Svitlana Loboda
Ukrainian superstar shares how constant growth, deep emotional expression, and a fearless commitment to staying true to herself drive her artistic evolution
Currently in the midst of her highly anticipated world tour, Ukrainian pop icon Svitlana Loboda continues to captivate global audiences with her powerful voice and magnetic stage presence. Today, October 18, as Svitlana celebrates her birthday, we were fortunate to catch up with her during this whirlwind chapter to discuss her journey, her creative philosophy, and what fuels her ever-evolving sound. Loboda’s career has long been defined by her gift for reinvention — seamlessly blending pop and electro with raw feeling. Her latest single, “Не мешай” (“Don’t Disturb”), released on October 2, turns the imagery of a taxi ride into a poignant metaphor for moving forward while the shadow of past love still lingers. In this exclusive interview, Loboda reflects on her rise within the global music industry, contrasting the polished precision of American pop with the instinctive energy of the Eastern European scene. She speaks candidly about the challenge of preserving her identity amid industry pressures and constant comparisons, emphasizing the importance of realness above all else.
Deeply rooted in her Ukrainian heritage, Svitlana Loboda infuses her music with personal experience, cultural pride, and humanitarian spirit — qualities that reveal both her depth and conviction as an artist. Looking ahead, she hints at unexpected collaborations and daring creative directions, assuring fans that her next chapter will be anything but predictable.
Indie Sound: Your newest song, “Не мешай” (“Don’t Disturb”), features the recurring image of a taxi ride throughout. What does that symbolize for you — escape, reflection, or something else? And if you could describe the track in three words, what would they be?
LOBODA: I guess it’s that very special in-between moment when you’re moving on, but love is still trying to grab the door handle. (laughs) For me, it’s escape and reflection, but also a bit of freedom – the kind where you finally say, “Don’t disturb me, I’ve got places to be”
Three words for the track? Unexpected, liberating, and definitely addictive.
Indie Sound: You’ve been a leading figure in the Ukrainian music scene for years. Looking back on your journey, what continues to inspire you when you step into the studio today compared to when you first started?
LOBODA: When I first started, I was all fire and chaos – hungry to prove I could be louder, stronger, impossible to ignore. Now it’s different: I’m addicted to growth. I love testing how far I can go, flipping the script, reinventing what LOBODA even means. One day it’s power, the next it’s vulnerability, but I like that tension. Frankly, I’m competitive with myself in the best way. Becoming better, sharper, freer… and I can’t lie, keeping my audience on their toes. (smiles) Because the moment they think they know what to expect from me – that’s exactly when I’ll change the game.
Indie Sound: What were some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your career, and what advice would you give to young artists who look up to you?
LOBODA: People often think the hardest part of being an artist is the work itself – creating popular music, shooting videos, living on a crazy schedule, playing endless concerts, or constantly proving yourself. But honestly, none of that is the real challenge. You can survive all of it if you know why you’re doing it. The most difficult moment is when you lose that “why”. Losing your sense of purpose feels like losing yourself completely.
That’s why my advice to young artists is simple: never betray yourself. Don’t forget who you are and why you’re here. Don’t trade your truth for approval. In the long run, only authenticity wins. Always.
Indie Sound: You’ve collaborated with several international producers and artists. How does working in the global music scene compare to the Ukrainian market? Are there notable differences that influence your creative process?
LOBODA: Oh, quite a lot. The American industry, for example, is all about the system – everything is structured, polished, with its own rules, traditions, and unspoken codes. Even if you’re incredibly talented, it’s never just about stepping on stage and singing. It’s about who stands behind you, the network you have, the story you carry. In Ukraine and the Eastern European market, it’s more instinctive, more emotional. So much depends on charisma, courage, and the willingness to take risks. That energy can feel raw, but it’s also very powerful.
For me, moving between these worlds has been inspiring. I’m touring heavily now, but I’m also experimenting – learning the language, trying tracks in English, just feeling my way through. Where it will take me, we’ll see. But I love that tension between systems and intuition, it pushes me to grow as an artist.
Indie Sound: Has your music been shaped by personal experiences or specific moments in your life? Could you share an example where your personal journey directly influenced your art?
LOBODA: Absolutely. My songs have always been a mirror of my own emotions and the stage of life I’m living through, I can’t put on someone else’s story, it has to be mine. For example, “Molitva” (“Prayer”) was born in the first days of the war, when life as we knew it collapsed. I was living through fear, grief, and uncertainty on a level I had never experienced before. For me, that’s the power of music: it turns private pain into something collective, something that can carry us through.
Indie Sound: You’re known for your bold stage presence and distinctive style. Who are some of your favorite musical artists?
LOBODA: I’ve always been inspired by artists who have a strong identity and aren’t afraid to be larger than life. Lenny Kravitz, Sade, Freddie Mercury, George Michael, Janis Joplin, Ella Fitzgerald, Michael Jackson, U2, the Rolling Stones. From the newer generation, I love the energy and freshness of SZA, Raye, Dua Lipa, Addison Rae, Black Coffee. Of course, Lady Gaga. I think what connects all of these names is authenticity – they never blend in, and that’s what I admire most.
Indie Sound: What do you think are the biggest challenges for female artists in today’s music industry, and how have you navigated those challenges yourself?
LOBODA: Being visible without being reduced, breaking stereotypes, resisting pressure, avoiding comparisons, refusing compromise. The only way through is authenticity, constant reinvention, courage, resilience, and always – truth.
Indie Sound: Ukraine has a rich cultural heritage, and your music reflects that. How do you see your role in promoting Ukrainian culture internationally, especially in light of the current global situation?
LOBODA: Ukraine has always been a land of soul and strength, you hear it in our melodies, you feel it in our poetry. Even when I experiment with global sounds, that spirit is always inside my voice, my lyrics, my presence on stage. Every time I step onto an international stage, I’m not only singing as LOBODA, I’m also representing the spirit of my country, and that’s the role I’ll never take lightly.
Indie Sound: You’re also known for your involvement in social and humanitarian initiatives. Could you tell us more about the causes that are closest to your heart and why they’re important to you?
LOBODA: I’ve never seen charity as something to talk about publicly. For me, it’s not a project, it’s part of who I am, something I do because I simply can’t do otherwise.
Since the start of the war, most of my efforts have focused on helping Ukrainians who’ve lost their homes or families. With my team, we rebuilt a kindergarten and several homes in my hometown of Irpin, and I continue to support a children’s hospital in Kyiv and volunteer centers in the east. Sometimes it’s medicine, sometimes equipment, sometimes just showing up so people know they’re not alone. What matters is not the words, but the fact that someone’s life becomes a little easier.
Indie Sound: Can you give us a glimpse into what you’re currently working on? Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations you’re particularly excited about?
LOBODA: Expect the unexpected – that’s all I’ll say for now 🙂
For tour dates, visit loboda.com.
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