We’re exposed to fantastic new music every day here at RIVAL, so in a way it becomes a bit of daily occurrence to be constantly surprised and impressed, but every so often we meet an artist that blows us away even more so than usual, and today, we're more than happy to bring you an interview with an admirable young Songstress who's powerful voice immediately shocked me out out of my gourd, and although she admits to being a fledgling songwritter, her newest song "Sweet Dreams" resonated with me in a deeper personal level as well.

The artist known as Afina was born in the Republic of Moldova. European readers may very well be familiar with her already given that she had quite a successful career in the Euro-circuit across countries like Greece, Ukraine, Romania, and of course her native Moldova. Eventually, Afina Moved to the U.S. for reasons we'll get later on in this interview. Suffice it to say that her immigration story is at the very heart of this track and its video.

In the music video itself, we follow the daily grind of several women -Afina herself among them- as they rise to meet the challenges that life throws at them, with Afina's stunning vocals acting as an embodiment of their determination and resilience in the face of all the odds.

Check out what Afina had to tell us:

Your Voice is mind-blowing, was "Sweet Dreams" a cathartic song to write? sounds like there were a lot of pent-up emotions there!

Thank you so much!

“Sweet Dreams” was written during the time when I was exhausted from life’s pressure. It’s that feeling when you feel like you can’t do it anymore, but you have no other choice than continue so you keep looking for the inspiration and “kick in the ass” everywhere. I found it in music and decided to be that person for myself. So I wrote this song to motivate myself in the times when I felt extremely lonely.

You're originally from Moldova. Is the kind of R&B-Soul music that you show us in "Sweet Dreams" popular there? What made you decide it was the sound you wanted to explore and embody?

R&B is definitely popular in Moldova among younger generations. When I write songs I never think about the style, I just follow my heart. If I hear a beat that gives me “butterflies” in the stomach, the melody comes right away in my mind, and then the lyrics come along. And that’s when the genre doesn’t really matter. What matters is how the beat and the melody I wrote make me feel. If it gives me waves of excitement and joy, it means I’m doing the right thing. And that’s how it was with “Sweet Dreams”. I heard it right away. Fun fact I have a few unreleased songs in the “rock” style.

On a Similar note, I suppose it's fair if I asked you about your influences. Who are those artists who inspire you and have helped shape your sound?

There are definitely artists that inspire me. I’m a huge Beyonce fan. Her work ethic, professionalism, vocal, and dancing skills are the ones to admire and follow. When it comes to songwriting, the list is pretty long. I admire The Dream, Sia, Meghan Trainor, Finneas, Charlie Puth, Adele.

How would you define yourself as a songwriter? what fuels your songs?

I’m an aspiring songwriter. Keep in mind that Sweet Dreams is one of the very first songs I’ve ever written (and I started writing in Aug 2021), so there’s definitely a lot to discover and learn. That’s why it’s hard to say what defines or differentiates me as a songwriter, but I can definitely say that my songs are fueled by emotions and real experiences, that’s why I can metaphorically say that my music is real and “alive”.

You've performed at the international level in several stages in Europe, achieving notoriety there and especially in your home country. What motivated you to come to the U.S. and basically start your career over?

Since I was in school I knew that I will move to the US at any cost. It almost felt like I was born in the wrong place. From a young age, I was aware of my potential, but I also knew that I wasn’t good enough and my potential and skills are not developed at all. I wanted to be coached by the best vocal & dance teachers, have access, and do as many auditions as possible at big networks like Disney, Nickelodeon, but I didn’t have these opportunities in my country.

America always set high standards and provided lots of opportunities, especially when it comes to entertainment. I knew that if I was surrounded by the right creative people I’ll be able to explore myself more and unfold the hidden potential. That’s why I came to the US to get the best out of my creative self and get the best opportunities. I’m still in the search of my creative team/circle, but things come to those who work hard and never give up, and that gives me hope that one day I’ll be sitting in one room with The Dream at Capitol Records recording a new song.

How do you feel about your growth as a musician since taking that risk? Sounds like the experience has made you tougher as a person, and this new song is certainly tough as well.

As every single artist who’s serious about their career and doesn’t have relatives in the industry, I’ve been going through drastic downs and ups (there’s a reason why I put “downs” first). That’s why I would say that the most important growth that needs to happen is learning to enjoy the journey. With time I’ve learned to be grateful for the opportunities I wouldn’t even notice before and in general be grateful for what I have, which completely changed my perspective and helped me attract even more new opportunities.

Sometimes I’m looking back at my journey, and I realize that even though I’m not where I want to be yet, I’m growing. I moved to LA , I established myself financially to a point where I can do music full-time and pay my bills with music without being a popular artist yet, and now I’m building my career as an independent artist and songwriter. Ain’t life amazing? Especially when you realize that you can build it all with your own hands.

After achieving my goals, the next milestone will be to help other aspiring artists unfold their potential.

Aside from the language barrier and the absence of family and loved ones, what did you find was the hardest thing to adapt to when you moved to the U.S.?

In the first 4 years of my life in the US I didn’t have a free moment to live and enjoy life. I remember that one day I woke up, and I said “there’s no way I’m gonna be a corporate slave until the end of my days”. I remember even the conversation with my parents stating: “Mom, dad, there’s no way I’m going to live from 9 to 5, or better said from 9 to midnight”. They replied “Welcome to adulthood”. I couldn’t a swer anything else but “No way. Not me”

Going through these kinds of moments of realization and other internal struggles by myself was hard.

I remember also catching myself many times on thought how hard it is to find authentic truthful people in LA, but that was just a matter of time. It took years to find good people, and I did it. I’ve also realized that they were always next to me, I just have never realized it.

What's in the immediate future for Afina? what are you working towards in the short term that we can get excited about right now?

More releases and collaborations, and more live performances.

Afina has soulful Sweet Dreams

©WAV RECORDS • POWERED BY SQUARESPACE