Building a sustainable career in music often means navigating uncertainty, reinvention, and cultural shifts. For Ukrainian-born, Stockholm-based singer-songwriter Iana Kovalova, the journey has been shaped by all three.
Her journey stretches from Dnipro in central Ukraine to songwriting camps in the Nordics, as well as national TV competitions and international show productions. But beneath it all lies a simple foundation: confidence, kindness, and responsibility.
From History Books to Studio Sessions
Originally from Dnipro, Iana didn’t set out to become a full-time musician. She studied history and imagined a future in a completely different field. “I never planned to be a musician full-time,” she says. “But I was always singing, always performing. And my mother is a singer, so music was always present.”
The plan for the future changed when she moved to Kyiv and began collaborating with musicians in studios, slowly realizing that songwriting and performing could be more than a passion. A turning point came when she participated in The Voice of Ukraine, reaching the knockout stage. The show opened doors, introduced her to industry professionals, and led to new songwriting opportunities. “It was a whirlwind,” she recalls. “It brought me contacts and people started asking me to write songs.”
Later, after moving to Sweden, she competed in Idol, reaching the Top 20 and gaining insight into the Swedish music industry.
The Reality of Freelance
Today, she works as a freelance songwriter and performer, writing directly for artists and shows. The freedom is invaluable – but so is the unpredictability.
“It’s either many, many things at one time, or nothing,” she explains. “And when nothing happens, you start doubting yourself.”
For Iana, the key has been understanding that fluctuation is part of creative life.
“You have to realize that this is the nature of the job,” she says. “Focus on what grounds you, and take the projects that come as a gift to your creative self.”
Professionalism, however, is non-negotiable.
“If you promise a deadline, you have to deliver. There are many people involved, and that’s your responsibility.”
Challenges and Principles for Moving Forward
Like many artists, Iana has faced auditions that didn’t lead to roles and songwriting briefs that didn’t align. Her perspective on setbacks is simple:
“Some puzzles are just not coming together,” she says. “It doesn’t mean you are a bad puzzle. You can be the right person, just not for that specific vision.
Learning to separate personal identity from professional outcomes has been one of her biggest growth points. Confidence, she believes, is essential in this industry.
When asked what advice she would give emerging musicians, her response is immediate:
“Again, believe in yourself, be kind and be responsible. I think that’s the key.”
She continues: “Find confidence, because nothing will come out from doubting yourself. So if you choose this path, you have to walk it. Second of all, be kind to the people around you and try to understand them because it’s a very emotionally-loaded industry. And of course be open-minded and a responsible human being”
These principles, she believes, are what make people want to work with you again, and what, ultimately, makes you successful in the industry.
Looking Ahead
After completing her Master’s degree in Creative Music Production at Novia University of Applied Sciences in collaboration with Musikmakarna, and contributing to international productions, Iana’s focus is now on meaningful collaborations and continued growth.
“My dream is to have more valuable projects and go to the bigger level,” she says. “And I believe if you work for it, everything is possible.”
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