1Congratulations on your LIT Music Awards achievement! Could you share more about your journey and background in the music industry?
I come from a classical piano and pop singer-songwriter background. During my teenage years, I participated in many international singing competitions and won several awards (including Berliner Perle, Open Europe, and Lloret De Mar). Later, I decided to pursue a career in music composition.
In 2024, I completed my MA in Composing Music for Film at the National Television School, UK. My work includes scoring the BAFTA-winning student game There Was Once a Home, the Student Academy Award finalist The Undertakers, and Harvest — featured in The Guardian and a winner at the Kerry International Film Festival. Since graduating, I’ve been working full-time as a film and media composer. I also recently released a solo piano concept album titled Book of Dreams!
2How do you see this recognition influencing your future music?
This recognition truly gives me a boost of confidence to keep doing what I love. I’m passionate about exploring dark, hybrid, and experimental music styles — and I hope these awards open up even more opportunities in that direction.
3What's the moment you first realized music was your calling? Can you describe it?
My parents say they couldn’t stop my crying from birth — apparently, I already liked the sound of my own voice! I remember spending hours on the garden swing at our summer house (I was 5 or 6 years old), making up random song melodies. I think I always knew music was my emotional language, but I didn’t give it a proper chance until later. After trying out careers in sales and marketing, I became certain that music was the only path that truly made sense for me.
4What's the most unusual source of inspiration you've drawn from while creating your music?
My kids inspire me in the most extravagant ways. Sometimes I let them bash on the piano or synth, press “record,” and just see what happens. I recently created a beat out of random bicycle sounds. I get inspired easily, and I’m genuinely grateful for that.
5Do you have any quirky rituals or habits when you're composing or recording?
I love essential oils and truly believe that scent can influence thought processes and mood. I make my own blends and use them on my hands and neck when I work. I especially love Vetiver and Cedarwood, as well as Rose, Jasmine, and Ylang Ylang.
6How would you describe your creative process? Is it more of a jazz jam session or a perfectly orchestrated symphony?
Definitely a jam session — one where it’s everyone’s first time.
7How do you want people to feel or experience when they hear your music?
We live in a world where people are becoming desensitized in so many ways. More than ever, I want my music to make people feel something deeply. I want it to be alive, imperfect, and unpredictable.
8What's one risk you took with your music that completely changed your career path?
With Tapeworm, I recorded an 18-piece orchestra at the prestigious AIR Studios in London — which was quite an investment — and then I deliberately destroyed it, distorted the recording, and ran it through filters. I’ve never treated something so beautifully recorded in such a brutal way. It was a risk, but within the raw and gritty context of the film, it made perfect sense.
9What's the song or artist that first made you fall in love with music, and why?
The first song I remember falling in love with was Eternal Flame by The Bangles. I don’t know why — I just remember how it felt. Later came Shakira, Christina Aguilera, and Gwen Stefani.
10What's one moment in your career that you consider a turning point, and how did it shape your journey?
My career as a composer is just starting, and I am really excited for the journey ahead.
11If you could describe your award-winning work in a single sentence, what would it be?
Lots of sliding trombones against a rough, distorted orchestra — synth snakes occasionally sliced by an electric guitar.
12What was the most challenging part of creating this piece, and how did you push through?
The biggest challenge was the time pressure. But I had a strong support team, and that helped me get through it.
13What upcoming music project or album are you currently working on, or is there a new genre or style you’ve yet to explore but are eager to try?
Right now, I’m working on a joint Baltic production — a feature film called Meie Erika, directed by Academy Award (student) gold winner German Golub. The film is full of racing scenes, and the score is going to be really crazy.
14If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be, and what would the vibe of your track together be?
Ariana Grande. I’m not sure what the vibe would be — maybe another pop album? I absolutely adore her voice and creativity. I think we could come up with something really wild together.
15How would you inspire fellow musicians to participate in music awards, and what valuable advice would you share to guide their journey?
I see awards as a way to get your music out there — to give it a chance to be heard by experienced people in the industry. You never know who might hear it. Even if you don’t win, you’re still putting your name into the world and building your presence.
