Natalia Tsupryk is a Ukrainian violinist, composer, and multi-instrumentalist. Defined by her distinctive use of strings and vocals, Natalia's compositions draw on her classical violin background to blend elements of folk, electronica, and neo-classical genres. Don't miss our interview with Natalia Tsupryk, where we talk about composing music, her influences, creative rituals, upcoming projects, and life.

Can you tell us how your journey as a composer began? Was there a defining moment that set you on this path?

I think the very first time I noticed I liked creating my own music was when I was 7. I was practising what I thought were boring piano exercises, and suddenly found myself playing whatever came into my mind and realised I quite enjoyed that. I’d then keep improvising throughout my performance career on both violin and piano, occasionally writing stuff on paper in the old-fashioned way, but it was only for myself, sort of a hobby. The first composing job I had was much later, at 22. I also never properly studied composition before then. 

Growing up in Ukraine, how did your cultural and musical environment shape your artistic voice?

I started playing violin and piano at 4 or 5 and went to a very tough Soviet-minded music school in Kyiv, one of the best in Ukraine (it’s called Lysenko Music School now, I think). It meant that my childhood was spent practising up to 5-6 hours a day and playing recitals all the time, which sometimes felt like pure torture. I think it taught me resilience and persistence, though, which were useful in my later life and career. Not sure how helpful all that was for my artistic voice, if anything, it might have repressed it and made it harder to come out. But it certainly taught me how to be strong when needed.

Who are your top three favourite composers of all time, and why? Are there any non-classical artists who influence your work?

I’m a massive fan of electronic music, despite coming from a very strict classical environment. I’ve spent some years trying to move away from it and explore new things. As for my top three favourite composers of all time, it isn’t easy to answer, as my preferences in music kept changing as I was changing in both career and life. I will only say that J.S.Bach will always remain very special. I am also a huge fan of Ukrainian folk.

What does your typical composing process look like? Do you have any specific rituals or environments that help you get into a creative flow?

If it’s a scoring job, I try to take inspiration from the project I’m working on. I usually play and record live to picture (violin, viola, cello, piano, etc.). If I am creating something from my head, it’s a little harder. Sometimes I have random ideas and try to keep them until I get into the studio. Sometimes ideas come when I’m already in the studio. I love improvising and recording everything live. I try not to edit or cut my recordings. 

Outside of classical music, I draw inspiration from a lot of artists like Grandbrothers, Teho, or Monolink. They each blend electronic and acoustic elements in a way that feels both organic and emotionally immersive. I’m especially drawn to their sense of rhythm, atmosphere, and the way they build tension and release through texture. Their music resonates with the kind of emotional storytelling I strive for in my own compositions.

What tools or software do you use when composing, especially when integrating electronic elements?

I am very simple, so I record everything into Logic. Sometimes, Pro Tools. I mainly use live instruments that I run through certain machines, and so on. I have a couple of synths that I occasionally use, too. 

Which piece of music that you’ve composed is your favourite, and what makes it special to you?

Again, this is a difficult one to answer. Everything I have ever done related to Ukraine is extra special for me because each of those tracks/pieces has an important story behind it. 

Can you share any details about your upcoming projects or collaborations?

I am currently working on two documentaries and am quite enjoying it. I am also working on my new experimental record, but it’s too soon to reveal any details. 

Finally, from your perspective, what is the meaning of life?

From my perspective, it’s pretty easy. The meaning of my life is to do what I can to make Ukraine what it deserves to be—free, independent, prosperous, and cool. After centuries of oppression, including, obviously, cultural, my job now is to show the world that our culture exists. And it’s actually cool.