Your music often combines different genres. Can you tell us about your creative process when composing a new piece?

My creative process is like a journey—I let the music guide me wherever it wants to go. I draw inspiration from the surrounding world—from people, nature, and often from random fragments of conversations. Sometimes a melody comes first, sometimes words, but most often it’s the emotions that drive me to create. I enjoy playing with various genres because it allows me to express myself fully. I’m not bothered by the mixing of folk with pop or jazz. I believe music has no boundaries, only the limitations we impose on sound. I let each piece of music grow and develop on its own, and I never force it into a specific direction. Sometimes I’m very surprised by what turns out and how these songs choose to be created.

Musicians often say it's easier to write music about personal struggles and unhappy love. How about you? What inspires you to write music?

Life itself is an inspiration. Yes, I’ve had difficult times, and they often find their way into my music, but more often my song lyrics reflect the love events of the people around me. I draw inspiration from both joyful events, warmth, and love, as well as sad, heart-wrenching experiences. Songs often serve as a diary, recording the emotions and experiences that have shaped me. Although struggles can be a powerful motivator, I strive to write about everything that influences me.

You are an artist with a rich experience, and your career has been diverse and successful. What has been the most challenging part of your music journey?

Hmm… Perhaps the greatest challenge has been not losing my voice amid all the influences and demands that come with choosing this profession. It’s easy to get lost in criticism from others and fall into a sea of despair, but I always try to remember why I am involved in music in the first place. I have something to say, and I am heard in the most mysterious ways. I often don’t realize how significant a role I can play in someone’s life. I sincerely wish the best for my listeners and try to incorporate that into my music, not hiding the pain. I sing about what is relevant to my life. Being authentic, staying true to myself—that’s what I consider my greatest challenge and achievement.

Throughout your career, you have collaborated with many artists. Can you share a memorable collaboration and how it might have influenced your music or perspective on life?

One very interesting collaboration was with a blind girl; her ability to sing and perform is from another world. I admire her zest for life, her desire to act and accomplish. Another vivid memory is working with musician IGO, with whom I have spent countless hours on stage, and I hope we continue doing that. We complement each other with jokes and musical material. I really enjoy working in the recording studio with different artists; it’s a pleasure when they seek advice and want to collaborate with me. I should also mention that one of the most unforgettable collaborations was with the band “Ārzemnieki,” where I was a member. From the outside, we looked like the best of friends, but behind the scenes, unpleasant things were happening. Now that is behind me, but I’ve learned a lot from that experience, and I think it has partly shaped how I perform, work in music, and build collaborations. I carefully evaluate who to work with and who is better suited for just friendship.

If you had to introduce yourself with one of your songs, which would it be and why?

It’s hard to choose just one song because my facets lead me down different musical paths. If I had to choose one and perform it live, it would be "Kur mēs mīļi runājām" (Where We Tenderly Spoke). This song best reflects my attitude towards life—“Where we tenderly spoke, there bloom white clover, where we quarrelled fiercely, the earth cracked open.” The song’s lyrics use Latvian folk songs and speak about mutual respect, that in life, people will treat you as you treat them, so be kind. This song has a jazzy intro, then a verse, a catchy chorus, and a good message. If it’s still in my head after a concert, then something was done right. It’s a song that always brings me back to my roots and makes me grateful for everything that has been and what is yet to come.

If you could go back in time when you were a little girl, what advice would you give yourself?

I would tell myself: "Don’t be afraid to dream big, and don’t listen to those who say you can’t do something. Be brave and follow your heart, even if the path looks tough." I would also say that it’s okay to be sensitive and emotional because it makes you stronger and more genuine. Overall, I’m quite satisfied with my life. I’m shaping it so that the world is a better place to live in after me.

Many of your fans know that you also work as a Doctor Clown, but perhaps some may not have noticed. Tell us how you started your work as Dr. Clown and what you enjoy most about it?

My hobby job as Dr. Clown gives me the opportunity to do good for others. I started this path because I thought I could help in hospitals. And that’s exactly what happens. Now that I’m there, I feel like it’s my place. I just enter the room and change its atmosphere and emotions. The work is not easy, but I try not to carry it into my daily life outside the hospital. I think that music and my charming humor have a place in the hospital and can have a healing power. I love seeing how a smile can change someone’s day, how a simple joke or song can make someone forget their pain or fears. It’s a job that fulfills me and gives a deeper meaning to my life.

You have performed in various places around the world. Besides Latvia, which country do you enjoy returning to the most?

Although I’m currently preparing for a tour in America, I must say that I always really enjoy returning to Canada. There’s something special—maybe it’s the warmth of the people, the beautiful nature, or the love of music that prevails there. I feel at home in Canada, and performing there is always a joy. However, I love Latvia the most and wish to live and work here, bringing joy to others. I am grateful for the opportunities life has given me to perform across the globe, but you know? There’s no place like home! My heart’s home is Latvia.

Can you share an awkward situation that happened during a concert or backstage?

Ah, there have been so many different situations, haha! Probably the most interesting for the audience would be that in high-stress situations, something happens with my legs. I’ve injured my calves in various ways—accidentally slipping down stage stairs and tearing a large chunk of flesh, but I still went on to perform before heading to the hospital. A classic scenario is losing power during a concert, and suddenly my microphone and all sound go out. The room is large, but I just sang acoustically, eventually involving the audience, turning the mishap into a memorable moment!

Public figures face both compliments and criticism. How do you respond to criticism? Does it motivate you or bring you down?

I try to view criticism as an opportunity to grow, though I carefully evaluate from whom I’m receiving it—what they have achieved themselves, or if the feedback comes from jealousy or competition. Sometimes it can be painful to read comments, but I choose not to do it because there’s already enough sadness in this world without losing my positivity. I believe criticism can be very valuable if it comes from a place where people genuinely want to help you. If it’s not constructive, I simply set it aside and focus on what I do well.

What types of events do you most frequently attend?

I love attending festivals where I can see and hear various artists from different genres. I enjoy intimate concerts where you can feel a close connection with the performing artist. If that connection doesn’t form, I sometimes leave. It’s important for me to attend cultural events that inspire and enrich my creative spirit. I also enjoy spending time with friends, whether relaxing together or visiting a museum.

Could you tell our readers about your upcoming plans? Are you working on a new single, album, or any special concert?

I am currently working on my second solo album “SPĒLES” (GAMES), with plans to release it in the spring of 2025. There’s so much to do as I prepare additional content to accompany the album. I realize that I need to finish and record the music in time. The spark of music ignites in me every second; I just need to control that fire. I can hint that this fall (most likely in October) my first bittersweet single “Ej prom” (Go Away) will be released, which combines the influence of global stars like Ed Sheeran and Adele on me. This song was created a year and a half ago, and it has been sitting in my email for a year now, finally ready to reach my listeners’ ears. I hope it will be useful in various life situations. There are many concerts planned for August, but I’ll spend September touring in America—Boston, New York, Minneapolis, Washington, Los Angeles, Seattle, Denver, and Chicago. There’s a lot of work to be done, but overall, I can’t wait. After that, I’ll have concerts in Latvia, work on the music for the 2025 Children and Youth Song and Dance Festival at Arena Riga dance performance, a concert in Dubai, and then national holidays. There’s much to do, just need to grab it and move forward. I am truly grateful that fate has given me this life. Thank you to all my supporters; I appreciate you! Follow my social media for news, though forgive me if they come a bit late. Cheers! Have a sparkling day!