Christos Makridakis was born in Athens, Greece, with deep roots in Rethymno, Crete. Raised in a musical family, he began playing the Laouto at the age of 10, strongly influenced by his family’s musical tradition, including his brother, Yiannis Makridakis, who plays the Cretan Lyra.
His first teacher was Petros Karpathakis, the legendary Laouto player from Chania. He later continued his studies with Yiannis Kaklis, the nephew of the renowned Manolis Kaklis. Christos attended the Musical School of Ilion, and at just 14 years old, he won first prize at the International Competition of Musical Schools in Greece, judged by the iconic composer and artist Mimis Plessas.
His professional career began at the age of 16, performing alongside his brother Yiannis Makridakis and various other artists. He later collaborated extensively with his teacher Yiannis Kaklis, performing at numerous events throughout Greece and internationally. A major highlight of his career was his long-term collaboration with the acclaimed artist Nikos Zoidakis, with whom he performed from 2016 to 2023.
Throughout his career, Christos has performed in numerous cities, international countries, television programs, and radio stations. During this period, he worked with prominent artists such as Yiannis Kapsalis, Matheos Tsahouridis, and Vassilis Karras, with whom he also co-composed a song.
His first step into discography came in 2010, with a CD titled “Eisai To Lathos Mou”, created together with his brother Yiannis Makridakis and also featuring Yiannis Kaklis playing Laouto in his songs. In 2019, Christos contributed two songs for Nikos Zoidakis, one of which became the title track of the album “Kravges.”
In addition to his performing and recording career, Christos has proudly taught multiple children how to play the Laouto, a role he continues to embrace. In 2023, he relocated to Canada, where he continues to perform in various cities, collaborating with artists from both Canada and Greece, while actively carrying forward the tradition of Cretan music.