Simply Vika

In this candid interview, music artist Simply Vika opens up about her creative journey, the evolution of her unique sound, and her latest projects.

From the moment she coined her artist name to experimenting with genres and languages, Vika shares how she blends authenticity, empowerment, and humor into her music. With insights into her upcoming album Diaries and reflections on her personal growth, Vika reveals the vision behind her work and the powerful messages she aims to inspire in her listeners.

Enjoy ...

Simply Vika is such a unique and memorable stage name. What’s the story behind it, and what does it represent to you as an artist?

The name Simply Vika came to light when I was writing my first artist bio. I remember struggling to decide on an artist name. I always wanted to include my name, but I knew that if I called myself “VIKA,” I would get lost in Google search results. So, I wanted something more unique.

However, I needed to write my artist bio for a branding class I was taking at the Musicians Institute, and since that was more urgent than choosing an artist name, I just started writing about who I was as an artist. I don’t remember exactly what I wrote, but the final line of the bio was something like, “I bring you my authentic self. No masks, no lies, simply me, simply Vika.” And then I thought, “Holy shit! This is it! I’m Simply Vika.”

Your music blends rap, pop, and electronic elements. How do you fuse these genres together, and what draws you to each of them?

It was a journey. It started with me writing intense lyrics—so intense that my roommate once said, “You should rap this.” I loved the idea, and that’s how I started rapping. For a while, I focused on Hip-Hop, but I eventually realized it wasn’t entirely my style, and I was forcing myself into a space where I didn’t belong.

Around the same time, my producer LightniX, who comes from an Electronica background, was helping me develop my music. He produces Dubstep and Electronica, so our collaboration naturally created a unique fusion that I still can’t define. And honestly, I’m okay with not fitting into a box. The only downside is when playlists ask you to categorize your sound—maybe I’ll figure it out someday!

Having lived in Russia, Israel, and the US, how have your experiences in these different cultures influenced the way you create music?

Absolutely. Most of my music is in English, but I incorporate Hebrew and Russian verses whenever I can. My latest song, Enigma, features a Russian verse, and the upcoming album will have even more. While my sound isn’t specifically influenced by those languages, Enigma does have Mediterranean elements—but that’s rare. My music isn’t bound by genre; it’s just me.

Your songs often tackle important issues while being filled with humor and rebellion. How do you balance keeping things lighthearted with addressing serious topics in your lyrics?

I think comedians do this all the time—talking about uncomfortable topics through humor. I don’t tell jokes, but I’m naturally sarcastic, so I can make important points without getting too heavy. That said, not all my songs are sarcastic; some are direct and raw. I have many sides, and I like to use them all in my music.

Do you believe humor and sarcasm help your listeners connect with the more challenging themes you explore in your songs?

I believe people absorb messages better when they’re not forced down their throats. So, I’ll point out a messed-up reality in my lyrics, but I’ll add a funny punchline or call out how absurd it is. My goal isn’t to release music that makes people feel hopeless; it’s to empower them. We all know the world is flawed, but I want my listeners to believe they have the power to change it.

Gender equality is a central theme in your music. How do you balance using your platform for activism with the joy of making music?

I don’t talk about gender equality; I show it by being it. I simply live as who I am and spread the message of being free, doing what you love, and not limiting yourself.

How do you see music as a tool for inspiring change or bringing attention to important causes? Do you view your work as a way to spark conversations or encourage action?

I see music as a source of inspiration for people. Whether you're listening to a happy song to dance to, a sad song to relate to, an angry song to feel, or a funny song to laugh to, it makes us feel.

So, I think it’s the most powerful tool for spreading different messages. We choose the music we want to listen to, and it affects us. When people listen to my music, I hope they feel inspired and motivated because that’s my message.

Your new track Enigma was just released. What inspired this song, and what does it mean to you personally as an artist?

Enigma is about being undefined and not fitting into any boxes. During the song, I compare different stereotypes and make the point that I don’t fit into them, and I’m here to change the so-called “norm.”

It’s a message of empowerment and individuality, a call to embrace uniqueness and challenge expectations. “I’m calling on others to be unique and live their life the way they want, not according to anyone else’s standards.” I think it shows who I am as an artist.

I'm sure fans are eager to hear Enigma. What can they expect from this track, and are there any themes in it that differ from what you've explored before?

Honestly, I wouldn’t! It’s a mix of singing and rapping in English and Russian, with Mediterranean influences in the hook. The message is clear, and the vibe is fun. I’m just excited for people to experience it.

Looking ahead, how do you see your music evolving? Are there any new sounds or styles you’re excited to explore in the future?

I’m working on a whole album right now called Diaries. It’s something my listeners have never heard from me before. It’s very personal and revealing. While the message of the album is not different from my other songs, the sounds definitely are.

What would you say is the best song you've ever released, and why?

I honestly have no idea. I’m very critical of myself, so I’ll always think I could have done something better. I also believe that every new song is better than the previous one. Personally, I really like Hollywood, I’m Trying, and It’s Not Getting Better.

Which song do your fans seem to favor the most?

BiGiDi BiGiDi is a very popular song of mine. It sounds great, it’s fun to dance to, and the message is very powerful to those who actually listen.

If you could collaborate with any artist, alive or dead, who would it be, and what vibe would the song have?

Eminem. He was my inspiration for so many years. I believe we could make a hit together. Let him know if you see him! Lol.

What’s the most unexpected song or genre you’ve secretly enjoyed listening to?

Migos. My guilty pleasure. They do everything I hate, and I even wrote BiGiDi BiGiDi while watching one of their music videos. That’s how much I don’t like them. BiGiDi is a sarcastic song about everything wrong with the music industry today. So yeah… that’s definitely a very guilty pleasure of mine. I just like their beats and flow, even though the message is pure garbage. (Sorry, Migos fans.)

Can you share the most unusual place or situation you’ve found yourself in when writing lyrics or getting inspired?

I often get inspired in the subway, which is weird since it’s smelly, crowded, and dirty. I guess that’s the vibe. Haha.

Are you currently working on any exciting projects that fans should look out for?

I have so much coming up! The Enigma music video drops next week, my single “USE ME” will release on Valentine’s Day, and I’m working on my album Diaries. I also recently published my photo-poetry book, Pretty (&) Alone, which is available worldwide on Amazon.

Is there anything else you’d like to share that we haven’t covered yet?

Believe in yourselves, people! That’s all you need.