Hi everyone! I am SOWA, my career began in 2020. At the age of six, I had already begun to grow as a singer. My journey into music started when my parents enrolled me in vocal lessons. I participated in events that took place in Ukraine and overseas for over a decade. I participated in over 100 contests and earned over 60 music accolades. Before starting my career, I gained a lot of experience and I already felt confident on stage. For 4 years of my work, I already have about 17 songs, including the debut album "Vinyl" and two successful duets with top stars in Ukraine, and a well-known one abroad: a duet with the artist MELOVIN on the song "Secret Sign" and with the band " Skryabin" with current soloist Yurko Yurchenko on the song "Sorry". Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of war on my country, I founded the "Guardian Angel" charity fund and had a charity tour of Ukraine. These are just an iota of my achievements. 

The love for music runs in our family. It is like an inheritance that is passed down from generation to generation. My grandmother worked at a glass factory, and her voice echoed in its walls. Grandma often sang at work, and her colleagues were delighted to listen to her charming voice. My grandfather, my mother's father, was engaged in music. He had his own band, wrote songs, and was not just an author, but a musician. Music also accompanied my aunt throughout her life, she often performed commissioned songs on various holidays in the past. And my mother is my biggest support. She probably made me fall in love with music the most. After all, it was once her dream to become a singer, and today we are realizing this dream together because of me.

In my playlist, you can find performers of various genres: Frank Sinatra, Doja Cat, and Rammstein. Each stage of my life is accompanied by different artists. To date, my inspirations in music are the Maneskin band. And speaking of energy for the day, it's the songs of Doja Cat and the vinyl record of the song by the singer Shade, which I turn on in the morning on my vinyl player to charge up my energy for the day. 

At the beginning, my work contained meanings about love and had a love line between people. Even one song from my repertoire is dedicated to the topic of LGBT, about free love, and the right to love the one the heart calls to. With the arrival of a full-scale war in Ukraine, the theme of my songs changed from love songs to a more patriotic style. If earlier the songs were dedicated to a certain person, now from the beginning of the invasion, they are dedicated to my country. "Tears are my weapon", and "Spread my wings" contain the subtext of war, and the track "Home" is dedicated to my second home, Kherson. Although, despite the patriotic mood, I recently released a rather rebellious track "Durepa".

Yes, there were times when I felt certain doubts about entering the industry because of my identity. When starting a music career, it's hard not to pay attention to societal stereotypes and prejudices.

I had to learn to ignore those negative moments and focus on my talent and music. It's important to know who you are and not let others define your boundaries.

I started my solo career at the age of 16. This is a fairly standard age for starting creativity. But in reality, it turned out to be quite difficult to take the first steps in the music industry when you are only 16 years old….

The music industry is very competitive and it's hard to stand out among the many talented artists out there, but you just have to find your niche and target audience. For women, it can sometimes be even more difficult due to gender stereotypes and prejudices. I observed that in Ukrainian show business, there are more women artists than men, so it might be a little easier for them. In some cases, it is more difficult for me to find support and make connections in an industry dominated by family ties such as brothers, in-laws, best men, and friends.

Self-expression and character-building are key elements for an artist in the music industry. Defining your persona and style allows you to stand out and create a unique connection with your audience. I want to sing in hot pop-rock, I've already made up my mind about that. My style is not only music, but also visual image, manner of communicating with the audience, and stage behavior. Finding your own style is a process that requires experimentation and self-discovery, I'm still searching a little, but I'm already on the right path.

The full-scale war in Ukraine changed my vision of my own creativity. It amazed me how life's meaning can change and grow in an instant. What fascinates me about my music is how multifaceted it is. In my repertoire, there are quite a lot of songs of different genres, they have many perspectives that the listener can identify with. I have songs about war, depression, and freedom, both about deep love and frivolity. Drama and dance tracks. This is what amazes me every time - how much listeners can find in my songs.

The only thing that remains my constant source of strength is music. My favorite thing to do is to sit on the floor of my room and listen to songs, feeling how the energy goes to me from each note. 

It seems that even in the womb I felt that my life would be connected with the stage and the microphone. I didn't have a moment when I decided to become a singer, instead, there was a moment of realization: why can I NOT be a singer?.  I remember how this thought puzzled me. It happened in the ninth grade when it was time for exams, and all my peers were thinking only about where to enroll next. And for years I lived with the idea that I would enter a music institution, and this was my destiny. I didn't even think about the existence of other professions that I could try. My parents still support me fervently. Since childhood, my mother traveled with me to all music competitions, and my father eagerly awaited the videos of my performances and watched them several times. Music is the basis of my life. It is everywhere, even where we may not be aware.

Unexpected complexity of the creative process: Many people think that creating music is simple and easy. However, when it becomes a career, one can face challenges such as overcoming creative blocks and the constant need to create something new and fresh.

Audience interaction: One of the most rewarding aspects is seeing your music resonate with people, and how it touches their hearts and becomes a part of their lives. It can be extremely motivating and inspiring.

Self-development and growth: Continuous learning and development of skills such as playing instruments, vocals, or concerts is a constant challenge that brings satisfaction of personal and professional growth.

Even though I recently released a new track "Durepa", I've already started getting ready for the upcoming release, which takes place in the autumn. I have a lot of new songs coming out that listeners will enjoy. While I haven't started planning the album itself, I can say that I have a tonne of demo versions of songs that I've collected—enough to make many mini-albums out of them.

Social media is a powerful tool for every artist today. This is a free platform that can be used by everyone, where artists can present themselves to listeners, the media and show business in general. I consider it a sin not to use the power of social networks when they can become a real platform for success. My social networks are my portfolio, where everyone can get to know me just by looking at my profile. In fact, in show business, your status in social networks is often taken into account. Media is important for your number of reach and subscribers. So I advise artists to develop their social networks because they will also be useful and open up opportunities. For me, social networks are a way to express myself and communicate with my subscribers.

Collaborating with famous musicians can help raise awareness and inspire new creative ideas. They can be both modern stars and legends of the music scene who inspire me. This summer I visited the large-scale Open'er festival, where very famous artists performed. The band Maneskin was one of them. I have practically every song from the band on my playlist, which I love! I find them so fascinating because of their rebelliousness and musical freedom. Indeed, given my preference for pop-rock music and how I now view my work among global artists, I would most certainly want to perform a duet with Maneskin!

For me as an artist, it is crucial that music exudes vitality. I frequently listen to my songs or those of other musicians to experience the energy they convey. I want my music to give people energy that will benefit them. My songs will teach them about their own stories, and the melodies will arouse deep emotions in them. 

Openness to your audience in music and communication. 

The biggest difficulty in writing songs is finding what people need right now. This applies to both the meaning of the music and its sound. It is important to be able to combine the wishes and requests of listeners with your own.

The greatest reward for me as an artist is the feedback from listeners. When I release songs, I need to get feedback and understand that my music is needed. When I receive messages of support from listeners about how much they love a track, that they listen to it multiple times, and how close they feel to the song or my work - it means a lot to me! At such moments, I feel that my music is needed, and if my music is needed, then I have to continue my creativity, and it's all for good reason.

Happiness is the ability to rejoice not only in the rainbow but also the ability to find joy in the storm. And also, for me, happiness is a feeling of security and peace. Music just gives me a certain sense of security. Music is my safe place for my own feelings. 

If my premieres at the beginning of the war had serious messages, then the latest release is about a summer vibe and easily falling in love. The next premiere will be related to one large-scale project in Ukraine. This project is gaining popularity worldwide. Follow me on social media, where I will let you know about future releases!

Be involved in your copyright and legal affairs from the start. Learn slowly but surely to be educated about what documents you are signing.

Do not wait until you are called somewhere to give an interview, sing, or shoot a joint video. Take matters into your own hands and knock on everyone's door. He who knocks will always be opened. 

Networking is important. Be open to dating. Support your colleagues in the industry and be involved in communication. People love to be noticed, and they will notice you in return. 

For me personally, this term is about supporting women in their aspirations, in the fight against discrimination. The main goal is to help women feel strong and independent. 

Don't lose your individuality and don't go for «formality"

My style is dominated by dark shades, mostly classic black and brown, and I also love red. If you describe my style, then its basis refers to grunge: leather, black, and metal elements. Femininity and sexuality are also present in the images in the form of corsets, open necklines, and heels.

And I also love loose clothes: huge jackets, shirts and pants-pipes or flares.

I am inspired by the styles of Jena Ortega, and Lady Gaga. In general, I do not have such a tendency to be inspired by someone alone, inspiration can come suddenly, from anyone, the main thing is to "grab it by the tail" and use it. I am inspired by images in a more dark tone, they have the character of rock or elegance.

TikTok has also been a source of inspiration because there you can often find beautiful girls with cool images in recommendations not just females but also male images also becomes a source of inspiration for me from where I draw ideas for myself and not just images of celebrities.

If 20-year-old Sowa had the opportunity to address my younger self, I would tell her:

"You always thought that you should take an example from adults. But now, when I'm 20, I take an example from my little self." I would advise myself to try less to be a good girl and not be afraid to show myself. Believe in yourself. Over the years, we are affected by traces of other people, their fears, and experiences. We become more withdrawn, and we can move away from our true essence. 

Therefore, I would remind myself to remain open to the world, but at the same time learn to defend myself and express my own opinion."

I believe that the best secret of beauty for everyone is the preservation of their own nerve cells and quality sleep!

Yes, there is something I would like to add. I always emphasize the importance of supporting each other, especially in difficult times like now. Music can be a powerful tool for bringing people together and communicating important messages. Therefore, I urge all my listeners not to lose faith in themselves and their dreams, to support each other, and to find strength in music and creativity.

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