Personality” in Arts & Entertainment. 

Amongst a busy schedule, in one of the fastest paced industries, Markos kindly spared some time to sit down and answer UR 10 questions.

1.Hey Markos, thanks for taking the time to chat with us! Being a 16-time winner of ‘Best of Long Island’, it’s fair to say you’re something of a true Power Journalist in the game. With nearly two decades of wielding a writer’s pen (or keyboard?!), can you share with us some of your ambitions in the field of journalism going forward?

Just to continue doing what I have been doing for the past 18.5 years… To keep interviewing people in music, entertainment, magic, lifestyle, and sports… as well as to someday break the world record for the most published articles. That would be a cool feat, and the icing on a big fat Greek cake! 

This year, in particular, I have gotten more into reviewing Broadway and theatre shows than ever before and reviewing restaurants. It has been a fun and interesting ride. 

Last summer, publishing my 20,000th article was such a huge and amazing milestone for me, and to receive my own Paramount marquee sign (at the top venue in New York) and my own Paramount brick was the most exhilarating feeling in the world. It was extra special because I had my mother there with me celebrating that special moment.

2.What inspired you to become a journalist / writer?

I just love telling people’s stories, and I love words and semantics. Painters and artists paint and draw… I do all that with either my pen, pencil, or by striking my keypad.  

Also, since I am the ANTI-TMZ journalist/editor, I wanted to counter all the negativity in the news and media world with more optimistic, positive and uplifting news stories. The world definitely needs more of that these days.

3.You’re of Greek American origin. In your own view, culturally how different are those two worlds and do you feel any combination aids your writing in any way?

Very different! Actually, they couldn’t be more popular opposites. In America, and New York in particular, everything is so fast paced, which is what I am used to. In Greece, everything is more laid-back, mellow, and liberating. In fact, whenever I visit Greece, my relatives would take my watch and tell me “Markos, you don’t need this, you’re not in New York… here there are no deadlines.”  

Also, what I do in one day in New York, I would do in one month in Greece… so it is a totally different lifestyle; however, when I am at home with my mother and family, all I speak is Greek (I love how phonetically beautiful the language sounds), and all we eat is traditional Greek food. The Greek and Mediterranean cuisine is like no other! I feel both of these cultures balance me out in a some unique way.

4.You’re behind some 21,000 original articles, over 12,000 of which are interviews. That’s some feat!! Do you ever look back and think, ok, I’ve hit my limit, or do you feel they’re a still many more incredible stories to tell?

I never look back… Once I hit a specific goal, I set the bar higher (to a loftier goal)… since for me, success is an ever-increasing target. My hope is to get to 22,000 articles soon, and eventually 25,000 articles, and finally, 30,000, at some point in the distant future. 

To this day, I still don’t feel like I’ve written my best interview or article yet. It is always the next one.

5.You’ve had the opportunity to interview an impressive array of people from the world of music (Dimitri Vegas, David Guetta, R3HAB), TV (Lou Ferrigno Jr., Tim Rozon), and film (Matthew McConaughey, Sharon Stone). In addition to well-known actors and musicians, you’ve also interviewed everyone from politicians to service members, athletes, and entrepreneurs. Are there any people or artists you’ve yet to speak with but are high on your wish-list?

There are a few I would love to someday interview! Cher would be a big one, and I’ve always loved Tim Tebow because he is a man of character. The same holds true for Adam Lambert. Once, I got so close to interviewing him (but due to the international time zones working against us, that interview never happened).

6.What is the best DJ/artist set you’ve seen recently and why was it so memorable?

Tossup between these three: Armin van Buuren, Gareth Emery, and David Guetta at Brooklyn Mirage. These three electronic musicians are superstars in my eyes, where I can listen to their entire set from start to finish and love every song in there. They are constantly good every time, and I must have seen each of them at least 15 times live.

7.It’s the last party on earth; the crowd are shouting, “One more tune” and the DJ has asked you to select the track. What do you play as your encore finale?

“This Is What It Feels Like” by Armin van Buuren! That song is a classic, and it has helped me every time I’ve ever loved a loved one (a friend or a family member). Lyrically, it starts out heartbreaking, but melodically, it ends up uplifting, heartwarming, and euphoric to the point where it’s a celebration of life.

8.Are there any upcoming artists at the moment on your ‘ones to watch’ radar that you can recommend?

He is not really up-and-coming, but I just love Gryffin. He is so underrated in the electronic dance music world. Not only is he a great producer and DJ, but also a tremendous musician and guitar player as well. I hope someday he gets to superstar status. 

I also love the EC Twins. Their live shows are so high-energy, entertaining, and fun. I feel alive and euphoric in their concerts.

9.You live in New York, which over the years has been home to some pretty legendary venues, but do you have a club or event you’d like to tick off your bucket list as a music fan?

I would love to someday cover Tomorrowland in Belgium! Of course, I can never say “no” to Cavo Paradiso Club and/or Paradise Beach Club in Mykonos, Greece.

10.Any words of wisdom for those looking to start their own journey into journalism today?

Start early! Write for your high school or college newspaper. That’s where I got my start. In actuality, my high school newspaper would never publish my articles since back in 2000 and 2001, I was writing about country music at a time when country music was taboo in New York. Fortunately, Queens College took my journalism passion seriously, and they published me extensively, and embraced my love for country music, and every other entertainment and lifestyle topic I was passionate about. 

Also, I feel that it is important to keep a portfolio of your work for one to track their writing progress from the beginning of their journey to the present moment. They will be blown away by the progression/outcome. Practice does make perfect. 

TOP 3 HOT LIST TRACKS WITH MARKOS PAPADATOS

1    Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike & Tiësto & Dido & W&W – Thank You (Not So Bad)

2.David Guetta and Bebe Rexha “I’m Good (Blue)”

You can never go wrong with this track..it is ubiquitous still.

3.Bonnie McKee “Hot City”

I’m obsessed with that whole album! 

Where can people find you? 

Instagram: www.instagram.com/thepowerjournalist 

Twitter (X): www.x.com/powerjournalist  

Facebook: www.facebook.com/markos.papadatos  

Previous UR 10 Questions: Vicky Devine