We recently connected with Ewelina Borkowska and have shared our conversation below.
Ewelina, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
Developing confidence and self-esteem has been a significant journey for me, rooted in both personal experiences and my career as a singer-songwriter. Growing up, I always had big dreams of writing songs and performing them on a big stage, but I often struggled with self-doubt and insecurities. Despite my passion, I didn’t believe I was good enough to pursue this path.
The turning point came during the Covid-19 pandemic. Like many, I was confronted with the fragility of life and realized how precious our time is. This realization pushed me to seize the opportunity and finally chase my dreams, despite the immense fear I felt. I put all my cards on my passion for music, and this decision marked the beginning of a transformative journey.
When I released my debut solo album, ‘Set In Stone,’ on December 21, 2021, it was a leap of faith. The album, with its pop/rock genre and tracks like ‘Scattered Dreams,’ ‘Fear,’ and ‘Imagine,’ is a reflection of my journey towards self-acceptance and courage. The message I aim to convey through my music is one of believing in one’s abilities and embracing emotions, even the difficult ones.
Winning awards, such as the ISSA Silver Award for International Songwriter of the Year and the ISSA Bronze Award for International Single of the Year, has been incredibly affirming. These achievements, along with the support and recognition from wonderful, talented people I’ve met along the way, have boosted my confidence.
Currently, I’m working on my next album, which continues to explore themes of self-acceptance, especially in relationships. Each song I create, like ‘Warrior,’ ‘I’m Not Jealous,’ and ‘Crown,’ is a testament to the journey of building self-esteem and finding self-worth.
The positive reception of my music on international radio stations and the accolades I’ve received have reinforced my belief in my capabilities. However, I understand that confidence and self-esteem are not destinations but ongoing journeys. I focus on the progress I’ve made and strive to inspire others through my music, hoping they too can find the courage to pursue their dreams and believe in themselves.
In summary, my confidence and self-esteem have grown through embracing my passion, taking risks despite fears, and continuously working towards my goals while celebrating every step of the journey.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
As a singer-songwriter, my primary aim is to uplift others and show my listeners that there is always a way out, even from the most difficult situations. My music is a reflection of my journey and personal experiences, and I strive to inspire people to follow their dreams and believe in themselves.
My first album, Set In Stone, released on December 21, 2021, is a deeply personal project that concentrates on overcoming insecurities and struggling with self-doubt. Through songs like ‘Scattered Dreams,’ ‘Fear,’ and ‘Imagine,’ I tell my own story, reminding myself—and hopefully my listeners—that we are enough just the way we are, imperfections and all. I hope my songs inspire others to embrace their true selves and pursue their passions, no matter the obstacles.
Currently, I am working on my second album, which is due to be released in a few months. This album is equally inspiring but in a different way. It will be dedicated to survivors of narcissistic abuse, as I am one of them. I want to release songs that help others heal from the trauma they have experienced, showing them that there is a happy ending and that pain can be a powerful trampoline to self-love and personal growth. Some people come into our lives to stay, while others teach us valuable lessons.
The first single from this upcoming album, “Warrior,” encapsulates this message beautifully. The lyrics—”I’m a warrior, nothing’s gonna bring me down. I’m a warrior. I have been to hell and back. I’m a warrior, so strong, so alive, don’t you dare try to stop me now”—summarize the strength and resilience I want to convey.
With the release of my second album, I have decided to change my artist name to Everay. Everay encapsulates a perfect blend of meaning and personal significance. The “Ever” in Everay not only reflects the beginning of my original name but also symbolizes “time”—the most precious gift we have, aside from love and hope. The “Ray” signifies a “ray of sunshine,” embodying my mission to bring joy, upliftment, and strength through my music.
Beyond my music, I want my brand to be a beacon of hope and inspiration for anyone going through tough times. I believe in the power of music to heal and transform lives, and I am committed to creating art that resonates with and uplifts my audience. Keep an eye out for my new album and singles, as I continue to share my journey and connect with listeners around the world.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on my journey as a singer-songwriter, I’ve come to appreciate the interconnected nature of the lessons I’ve learned and the advice I have to offer to those starting their own paths.
One of the most significant revelations has been understanding the impact of toxic influences and manipulative behaviors on self-esteem. Learning to recognize these dynamics has been crucial in safeguarding my mental well-being and navigating relationships more wisely. It’s essential for newcomers to educate themselves early on about toxic behaviors, enabling them to surround themselves with supportive influences that foster growth and positivity.
Additionally, my journey has been profoundly shaped by the guidance and mentorship I received while working closely with a singing teacher. Beyond refining my vocal techniques, these interactions provided me with invaluable encouragement and constructive feedback. Embracing mentorship in any field can offer newcomers not only technical skills but also a foundation of confidence and resilience, enabling them to push past self-doubt and explore their full potential.
Above all, cultivating self-belief and resilience has been paramount. I’ve learned firsthand the importance of viewing setbacks and failures not as roadblocks, but as opportunities for learning and growth. This mindset shift has been instrumental in overcoming challenges and achieving both personal and professional milestones. My advice to those beginning their journeys is to foster a daily practice of self-belief, celebrating even small victories and using setbacks as stepping stones toward improvement.
In summary, my journey as a singer-songwriter has underscored the transformative power of understanding toxic influences, embracing mentorship, and cultivating resilience. These principles have not only shaped my musical career but also enriched my approach to life, instilling a mindset of continuous growth and creativity. By integrating these lessons into their own paths, newcomers can establish a solid foundation for success and fulfillment in their chosen endeavors.
What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?
Over the past year, I’ve experienced significant growth in several areas of my musical journey. Overcoming my fear of performing live has been a major achievement, thanks to regular gigs and consistent practice. Now, I can immerse myself fully in gigs and connect deeply with my audience.
Running regular live streams initially pushed me out of my comfort zone, but I’ve come to enjoy them more with each session. This journey has taught me the importance of trying new things and expanding boundaries, which has been essential for personal and artistic growth.
Additionally, delving into the business side of music has been crucial. Learning to navigate the industry and manage my career has expanded my opportunities and deepened my understanding of who I am as an artist—my values, goals, and aspirations.
Overall, this past year has been transformative. I’ve become more confident, more aware of my artistic identity, and more determined to pursue my dreams and connect meaningfully through music. None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of my incredible network: my friends, family, partner, singing teacher, patrons, and listeners. Their encouragement and belief in my journey have been foundational, driving me forward through challenges and celebrating successes together. I am deeply grateful for each person who has contributed to my growth and success in this remarkable musical odyssey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ewelinamusic.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ewelina_music/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ewelinamusic/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ewelina_music
Image Credits
Dave Johnson, Jonathan Fox, Kawa i Sztuka
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