Ukrainian singer TALINA on her songs: I want my songs to inspire strength, love, and self-respect in my listeners

TALINA is a Ukrainian singer who recently released her new song, "Ne Moya Vyna". Not long ago, she doubted whether her art mattered, but now she has realized her ability to inspire strength and self-confidence in people through her music. Her latest song tells the story of a warrior woman who can protect herself while preserving her warmth and tenderness. TALINA shared with Drive Music Media the journey of her music career, her new release, and the deeper meanings she weaves into her music.

Interviewer: How and when did your music career begin? What were your first steps in this field?

TALINA: My music career began when I started releasing my own songs. At first, I wasn’t confident in my work, but when the full-scale war began, I found the strength to believe in my music. It was a turning point for me – fear faded, and I started taking action. My debut song, “Vilna Mriya” (ed. – “Free Dream”), helped me spread my wings.

Interviewer: In December, you released "Ne Moya Vyna" (ed. "Not My Fault"). Tell us about this song – what meanings did you and your team embed in it, and how long did it take to create? Tell us about the songwriter.

TALINA: "Ne Moya Vyna" is about a warrior woman who builds her own boundaries, protects herself, and is her own source of support. At the same time, she remains warm and tender. The process of creating this song was heartfelt and intense. I collaborated with a songwriter to capture this story, and it became a meaningful piece for our team. It took months of dedication to perfect it, and I’m proud of the result.

Interviewer: Tell us about the symbolism in the cover art for "Ne Moya Vyna". How did the idea come about?

TALINA: The cover features a woman-warrior in armor, symbolizing strength, independence, and resilience. She represents the modern woman who builds her career while preserving her femininity and sensuality. The concept was created by the talented photographer Lina Ivanova, with whom I’ve worked closely.

Interviewer: Tell us about your debut song. What changes have you noticed in yourself as a singer since its release?

TALINA: My debut song, "Vilna Mriya", came out three years ago. Since then, I’ve undergone countless transformations, both personally and creatively. Back then, I was just learning to express myself through music. Now, I feel more confident in my voice and my ability to convey emotions through my songs.

Interviewer: You once mentioned that the song "Buryan" (ed. – "Weeds") represents a different side of you. It was also an experiment with a new sound. Tell us about this song.

TALINA: "Buryan" was an exciting experiment for me and my team. I wanted to explore something new in my voice and sound, and I even collaborated with a songwriter for the first time. The song resonated deeply with listeners, and it was a breakthrough moment in understanding my artistic potential.

Interviewer: Tell us about the process of creating the music video for "Vilna Mriya". Do you plan to shoot a video for "Ne Moya Vyna"?

TALINA: The music video for "Vilna Mriya" was an emotional journey. The first footage we shot was filled with pain, as it was filmed shortly after the full-scale war began. We weren’t emotionally ready, so we had to reshoot everything. The final result, however, was worth it. As for "Ne Moya Vyna", I would love to create a video, and I hope we can bring that idea to life soon.

Interviewer: How difficult is it to continue your career during the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by russia? What challenges have you faced as an artist in the music industry?

TALINA: It has been incredibly challenging. The emotional weight of the war, coupled with the financial difficulties of producing music, has made every step harder. However, I’ve learned to adapt. My music has become a way to process emotions and support others during these difficult times.

Interviewer: What projects are you working on right now?

TALINA: I’m currently working on a lyrical album. I can’t reveal the title yet, but we’re aiming to release it this year. I also have several unreleased songs waiting for their moment to shine.

Interviewer: If you had to describe your music in one word, what would it be? Why?

TALINA: "Empowerment". My songs are meant to inspire strength, love, and self-respect. I want my music to support people in their emotional journeys.

Interviewer: What is your mission as a singer?

TALINA: I want my songs to help people cope with both negative and positive emotions. After listening to my music, I hope they feel strength, love, and respect for themselves. My goal is for my songs to be a source of support and inspiration for my listeners.

Pictures were taken by Svitlana Selezniova