Over the last three years, Leena (Tsvetelina Lazova) has given us many signs that something bigger is coming – and now it's finally here. Labyrinth of the Subconscious is a short and homogeneous album whose digital premiere will soon be followed by a limited edition vinyl release, confirming our impression that, for Leena, the best is really yet to come. So Called Crew play an important part in this project. Leena's voice was also featured on Evgeni Enchev-Gena's album Vacuum, which was released last year. She describes herself as "honest, free-spirited, a bohemian at heart, at times too self-critical, but always ready for an adventure or new experiences," and we spoke to her about her voice, style, and the things that have influenced and inspired her path so far.
What were your earliest musical influences and how did they evolve over time?
I was 2-3 years old when my parents sensed that I was passionate about singing and being on stage. I probably haven't stopped singing in the car since I was that age, all my friends can confirm this. I have had all kinds of different musical influences over the years. Because of my brother, I grew up with Dr. Dre, 50 Cent, Justin Timberlake, lots of R&B. Then I got into house music, dubstep, again an awful lot of R&B, plus a lot of neo-soul, funk. All of this affected the songs I write.
I started to find my own voice when I entered the master class at Voice Academy, which is when I got more serious about making music, I spent four years there. When I was at university in England, I could already feel the direction I wanted to go in. Maybe because I had some distance from the environment here and I also could collaborate with many different artists from my program. I also felt very free to experiment, which wasn't the case here.
Above all, the pandemic took from me the opportunity to perform live and interact with people, this happened to many artists. I found it very difficult to not be able to travel, because that's when inspiration really strikes me. However, this period also gave me immensely valuable things such as the time to reflect and create, time for acceptance and awareness. When you're faced with this kind of situation, it takes a lot of mental effort to deal with it, to accept it and get something good out of it.
What inspires you and what allows you to be at your most creative?
I find inspiration in everything – emotional and spiritual experiences, interesting and deep conversations, dreams, fantasies, and most of all travel. Even if I just go somewhere for the weekend, I automatically feel recharged and inspired. Sitting still destroys me, I can't do it for very long. The environment and the atmosphere I'm in are very important to me. I can't create if I don't feel at ease in my environment or if I'm very anxious about something. I often meditate to calm my mind because it NEVER stops analyzing everything.
Is there an autobiographical element to your lyrics or do they represent your alter ego?
A little bit of both, for sure. But the autobiographical element is slightly more dominant, because I need to share, and the best way to do it is through my lyrics and music.
For me, this is the best and most complete way to create, I will always choose it if I have the option. It just allows your creative energies to merge, the process is much more natural and homogeneous.
Who are some of the artists you wish you could work with?
If you're asking about foreign artists, perhaps my greatest wish over the last few years is to get to work with Frank Ocean and Tyler the Creator. It still sounds so unreal to me, I could barely write it down (laughs).
Do you have a ritual before a performance – a secret ingredient, preparation, mantra, or something else?
Before I go on stage, I avoid meeting the people who have come to see me. I do that because everyone brings their own energy and mood, some are excited to see you, some are worried about something, some are in a bad mood, something happened right before they arrived. These feelings all weigh on me, and I don't want to think about anything other than my performance right then. After the concert is over, I can't wait to talk to everyone who took the time to come see me perform.
She enjoys life in every sense of the word. If I'm not working, I'm off somewhere with friends or the person I love, I go for walks or I just take time for myself at home.
What's the last song you hummed to yourself?
Lite Weight by Anderson Paak.
When do you find it easiest or most difficult to follow yourself?
Some days are easier than others. When I find it difficult to follow myself, I take a piece of paper and a pen, and I write down everything I love about myself, and everything I am grateful for. I am glad that it has gotten easier for me to stand my ground, and I am working hard to make this a permanent feature of my life.
This interview is part of the #followmyself series, which is supported by Fashion Days.