Authenticity Over Perfection: Inside the World of ILIYA
By Brazyl Guerrido
There’s something about ILIYA that immediately draws you in. It’s not just her voice, it’s the energy behind it. Grounded, self-aware, and deeply real, she carries the kind of quiet power that only comes from living through life’s chaos, beauty, heartbreak, and reinvention. Now stepping confidently into her solo career, the Belarus-born artist is creating music on her own terms, rooted not in perfection, but in truth.
Photo of ILIYA by Dasha Eliseeva
“I grew up in a small countryside in Belarus, in a family of singers and songwriters,” she shares. “I’ve been listening to music 24/7 since I was little. We speak the same language—music.”
Chasing Perfection Before Finding Herself
Before she found her voice, ILIYA was chasing someone else’s version of success. “At the beginning, I was really into K-pop—their standards, their definition of perfection, their visuals,” she says. Inspired by the precision and polish of that world, she dove headfirst into a performance style that valued flawlessness above all. Every movement was rehearsed. Every detail, controlled.
But that version of artistry began to feel restrictive. Over time, ILIYA realized that what she truly craved wasn’t perfection—it was authenticity. “My style is built on authenticity—not on ‘do it perfectly, do it like everyone else, and just look pretty,’” she explains. That shift didn’t come easily, and it certainly didn’t happen overnight.
A Defining Moment at Dream Academy
One of the biggest turning points in ILIYA’s career came during her time competing on Dream Academy. It was there, under the spotlight and in front of a global audience, that she was given feedback she didn’t expect: “When they said, ‘ILIYA feels like a solo artist,’ it really shook me,” she admits. “I didn’t want to doubt my place in the group.”
Photo of ILIYA by Dasha Eliseeva
At first, the comment stung. It felt like a separation rather than praise. But as she sat with it, the meaning became clear—it wasn’t criticism. It was insight. “When I got eliminated, I wasn’t even that upset. I had already come to terms with it,” she reflects. “That experience taught me so much. It introduced me to the industry, to other creatives, and honestly… to myself.”
Creating From a Place of Truth
Now, ILIYA creates music that’s rooted in real life—not in the illusion of it. “I want to stop feeding the idea that you have to be perfect, rich, skinny, or famous to be loved,” she says. “That’s not real, and it’s not the kind of energy I want to put into the world.”
Her songwriting process is intuitive and emotional. Sometimes, the spark comes from a dream. Other times, from heartbreak or quiet reflection.“Sometimes I don’t even know how it works,” she admits. “It just happens.”
Influences, Dreams, and What’s Next
ILIYA’s creative inspirations reflect her taste for music that sits at the edge—introspective, moody, and a little left of center. Her dream collaborators include Troye Sivan, The Weeknd, Coldplay, Lana Del Rey, Billie Eilish, and Kaytranada. “They all make the kind of music I’ve always wanted to create—vibey, emotional, a little weird in the best way,” she says.
Art has always been part of her DNA. From childhood gigs in television to growing up around musicians, designers, and directors, she was surrounded by creativity in every form. “It’s the kind of environment that doesn’t just influence you—it shapes you,” she reflects.
Looking ahead, ILIYA has bold goals.“I wouldn’t be mad at winning an Oscar for best soundtrack one day,” she laughs. “But mostly, I just want to make music I’d love listening to—and hopefully, millions of other people will too.”
A Rising Star on Her Own Terms
As her journey unfolds, ILIYA isn’t chasing someone else’s dream—she’s building her own. With new music, visuals, and surprises on the horizon, she’s carving out space for a more honest kind of artistry.
Her newest track, “Outside,” is a striking showcase of her growth, her voice, and her vision. It’s everything she stands for: vulnerable, fresh, and entirely her.“Get ready to pick your jaw up off the floor.” Listen to “Outside” by ILIYA—available now on all major platforms.
Edited by KBR on July 21, 2025
