The bright yellow leather couch in his bedroom is real, and Sydney based artist Mihali Notaras swears it pulls its weight. He laughs about it, but he's not kidding.
“The yellow couch has become a bit of a running joke because, honestly, it feels like it’s part of the songwriting team. There’s something about sitting there, alone in my room, that makes me feel completely at ease. It’s a safe place where I can let my guard down, process whatever I’m going through, and be honest with myself. For some reason, that’s where most of the magic happens. Melodies seem to arrive more easily, lyrics begin to flow, and ideas that don’t make sense anywhere else suddenly come together. I know it’s just a couch, but it somehow feels like it plays a role in the creative process. Whether it’s the familiarity, the comfort, or just the space it creates for me to think, it’s become my favourite place to write songs.”
Well before the couch and Mihali's latest release "Restless Heart," there was a school hall and a Shakespeare competition. He remembers the buzz.
“Performing at my school in front of a live audience was an extraordinary experience. I performed the original Shakespeare-inspired song I’d written on stage with a live band to a packed hall. There was something incredibly powerful about seeing people connect with a song that had come from my own thoughts and emotions. In that moment, I realised songwriting wasn’t just something I enjoyed, it was something I wanted to dedicate my life to.”
"Restless Heart" came from a similar emotional experience. “It was written at a real turning point in my life and in a significant relationship. It came from a place where I had to confront my own insecurities and accept the reality of my human nature. I’m not perfect, I wrestle with my own fears, doubts, and flaws like everyone else, but being able to transform those experiences into music makes all the difference. One of the things I love most about creating art is that it has the ability to meet people where they are. I never sit down with the intention of writing a song to heal someone, but if my music helps people feel understood or gives them hope as they navigate their own relationships, struggles, or personal journeys, then that’s an incredible gift.”
We asked Mihali how Sydney and his family and friends influence the his sound and lyrics.
“Sydney has shaped so much of who I am, but so has my Greek heritage. Growing up with strong family values, a rich cultural identity, and a deep appreciation for storytelling has had a huge influence on the way I write. Greek culture is full of passion, resilience, love, and heartache, and I think those themes naturally find their way into my songs.The people closest to me, my family, friendships, and relationships, have all helped shape my perspective and inspired many of the stories I tell through my music. My acoustic pop sound comes from wanting those stories to feel honest and personal. I want the lyrics to be at the centre of the song, allowing listeners to connect with the emotions, whether they’re experiencing love, loss, hope, or self-discovery in their own lives.”
Mihali's debut EP, "This Little Apple" has a fascinating story, having been recorded, produced, and filmed over in Indonesia. We asked what was it like stepping into that completely new environment to capture his first official body of work.
“Recording my first EP in Indonesia was an incredible experience. Being in a completely new environment pushed me outside my comfort zone, but I think that’s often where the best creative work happens. It gave me the opportunity to focus entirely on the music, free from the distractions of everyday life, and I came home with a body of work that I’m still really proud of. My background in drama definitely helped when it came to filming the music videos. Acting taught me how to connect with emotion, tell a story, and feel comfortable performing in front of a camera. Whether I’m acting or singing, it’s really about the same thing, being authentic enough for people to believe what you’re expressing. That experience gave me the confidence to bring the songs to life visually, not just musically.”
Since then he has been sharpening the tools. Mihali Notaras has grown as an artist and he's keen to extend further.
“Looking back, I think the biggest area of growth has been discovering my voice, both literally and creatively. Over the years, I’ve learned so much about what my voice is capable of. There are so many different dynamics, textures, and emotions it can express, and learning how to use those has been both eye-opening and incredibly rewarding. I’ve also been fortunate to work with a fantastic vocal coach, who I see every week. They’ve helped strengthen the natural qualities in my voice while encouraging me to explore new techniques and colours I didn’t know I had. As a songwriter, I’ve become more confident in trusting my instincts and writing from a place of honesty. I don’t feel the need to hide behind the music anymore, I want my songs to reflect who I really am, and I think Restless Heart is the strongest example of that so far.”
Mihali has a deep love for performing live and we asked him to describe the energy he gets from an audience when stepping on to the stage.
“Whether I’m performing with a full band or just an acoustic guitar, my goal is always the same, to create a genuine connection with the audience. I want people to feel like they’re part of the experience rather than just watching a performance. I love telling the stories behind my songs because it gives people a window into where they came from and why they matter. Once they understand that, the songs often take on a deeper meaning. I hope people leave feeling like they’ve shared something honest and real with me. I also believe live music should be enjoyable. There are moments that are intimate and reflective, but I love having fun on stage too. If the audience can laugh, sing along, feel something deeply, and walk away feeling just a little more connected than when they arrived, then I’ve done what I set out to do.”
When the tank is empty, he steps back. He reads. He lets ideas come to him instead of chasing them down the street.
“When life starts to feel overwhelming or my own “restless heart” needs a bit of balance, I try not to force creativity. I’ve learned that the best songs usually come when I’ve given myself the space to simply live. I spend a lot of time reading and listening to philosophy. One of the people who has had a significant influence on me is Alan Watts. His ideas have challenged the way I think about spirituality and encouraged me to keep growing on my own spiritual journey. I also find a lot of peace in the simple things, a good book, an inspiring podcast, or a walk in nature. Those moments help me feel grounded, nurtured, and present. Ironically, when I stop chasing creativity and allow myself to recharge, that’s often when the best ideas begin to surface.”
So what can fans expect next from Mihali for the remainder of 2026?
“Fans can definitely expect more music. I’m actually in the studio right now working on something extra special that I’m really excited to share with everyone. I’m also looking forward to getting back on stage and bringing these songs to life through more live performances. Performing has always been one of my favourite parts of being an artist, so I can’t wait to connect with people in that space again.The best way to keep up with my journey is through my social media and streaming platforms, where I’ll be sharing updates, new releases, and upcoming performances. There’s a lot more to come, and I’m excited to have everyone along for the ride.”
Listen to Mihali Notaras on Local Sounds
https://localsounds.com.au/song/mihali-notaras/restless-heart
SoundVerge Editorial
Independent music journalism
