iLO

Talented Singer-Songwriter

Who are your inspirations? (as in other band or artists)

Sade, Michael Bolton, FINK, Sting, 30 Seconds to Mars.

When did you first start singing?

When I was as young as 6 - I was writing poetry and short stories that later turned into lyrics and full songs, but I didn’t begin singing professionally until my twenties.

What did your family do to encourage you?

Telling my parents that I want to quit university and my daytime job to pursue music was challenging - my grandmother has been my biggest supporter ever since I sang at home with a hairbrush but it took time for the rest of my family to come fully onboard. When they saw me perform with a full band onstage at a sold-out show, I think they accepted and celebrated my choice and have been very encouraging and proud from then on.

Who else in your family sings?

Noone, I don’t come from a musical background - my mum is in the medical field and my dad was a journalist and a writer. But I knew I’d be a singer for as long as I can remember.

Who are your musical inspirations?

Life, my friends, relationships, mental health and self-discovery.

What kind of music do you listen to today?

I love the 80s, classic rock, country-rock. Today I’m listening to Chris Stapleton, HALSEY, The Neighbourhood, Imagine Dragons, Billie Elish, Sting, and Sade.

What embarrassing songs might I find on your playlist?

Some colourful euro-pop from the 90s, the whole Spice Girls collection (which I dont think is embarrassing, I’ve loved them forever), and a song by Dan Balan called Chica Bomb that was too catchy to escape my mind.

Where would you most like to perform? Headline show at the O2 Arena in London.

Who would you most like to open for?

Michael Bolton! I’d also love to tour with Maren Morris, Ryan Tedder / One Republic, and James Bay.

If you weren’t singing, what would you be doing?

I honestly would be quite lost, I only ever imagined being a performer. I studied foreign languages (German and Russian) and I love psychology, so maybe along the lines of an interpreter or a therapist but nothing would bring as much happiness as music does.

Do you play any instruments?

I compose some of my melodies on piano, but voice is my main instrument.

If you could dabble in another genre of music, what would it be?

I’d love to write and perform toplines for trance/dance/EDM music. My favourites will be Above and Beyond.

What genre of music can’t you stand to listen to?

I respect and like all genres, but not the hugest reggae fan - although I think reggae brings a beautifully happy and relaxing vibe. A great song is a great song, regardless of the style.

What hidden talents do you have?

I write comic stories in my native Bulgarian, have done it for years. My childhood friends and I were lucky to spent many summers on holiday together in a little Bulgarian seaside resort and after each holiday, I’d fly back to the UK and immortalize our crazy and funny memories into mini books.

Do you enjoy writing music and/or lyrics?

Absolutely love it, it’s the ultimate therapy and release. It’s wonderful to put feelings into words andcreate something that others can embrace and gain love from.

How can fans-to-be gain access to your music?

https://www.reverbnation.com/ilonatmusic

https://www.instagram.com/ilonatmusic

https://www.twitter.com/ilonatmusic

https://www.facebook.com/ilonatmusic

https://www.youtube.com/user/ilonatmusic