Meet Igor Bardykin | composer for film, TV/ commercial, performer, educator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Igor Bardykin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Igor, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk has always been a defining force in my life, both personally and professionally. For me, risk isn’t about reckless leaps or seeking thrills; it’s about making intentional decisions that push me beyond my comfort zone, creating space for growth. It’s about embracing uncertainty, trusting the process, and knowing that discomfort is often a sign of something greater waiting on the other side.
As someone who sought political asylum and started life from scratch in an entirely new country, the stakes were incredibly high. Moving to a place where everything was unfamiliar, learning a new language and building relationships from the ground up, was, and still is, one of the greatest risks I’ve taken. It wasn’t easy. I made mistakes, sometimes big ones. But I’ve come to see these mistakes not as failures but as opportunities for growth, essential lessons that shaped who I am today.
In many ways, being in the midst of constant change has become my norm. Every new chapter, whether in my personal life or career, has required me to take risks that most people might shy away from. Teaching at a school instead of private students for instance, was another leap out of my comfort zone.
Risk-taking, for me, is not just about career decisions, it’s an integral part of who I am. As someone who’s had to navigate profound uncertainty, I’ve learned to trust my instincts, even when the path ahead is unclear. It’s about aligning with a deeper sense of purpose, even when that means stepping into the unknown or facing discomfort.
Each risk I take, whether in my personal relationships, career, or personal growth, has been a step toward building the life I envision. Sure, there have been times when I’ve pushed myself too hard or made mistakes, but each one has been a valuable lesson. In fact, those moments of discomfort have often led to the greatest breakthroughs, giving me the clarity to recalibrate and move forward with more resilience.
At the end of the day, risk is about embracing the unknown and trusting that every step forward is part of the journey. It’s through these risks that I’ve learned to evolve, to trust myself, and to grow into someone who isn’t afraid of failure but sees it as a stepping stone toward something greater. And no matter the outcome, I keep moving forward because in the end, the real risk is not taking any at all.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art is deeply personal — it’s a reflection of memory, emotion, and human connection. I’m a pianist and composer, and while I’ve worked on large-scale projects, including collaborations with artists like Madonna and contributions to commercial campaigns, what drives me most is the emotional truth behind every piece I write.
I create music that tells stories, often inspired by special people, fleeting moments, and inner experiences. One of my recent works, “Night Forest – To Waterfall,” was born from a night hike after a quiet date in the park. It’s these intimate sparks that become my most meaningful compositions.

What sets me apart is my ability to translate solitude into sound. I’m not driven by trends or attention. I work independently, fueled by discipline, introspection, and the desire to capture emotion in its rawest form. My Russian roots have taught me the value of strength, structure, and persistence, and I carry that into every note I write.

The journey hasn’t been easy. I’ve built my career without a safety net, far from home, and often without the kind of visibility that comes from being part of the “right” circles. I’ve faced setbacks : financial, emotional, creative — but music has always been my compass. Every challenge has taught me to be patient, to keep creating even when no one is watching, and to trust the long arc of my path.

If there’s one thing I want people to know about my story, it’s that art born from honesty has power. My music isn’t just compositions — it’s an invitation to feel, reflect, and connect. I’m proud of the path I’ve carved, and I hope those who hear my work can find a piece of themselves in it.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Without a doubt, I’d dedicate my shoutout to my mother. Though I haven’t seen her in over ten years, her unwavering support, love, and belief in me have always been a guiding force in my life. She understood me in ways few ever could — as an artist, as an introvert, and as someone who often took the harder path to stay true to his vision. Her words of encouragement still echo in my mind when I compose, perform, or push through difficult times.

I’ve also been inspired by the people I’ve met along the way — not in big groups, but in quiet moments of connection. Everyone has a story, and I’ve always been drawn to those moments where someone’s unique experience or perspective lights a spark in me creatively. And of course, the discipline and resilience I carry with me come from my Russian background — a deep-rooted sense of pushing forward no matter the odds.

So while I’ve walked much of this path alone, I haven’t walked it without love, memory, and the invisible strength of those who believed in me — especially my mom.

Website: https://bardykin.com

Instagram: igbardykin

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/igor-bardykin-511927145

Other: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/igor-bardykin/1297270268