Life & Work with Ilia Yordanov of West Hollywood

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ilia Yordanov

Hi Ilia, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. My parents, still in their early 20s at the time, immigrated with my younger brother and I when was 2 years old. It’s a wild story, I’ll spare you the details. We secured political asylum in Puerto Rico and eventually ended up in San Diego with $50 to begin our journey. We moved to Seattle a couple years later, where I grew up.

My musical roots began in the Seattle music scene in the early 2000s. I played in numerous bands and eventually started my own band. I had my first professional gig at 15, first record at 16, and first national tour at 18. I moved to Los Angeles in October of 2008 after signing with FORD Models. At the time I wasn’t really working much as the “catalog and commercial” look reigned supreme. I was deemed “too editorial, edgy, thin, or androgynous” and experienced constant rejection.

My primary aspirations were always centered in film and music so I maintained focus in those departments. I began acting in 2009. Work became more frequent in 2012, however, I never worked on anything I can really take any pride in. Most roles were small and some projects were colossal disasters. I eventually parted ways with my agent and manger as we didn’t share a concordant vision for the kind work was interested in doing. Moving forward, I promised myself that I would refrain from engaging in any form of art exclusively for money, despite the fact I come from nothing and had to work for everything I have. A classic example I often cite is the consequence of applying all the financial pressures on a significant other or loved one. Typically, the attraction dissipates, respect is lost, and resentment festers. I don’t believe in imposing that kind of strain and pressure on a medium that’s meant to nurture flow. It is my belief that a balance and integration point is possible with a work ethic and self-discipline.

In 2012 I began writing songs with my friend, Universal recording artist Keely Julian. We released two singles, ‘Why’ and ‘Come Back Around’ under Ilia and Keely. I then began focusing on solo material as I was teaching myself audio engineering. I released my initial singles in 2015 under my artist name, ILIA. Subsequently, I released a music video for my single, ‘Fire In The Middle’ (2016), which I also directed. My friend, Shane Black was kind enough to let us shoot at his house for one of the sets. Around this time, I also self-published my book, “Dirty Mirror Talk”, which is available for free on Booksie.com. The book consists of 4 years worth of entries written between 2012-2016. I was living out of my car, and, or couch surfing on and off between 2010-2012. I was going through major transformations at the time and this book was essentially a channeled log of that time. I published it hoping it would reach and help people the way it helped me as I was writing it.

In the summer of 2018, my friend Jay Gordon asked me if I’d be interested in joining his band, the industrial rock band, Orgy. I had known Jay since 2013 and he was always supportive of all my ventures. The request was serendipitous considering Orgy was one of my favorite bands when they came onto the scene. However, I initially declined as I was trepidatious to re-enter the world of touring. After allowing some time for the decision to gestate, I eventually decided to join the band and I embarked on my first US tour with them a month later. In March of last year, I was asked to audition for the Smashing Pumpkins as an additional guitarist. I believe it was 9 of us that went in. The Pumpkins audition date and touring schedule conflicted with Orgy’s touring schedule, so I elected to step away from Orgy weeks before the audition so they could have adequate time to secure a replacement in the event that I secured the Pumpkins gig.

I’ve since resumed my solo project, kicking things off this month with the release of a music video for my single, SOLANA, as well as a new EP (bearing the same name) released on March 28th. Video is available on to watch on Youtube and the EP is available on all streaming platforms.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has most certainly been anything but smooth. My journey has not been without its valleys. I’ve lived out my car and friend’s couches for years on and off, experienced rejection 95% of the time, There was a time where I lived off $100 a month. They say life’s three best teachers are heart break, failure, and empty pockets. I’ve certainly had all 3 at the same time. Nonetheless, I wouldn’t change a thing about my life. When you can exercise the discipline to apply the magic of alchemy and transmute these experience to serve you, life rewards you in the most phenomenal ways. The key is to never succumb to victimhood. Things happen for you, not to you. That perspective shift is seismic.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I believe in the indomitable power behind the ability to take exclusive accountability and personal agency for all personal experiences, not just our triumphs. I am the architect and co-creator of my experiences. I refuse to fall into victimhood, blaming, making excuses, and feeling like the world owes me something. I refuse to be jealous and envious of others. There is enough to go around for everyone. Once again, alchemy comes into the equation. It would serve us on a paramount level if we could transmute the feelings of envy, and, or jealousy to inspiration. This approach, I find, reaps and reciprocates far more benefits than the alternative.

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I volunteer with the mental health departments at various CDCR penitentiaries.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iliayordanov
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ilia.yordanov
• Twitter: https://x.com/iliayordanov
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thedragonofeden
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/ilia-11

Image Credits
Sean Jorg
Cory Klier
Denis Bosnjavovic
Magnus Sundholm