Olga Bolotaeva: From Cover Songs to Golden Time Talent

Olga Bolotaeva is a Ukrainian singer-songwriter whose main professional background was in the field of economics, but her love for music never left her. It all began with cover songs, and over time she wrote her first original song.

A key milestone in her career was participating in the British talent competition Golden Time Talent. Olga shared insights about her work in economics, her first song, and her experience with Golden Time Talent with Drive Music Media.

Interviewer: How and when did your journey in music begin? What draws you to this field?

Olga: My journey in music began in childhood — with my first attempts to sing for myself and for those close to me.

Music has always been a space where I could be honest, vulnerable, and true. Over time, I realized that through sound and words, I could express my feelings and thoughts most fully.

Interviewer: You spent a long time in another field — economics. How difficult was it to follow your heart?

Olga: It wasn’t easy. Economics offered stability, clear boundaries, and predictability. Music, on the other hand, is full of risk and uncertainty. The hardest part was allowing myself to choose what felt true rather than what seemed “right.” Over time, my inner voice became louder than my fear, and I realized that otherwise, I would simply stop being myself.

Interviewer: Tell us about your first original song. When did you feel ready to create your own music?

Olga: My first original song was born very sincerely, even naively. At some point, I realized that performing other people’s stories was no longer enough — there was too much personal experience inside me. Readiness didn’t come from confidence but from a need to express myself. It was a moment of honesty with myself.

Interviewer: Tell us about participating in Golden Time Talent. What was the most difficult and the easiest part?

Olga: The most difficult part was managing nerves and responsibility — the stage always exposes you. The easiest part, surprisingly, was simply being myself. This project became an important step in accepting myself as a singer and artist and confirmed that I am in the right place.

Interviewer: Is there a song that will never see the light of day? Why?

Olga: There are songs that are too personal. They were written not for the audience, but for healing. Such compositions stay with me — like a diary that wasn’t meant to be shared.

Interviewer: What projects are you working on right now?

Olga: Currently, I am actively working on a new original song, experimenting with sounds and lyrics. I am also focusing on live performances and collaborations, which allow me to explore new facets of myself.

Interviewer: Which of your songs holds a special meaning for you? Why?

Olga: The song that is most special to me is Piu cie poi, in which I fully accepted myself for the first time. It became a turning point within me and a symbol of personal freedom.

Interviewer: Tell us about live performances. What kinds of situations do you face during concerts?

Olga: Live performances are always unpredictable: technical issues, the audience’s emotional reactions, and your own state of mind. But that’s exactly the magic — a genuine connection with listeners that cannot be faked.

Interviewer: What mission do you carry as a singer and songwriter? Why this particular mission?

Olga: My mission is to help people feel and not fear their emotions through music. I believe that sincerity heals, and music can be a source of support in many different moments of life.

Interviewer: Which word do you associate with your own music? Why that word?

Olga: I associate my music with the word honesty. Because there are no roles or masks in it — only real emotions and true stories.

The interview was written by Asya Radko. Pictures were provided by Olga Bolotaeva