Meet Viktoriya Kosta of Oriah

Today we’d like to introduce you to Viktoriya Kosta.

So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I moved to Los Angeles four years ago with the intention of pursuing music. I was in the wrong career field for years and not happy no matter what I tried. I didn’t really know what I was doing, my guitar playing was weak and I’d written a few songs but never really anything I liked. Basically, I had no confidence but a big dream. I thought if others can do it, so can I. First, I needed a stage name, because that would make it all more official. I took my name Viktoriya and shortened it to Oriah. When I moved I started going to an open mic in Echo Park and performed solo under the name Oriah. At that very open mic I met Tim and we started playing together. At first it was just me singing harmonies at his shows or him playing guitar for my shows and eventually we decided to start writing together. We started brainstorming band names and in the end decided that Oriah fit as a band name so we kept it. Oriah is now Viktoriya Kosta and Tim Webb. We now have some amazing musician friends that play with us when we gig. We play all around Los Angeles. The sound has really transformed since those early days and we are very proud.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Yes and no. In some ways, it feels like life brought me here and the transition was very natural. I felt like I belonged finally. Everyone I have met along the way has enriched my life and my band is really moving at a great pace. But, it has definitely been challenging in a lot of ways. The biggest is my own feelings of worthiness. I struggle with insecurities as a songwriter, guitar player and singer. There is so much talent around me and it’s easy to start comparing. The music industry can also feel really difficult to penetrate. No one seems to want to pay attention to that new band when there are bigger bands that make waves. Essentially, you have to prove yourself for a long time. Tim and I also do everything. We do our own press, we do our own booking, we work our asses off to be able to pay to record our songs. It’s a lot of time, a lot of money and a lot of money that you don’t even get back. We reach out to venues that never get back to us or they get back to us and ask us what our drawl is. Come on man, we are a new band, it’s not that large. And that’s the truth! But people won’t book you if you can’t bring a crowd. It’s a weird cycle. We also work hard at pitching our music to playlists and to get write ups and have to sit there and listen to rejections. It’s the life. You really have to love this to do because I say this with full sincerity, every bit of it is worth it.

Oriah – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I play a little guitar, a little tambourine, I sing and I co-write and co-produce all of our songs along with Tim. We play shows all over Los Angeles. I still feel so new at this. We are a baby band for sure. I am so humbled every day by how many talented people I’m surrounded by. I just wanna learn more and get better. I am proud of how much our sound has evolved. I am proud of how well Tim and I have learned to work together. I am proud of all the hard work we have put in. And I’m very excited for more.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success is so subjective. And there are many levels of success. There are small and big successes. But they are all worth celebrating (which I can forget to do). I succeeded at moving to LA. I succeeded at putting together a band. I succeeded at writing songs and working past my massive stage fright. Hell, as far as I’m concerned, I’ve succeeded!! Do I have a number one single? No. Some might say then, I don’t have success. But so what? Just having our single added to a playlist on Spotify feels like a massive accomplishment. We define what success is. I’m trying to keep my focus on the smaller successes because it’s easy to fall into the habit of feeling like you are never quite doing well, never quite succeeding. There will be much success, it’s inevitable.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1NJbxsyi9l3vajFK2EhXW7?si=MhfMNkIhQxKyT_2ddYl3VA
• Email: oriahmusic@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oriahband/
• Other: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAy4Scl8teYkuFENAtqvyzg

Image Credit:
Tammie Valer and Joe Rubinstein

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