Meet Yana

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Yana. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Yana below.

Yana, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?
It certainly comes from my father. As a kid I was a huge pessimist and he kept telling me not to take the life so seriously. I have no idea where and when it clicked in my head but it did and these days I am enjoying life much more with the positive outlook on things. Even when things are tough I always try to see the brighter side, have the belief in better outcome. And it seems this attitude has a positive impact on my friends too. One of them told me that my company has a way better effect on her than any anxiety medication. So I must really be doing the right thing somewhat.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am a singer/songwriter based in the Czech Republic, central Europe even though my heart is in Ireland. That connection started twenty years ago and generally developed into a home away from home, my happy place. I wanted to move over for a long time before realizing I don’t actually need to do that in order to know deep down where I truly belong. I think we all have a place like that, whether we were born there and live there or not. It doesn’t matter. Your heart knows the truth.

I see it as a pure coincidence that most of my musical influences are from Ireland. For me it’s more about the meaning of the songs, trying to communicate something. And people who inspire me do the same. I personally don’t like to be put in a box but reviewers often describe my music as atmospheric folk with Celtic influence. That would do nicely.
These are songs where you have to read between the lines to get to the bottom of it, to the true meaning. You wouldn’t be listening to these songs just in the backround.
What is so special about being a songwriter? In my opinion we are fortunate to have a gift. A gift of expression. We have an ability to say things we are not often able to say otherwise so we put it in the song. An artist is simply driven by the force of creativity. It is who we are and this cannot be taken away.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
The three important qualitites throughout my artistic journey have been determination, passion and resilience. To be an artist is not for the weak, it needs a tough skin because you face rejection on daily basis yet you have to learn not to let this discourage you from your dreams. Therefore, my advice for someone early on their journey is to follow your dreams no matter what. It will not be easy but it is a very rewarding journey you cannot find anywhere else. Everything that happens along the way is a lesson. Good or bad, everything is part of the game and gives you something to move forward.
You have only one life to live. This life is yours so no regrets!

Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
As most of fellow artists will tell you, money is a big issue. People have no idea how expensive it is to record and release music. But also, how difficult it actually is to get someone to listen to your music. The market is so overcroded and we all have to fight for our place. As a good friend and fellow musician pointed out recently, we are swimming in the same waters in the end, no matter who you are. But once again, I try to see the positive side of things. Quality over quantity for me. I would rather release one new thing in ten years than something of low quality every week.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
featured photo – Martin Winzisch photo with the beach in the backround – Dave Keegan with the twelve string guitar – Daithi Rua playing outside – The Hills Mover holding the CD – Milan Tesar

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