Meet Yana | singer/songwriter

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

Hi Yana, why did you pursue a creative career?
I have always been writing something since I was a kid. It started with poems and stories, I never thought of music being my career but life has a tendency of throwing all kinds of things at us and we have to deal with it. The turning point came with the sudden passing of the late Fergus O’Farrell, frontman of Irish band Interference. He was a singer, songwriter, artist and inspirational human being in many ways who remained optimistic despite the struggles he faced. When we meet people like this it changes our perspective and we realize that our troubles are insignificant compared to people who deal with serious health issues on daily basis.
Ferg remains my biggest influence in both the musical and personal life. After his passing I threw myself into music and haven’t looked back since. Sometimes a profound loss pushes us towards discovering who we truly are and what we want in life.

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.
Music allows me to express myself. Say things I’m not often able to put into words. I write from the heart, trying to make the listeners think, not just consume the songs without any impact. Artists who inspire me are doing the same. It was Woody Guthrie who said ““It’s a folk singer’s job to comfort disturbed people and disturb comfortable people” and this strongly resonates with me. Songwriters observe the world and they react. Whichever way we do it, we are putting ourselves out there which makes us vulnerable.
People listen to my music and instantly hear the Irish/Celtic influence, often mentioning my Irish accent. Those who know me are well aware of my love for Ireland but I wanna say the sound wasn’t intentional, it just felt natural.

Of course there have been struggles along the way. You don’t get where you are without overcoming obstacles. Not everybody likes what you do. Not everyone would be your supporter, including your family. But you are doing your art for yourself in the first place because in your heart you know there is nothing else you would rather do. Being an artist is part of your being, not just what you do. One of the lessons I learnt along the way is finding your family, your tribe. Family isn’t always about blood. It’s about the spiritual connection. And being around those who make you and your work feel appreciated.

What do I want the world to know about me and my story? That even the darkest events in your life can push you in the seemingly unexpected direction. It would be a bumpy road but very rewarding at the same time.
People may call you mad because you are following your heart but deep down you know what’s the right thing for you.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I honestly think big cities are nice to visit but it can get overwhelming very quickly and then you wish to get away. So my idea of the best time ever would be to go somewhere outside the city, preferably somewhere to the famous wine region, perhaps spend the weekend wine tasting, exploring the local sites and nature and move to another similar spot after a few days.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First person who deserves a credit is my first musical hero who later became a friend. Karel Zich was a singer and guitarist, master of twelve string guitar, often called Czech Elvis Presley for the similarity of his voice. He introduced guitar as such into my life and encouraged me in the early days. Sadly, he passed away in 2004 so he never got to see any of this but he will always have a special place in my heart. Without him none of this would happen. I dedicated my debut EP “Distant Shore” (2020) to his memory and and there is a special mention of him on my debut album “Journey of the Soul” (2023).

J Eoin is a key figure in my artistic journey. He is not only a seasoned songwriter and fine guitarist in his own right but someone who has a kind heart and is willing to share his experience with someone who is just at the start of the musical path. He has helped me more than he probably realizes.

Pete Kavanagh, a songwriter friend from Co. Kildare, Ireland, is one of those true pals in my life. Someone I can count on come rain or shine. An Irish proverb compares friends like this to a four-leaf clover. Hard to find but lucky to have.

I already mentioned the late Fergus O’Farrell here and will mention him again because his presence is constant in everythinig I do. Not only when it comes to creativity but in life itself. He is the guiding light. I often think of him in the times of struggle, his spirit gives me the courage to move forward. In the times of triumph I wish he was still around, same as Karel, to be able to witness it all. I am not religious or anything like that but you know what? I strongly believe they somewhat do.

These are just those with a significant role in my journey but there are others, those kindred souls who show their support and encouragement and never want anything in return. I’d surely forget someone if I start naming names. I just wanna say I am deeply grateful to anyone who shows kindness and support towards my art. It goes a long way.

Website: https://www.yanamusic.eu/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/yanaceol

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yanaceol/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfaQ-xFImKtqsy41UzbC56g

Other: Bandcamp https://yanaceol.bandcamp.com/

Image Credits
Dave Keegan