Olga Prepis Reclaims Her Roots and Redefines Love with the Soul-Stirring “Meraklina”

Olga Prepis isn’t here to play it safe. Her new single “Meraklina” isn’t just another alt-pop drop; it’s a full-on reclamation of identity, language, and feminine power. Born in Jersey, raised in Cyprus, and now based in New York, Olga bridges worlds with an effortless grace that feels both classic and forward-thinking.

“Meraklina,” inspired by the Greek word meraki (doing something with soul and love), lives up to its name in every note. The track feels handcrafted, like it was built from memories, not presets. Soft percussion and airy synths melt into waves of harmony, all built around Olga’s voice, which she twists and layers until it becomes its own instrument. You can feel her in every second of it, raw, unfiltered, and intentional.

Lyrically, she doesn’t waste words. “Meraklina” tells the story of a woman who has apologized for her power. It’s a celebration of authenticity, the kind that doesn’t need to beg for validation. Olga’s delivery is magnetic; she can go from whisper to roar in a heartbeat, pulling you through every layer of emotion without ever losing control.

Then there’s the video, shot in Lefkara, Cyprus, an absolute visual feast. The sun-drenched village, famous for its lacework, mirrors the song’s intimacy and attention to detail. Every frame feels like a homecoming, a merging of tradition and evolution, shot through with heart and heritage.

What makes “Meraklina” hit different is its why. This isn’t just a song, it’s a statement. Olga’s first time singing in Greek becomes a spiritual return, a way to honor her roots while reimagining her sound. “Meraklina” is the sound of someone finding herself again, and daring you to do the same.

“Meraklina” is your first release, sung in Greek. What did that mean for you personally and creatively?

Meraklina, being my first release in Greek, was incredibly meaningful for me, both personally and creatively. I’ve spent a lot of time navigating life between cultures, and Greek has always been the language of home, family, and emotion for me. Singing in it felt like reconnecting with that part of myself and bringing it into the world I’ve been building musically. Creatively, it was liberating. There’s a natural rhythm and expressiveness to Greek that guided the way I arranged and delivered the song, which can't really be recreated with English. It made me approach melody and storytelling from a more instinctive, emotional place. It’s also a statement for me as an artist: that I can embrace my roots fully while still creating something that feels contemporary and globally resonant. You’ve described the song as “handmade in sound.” Can you talk about how you approached layering and production to achieve that?

Sonically, Meraklina is very layered and immersive. It weaves together lush synth pads, bass, and stacked vocal harmonies with a range of traditional percussion, like the duhulla, darbuka, davul, and tambourine, alongside elements like snare rim, ride cymbal, shaker, and guiro. That blend of traditional and contemporary textures was really important to me; it mirrors the fusion of heritage and modernity that the song represents. With the help of my producer, Aleksei Lazić, I approached the production almost like a craft, layer by layer, with intention and care. We also used my voice as a textural instrument throughout the track - not just in the main vocals, but in the harmonies and ambient layers. Many of those sounds are actually vocal takes that we stretched, reversed, or filtered to create depth and movement. Every sound feels alive, breathing, echoing, and responding, like the memories the song evokes, reflecting Meraklina’s message of care, devotion, and attention to detail. It’s both intimate and cinematic, built from the soul outward, where every layer carries emotion and intention. The visuals in Lefkara feel intimate and symbolic. How did filming there deepen the story of the song?

Filming Meraklina in Lefkara felt incredibly meaningful. The village is so beautiful - famous for its lacework, known as lefkaritika, and its intricate silver handicrafts, all made with patience and love, which really resonates with the song’s essence. Walking through its narrow stone streets and seeing lace hanging from balconies, you can feel the weight of memory and craftsmanship in every corner. Everything there carries a sense of history, detail, and devotion, which mirrors the idea of putting love and care - or meraki - into everything you do. The story of Meraklina is about emotion, reflection, and putting your heart into what you love, and Lefkara embodies that spirit. Every texture, wall, and shadow felt like walking through memory itself. I wanted the video to feel timeless, tender, and rooted in the Mediterranean warmth that shaped me, grounding the song in something deeply Cypriot while giving it an intimate, almost ethereal atmosphere. How does your background in both classical and contemporary music shape your creative process today?

My background in both classical and contemporary music really shapes how I approach everything I create. Classical training gave me discipline, structure, and a deep understanding of harmony and musical storytelling. It taught me how to think about music in layers and emotion, not just sound. At the same time, contemporary music opened up my curiosity and freedom to experiment, to blend genres, play with production, and let intuition lead the process. When I write or produce now, those two worlds constantly meet. I might start with a classically inspired chord progression or melodic idea, then twist it into something modern and unexpected. It’s become this balance of precision and emotion; knowing the rules but also knowing when to break them. “Meraklina” celebrates individuality and depth. What message do you hope it sends to women listening around the world? Meraklina is a song about home, memory, and the quiet devotion that lives in everyday acts of love. The title comes from the Greek word meraki, which means doing something with soul, care, and heart. Lyrically, it tells the story of a woman who stands apart - someone full of depth, warmth, and a rare spirit. She doesn’t need to dim her light for anyone; she deserves love that meets her where she is. I hope the song encourages women everywhere to celebrate their individuality, passion, and depth. It’s a reminder that beauty lives in authenticity and care, and that our unique selves are meant to be honored, not contained. Ultimately, Meraklina is about embracing who you are, loving fully, and carrying your heritage and experiences forward with pride and creativity.