Gergana Velikova

Which musician has influenced you the most? Many artists from the Western Pop, R&B, and Soul traditions have shaped my musical journey so far, but the most unique footprint was left by a genre called Bulgarian polyphony. Composers like Krassimir Kuyrkchiyski (Le Mystere des Voix Bulgares), who transformed authentic tunes into modern masterpieces, inspired my passion for blending Bulgarian folk music with contemporary pop. This fusion defines my artistic identity today

What can you teach me about your instruments different than any other teacher?
The word ‘better’ resonates somehow falsely in my head - it’s more about finding the right fit. Like choosing an Italian restaurant when you fancy a good pasta (you wouldn’t go to a sushi restaurant, right?), you’d pick a coach whose strengths align with your goals. My expertise lies in vocal technique, harmonies, riffs and runs, learning songs in unfamiliar languages, exploring your lower range, recording yourself, and performing.

How did you learn to play your instrument?
Music has been in my life since day one—my mom was a singer, and my dad played folk instruments. But in Bulgaria, making a living as a musician isn’t easy, so they made a pact: their kids would never follow in their footsteps. It worked for my siblings, but I was a lost cause. By six, I’d charmed my way into a children’s choir, where I learned the basics of singing. By ten, I was honing my skills competing in Bulgaria’s pop and rock contests (which are a big deal there).
To keep things 'serious,' and satisfy my parents, I studied Accounting in high school (ironic, since I’m terrible with numbers). But my passion never faded, and I eventually moved to Belgium to study pop singing at the School of Arts and Conservatory in Ghent, finally turning my love for music into a profession

How do you go about writing a song or composing a piece yourself?
When I write a song, I start with an 'unconventional' rhythm—perhaps it's the influence of growing up in the Balkans that makes me comfortable with odd time signatures like 7/8, 9/8, or 11/16. Once I have a rhythmic riff, I head to the piano to experiment with chords. Inspired by Krassimir Kuyrkchiyski, I gravitate toward close, dissonant harmonies that give my music a jazzy edge.
From there, I craft the lead melody and finally tackle the lyrics, which are often the trickiest part. My mentors used to say I have a knack for making complexity sound simple and catchy, and I strive to keep that balance in every song I write.

On what equipment do you play today?

I'm at ease when I perform with my Neuman KMS105 microphone, NI- KOMPLETE KONTROL A49 MIDI controller, and NI - MACHINE sampler. The Native Instruments software is a valuable companion during my songwriting process. For performing live, recording demos, and audio editing, I use Ableton.

What personal trait has helped you when you practice the most?

Patience is the most important quality that has helped me while practicing. Discipline and consistently choosing the right work tools are also crucial. I believe it’s essential to enjoy the material you’re working on—it keeps you motivated and makes the learning process more engaging. These elements—patience, discipline, and working with the right tools—are key to steady progress.

What does your instrument have that others don't?
What sets my voice apart is its ability to sing very low—I can effortlessly reach A2, which is quite rare. This unique quality adds a distinct dimension to my sound and makes my singing stand out.

What you pay special attention to when you teach?
Singing is a very intimate and vulnerable process, so I prioritize creating a safe space where we can experiment and try things out in a positive atmosphere. The structure of my lessons is ALWAYS tailored to each student’s individual goals. I let them choose songs they are passionate about and prefer using karaoke or backing tracks during lessons so I can focus more on the student’s progress. I also incorporate movement to create a relaxed, comfortable environment. Above all, building a strong connection with my students through mutual respect and fun is key to a productive learning experience.

How do you build up your music lessons?
My singing lessons follow a simple structure:

1. Warm-Up: We start with exercises to prepare the voice.

2. Repertoire: We work on the song chosen by the student, covering both technical aspects and the song's meaning to help with interpretation.

3. Feedback: An essential part of the lesson for mutual growth.

4. Homework: We discuss practice tasks for the next lesson.

What do you do with children?
I typically work with students starting from the age of 13. I adjust my teaching style to be more suitable for teenagers and young learners in their early teens, just as I adjust to each student in the course of learning.

What was until now your greatest experience as a musician?
Ah, the pandemic—remember that dark time? I do! I was wrapping up my Master’s at the Conservatory in Belgium, preparing for my final exam: a 1-hour concert of my original music. The catch? We (my co-students and I) didn’t know if we’d be allowed to perform in front of a live audience. After much uncertainty, we were allowed to invite 100 people—now that sounds almost laughable, doesn’t it? But at the time, it felt like a full stadium.

I stepped on stage to see a sea of familiar faces, I nearly burst into tears. I had to take a moment to compose myself. Then, I performed my first song solo, with no instruments to hide behind—my excitement was practically singing itself. That night, in that packed room, was an unforgettable, slightly surreal experience that I'll never forget.

What was the largest stage that you've performed on?

The largest stage I've ever performed on was during my participation in 'The Voice van Vlaanderen' in 2016. I qualified for the live shows, and I remember that the venue was gigantic, with approximately 3,000 people in attendance each week.

Which musician would you like to play with?

I would love to collaborate with Jacob Collier because I know he's a huge fan of Bulgarian polyphony. His deep appreciation for this unique musical tradition makes me eager to explore how our musical styles could blend and create something truly special.

Which record would you bring to a desert island?

I'd choose Stromae's "Multitude" for my desert island stay. Although I don't speak French yet and can't understand the lyrics, I'm enamored by how Stromae skillfully blends various cultures and musical traditions. His ability to create a unique cross-cultural musical experience resonates with my own artistic aspirations. I see "Multitude" as a revolution in contemporary pop music, which pushes the boundaries of what's possible in the genre.

On which stage do you prefer to perform?
I would love to perform at Rock Werchter, a major festival in Belgium known for its diverse line-up across various genres. I believe my music would be a great fit for this festival. Additionally, I have a strong desire to perform at festivals in Bulgaria, where the audience would have a deeper connection to my music as many of the lyrics are in Bulgarian. Finally, I'd also enjoy being a part of the numerous Open-air festivals in Switzerland. 

After music, what is important in your life?

Besides music, what I value the most in my life are my family and the people I choose to have around me. Strong and meaningful relationships are of utmost importance to me. There's a saying that we become the average of the five people we spend the most time with, and I wholeheartedly believe in that. I actively seek to surround myself with inspiring and loving individuals because I want to be that source of inspiration and positivity in their lives as well.