After we posted Ronya’s incredibly hot video for her single “The Flame” we were instantly flooded with requests for more about this artist so we asked for an interview and here’s what we got!
1. How did you get your start in the music business?
RONYA: I knew what I wanted to do from a young age and tried to persuade my parents to let me dive in to the music industry at 14,15,16 but they refused to let me become a child star, (thank god). I got my real start in the music business when I recorded a demo with my godfather that ended up in the hands of a couple of labels. After begging my parents they finally let me sign at 17.
2. Who influenced you to become a musician and create the music you’re making?
RONYA: I come from a family with a lot of musicians and artists, so music and art has always been a big part of my life. My father produced one of the first and most legendary rock bands in Finland, Hurriganes, and my mother always wrote songs for every occasion that we would perform together. They both influenced me to make music myself and not let anyone else decide where I stand as a musician. Back then I was also very much influenced by the great divas, the big voices, and I would practice imitating their sound and range every single day for several hours.
The music I’m making now is of course influenced by the music I listen to, but it’s also very much influenced by the people I work with, building on their own unique sound.
3. There are many similarities drawn between you and Robyn. Is she someone you have modeled yourself after? What other female artists do you take after?
RONYA: Personally Robyn has always been someone I admire, but not one I particularly model myself after. I’ve always been influenced by Beyonce and Björk. Kate Bush is also someone I’ve always loved.
4. Where do you see the future of music heading?
RONYA: Subcultures will always lead the way, and the mainstream will always exploit certain elements to the masses, but there will always be new music. Record companies won’t be needed anymore and the power will be in the artists. Upcoming young musicians also need to work harder to be musicians and artists – not singers or products of various singing competitions that promise fame and success. That success isn’t sustainable if you don’t understand what it is to be a musician and to start from the bottom and build your way up towards a lasting career. We need to get back to making music for music, not for money. Success isn’t a bad thing, but it has to be earned.
5. Do you think it’s important to appeal to the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual & transgender) community? Many artists are diligently working to appeal to this community.
RONYA: As an artist and on a personal level it’s something that is close to my heart and something I take very seriously. I have young fans at a tender age that need to know that it’s ok to be you, whoever you are. There is constantly something going on in the world reminding us that the war isn’t over and it’s important that we show our support to those who need it the most.
Check out “The Flame”