Check Out Tanya Stepanova’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tanya Stepanova.

Hi Tanya, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My name is TANA. I’m an independent artist, singer-songwriter, and a creative and passionate producer leading international productions for TV, film & music, now based in Los Angeles.

My creative journey began in Kyiv, where I was born and raised. Music has always been my way of interpreting the world,not just as a performer, but as a thinker, a builder, and a connector. I hold a Bachelor’s in Management and Administration, a Master’s in Arts Administration & Cultural Policy (Music Pathway) from Goldsmiths, University of London, and I’m currently pursuing a PhD in Management, focused on the creative and cultural industries.

I am a graduate in Pop and Jazz Singing from the prestigious Gnessin Academy of Music (State Musical College of Pop and Art in Moscow), where I graduated as a performing music artist, vocal coach, and pop-jazz band leader. That education gave me the technical skill and emotional discipline to shape my sound with both precision and vulnerability.

As the founder of the TANA International Music Project, I’ve led national and European tours, performed with the National Academic Orchestra of Folk Instruments of Ukraine, and taken the stage at major festivals including Jazz Koktebel, White Nights, and a sold-out solo show at Atlas in Kyiv. One of the career highlights was opening for Leeroy Thornhill of The Prodigy at the stadium in Kanev (a city in Ukraine) a formative moment that affirmed my place in the international music community.

My sound fuses cinematic depth with electronic atmosphere – blending elements of downtempo, techno, and emotional storytelling. Recently my song “Feel’ in collaboration with EMDIVITY was reimagined by DJ Tom Brook, and we’re currently working together on a new release that’s set to come out next month.

In addition to music, I’ve worked in film and cultural production – producing for the Kyiv International Film Festival Molodist, Cologne Film Festival, and Film London. My roles spanned event leadership, scripting, live ceremony coordination, and media partnerships – including projects supported by Hollywood creatives and European networks.

In 2024, I relocated to Los Angeles with no illusions. I didn’t come expecting instant success – I came ready to build something honest. Starting from scratch meant adapting to new realities, working across different industries to maintain stability, and embracing each challenge with resilience and dignity.

Today, I’m continuing to grow – developing music for film and sync and building cross-cultural bridges through art.

This path has never been about going viral. It’s about becoming a voice – for those who value depth over noise.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Definitely not a smooth road – but a meaningful one. I’d say my life is clearly divided into *before* and *after*, and the “after” really began when I moved to Los Angeles. One of my closest friends once said something that stayed with me: *“Tanya, stability is an illusion. Life is always changing – the only thing that matters is how you handle it.” That hit home.

My journey as an artist hasn’t been easy, but it’s been full of light and purpose. I’m incredibly grateful to the people who’ve stood by me – my family, friends, and collaborators. Any success I’ve had belongs to them too. We walked this path together.

I started performing professionally at 14, touring across the post-Soviet region. Back then, I was known for singing deeply emotional songs – about mothers, fathers, holidays, and real love. One of my songs, “Mama,” is still performed by students at state music colleges during their graduation exams. That’s the kind of legacy I value most. Years go by, but that song – and that word – stays timeless.

I’ve never been drawn to empty fame or loud-for-the-sake-of-loud music. I admire artists who deliver a message, who use music as a vehicle for truth. That’s what I learned at the “Gnessin Academy of Music”, where we were taught to pursue meaning, not just noise.

These days, it’s tough – we’re living in an attention economy. So much of the culture is driven by virality and trends, and sometimes it feels like there’s more noise than art. But I still believe in timeless music. When people name songs that truly changed them, those songs usually come from artists who had something to *say*, not just something to sell.

Moving to Los Angeles meant starting over – not just as an artist, but as a person. I took on new jobs, worked across industries, adapted quickly. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was real. I’ve earned three degrees, and even with over 15 years in music, I’ve stayed a student of life. I’m still learning, still growing.

Right now, I’m focused on building a foundation here – creatively, professionally, personally. I’m still looking for my people, the ones who share the same values, the same passion for real music and real impact.

I don’t know what the next chapter holds. But I know who I am, and I know what I stand for.
Music is my mission. My voice is my offering. And that’s more than enough to keep going.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a singer, songwriter, and creative producer with a deep love for storytelling through music and visuals. By 28, I’ve built multiple creative projects from the ground up – two in music and several in film – and I’ve worked across industries and countries, from Ukraine and the UK to now Los Angeles.

I’m proud of a lot, but what really stands out is the fact that most of the things I once dreamed of – I’ve made happen. I dreamed of performing on big stages. I did that. I wanted to hear my songs on the radio, and now they play on FM stations around the world. I dreamed of being in TV shows, living in London, working in the film industry – I’ve done all of it.

People often tell me I’ve already achieved a lot, especially when it comes to creative work. But I think what sets me apart is my ability to stay resilient, no matter what life throws at me. I don’t let fear or uncertainty stop me from trying something new. I’ve learned to adapt fast, move through challenges, and keep building – even in unfamiliar territory.

At the end of the day, I’ve always followed my gut. I don’t wait for “perfect timing” – I just go. And even if living in Los Angeles one day turns out to be a detour rather than a destination, I won’t regret a thing. Every experience teaches me something. That, to me, is what success really looks like.

Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Honestly? Moving to Los Angeles was a leap of faith. I packed up my life, left everything familiar behind, and jumped headfirst into one of the most competitive cities in the world – knowing full well that there were no guarantees. I’m betting on myself every single day: financially, emotionally, and creatively. Some people might call that crazy. I call it necessary.

At the same time, I’m fully aware of the privilege and weight of that choice – because back home in Ukraine, people are literally putting their lives on the line. That gives me perspective. I’m not just here chasing dreams; I’m carrying the hopes of my roots with me. It’s not just about “making it”- it’s about making it *mean something.*

I don’t think risk is about being reckless. It’s about choosing growth over comfort, even when the path is foggy. For me, it’s about trusting that the right doors will open if I keep walking with purpose.

One of the biggest risks I ever took was back in 2014, when I staged my first solo concert. We had only two weeks to pull the whole thing together – and I was performing with the National Orchestra of Folk Instruments of Ukraine. It was a dream gig, but right before the show, I got hit with a nasty fever and completely lost my voice. Most people would’ve postponed. But that wasn’t an option for me. Sixty top-tier musicians were backing me – some old enough to be my grandparents – and they were counting on me to show up.

So I did what any artist does when it’s showtime: I pulled it together, leaned on the doctors, found the fire inside me, and stepped on that stage. I gave it everything I had – and the concert ended up being a hit.

Looking back, I realize that moment taught me everything I needed to know about risk. It’s not about playing it safe. It’s about showing up, even when the odds aren’t in your favor. It’s about chasing your vision, even when the road ahead looks tough.

They say “no risk, no champagne.” And I’m here to say – they’re right. Just make sure you bring grit, heart, and a whole lot of belief with you.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://tana-music.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tana.music/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tanamusicband/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/
• Twitter: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJpZ1yUvUgw&t=3401s
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcmLe7BBBsQ&t=1s
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/tana-399973539
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/tanyastepanova/?hl=de https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WRQifwomY1Q