Exclusive Interview With Ira Luzina

(Credit: Anna Evstigneeva)

Ira Luzina’s journey is not an ordinary one. She was born in the Soviet Union, grew up in Ukraine, and now she’s making a name for herself in London. She has crafted a sound that she calls ‘Elegant Punk’. Her new single ‘Never Fit In’ is a refreshing mix of catchy beats, raw guitars and sharp lyrics. But it’s more than just a rebellious song; it’s about owning that feeling of not belonging and seeing it as something to be proud of.

In this chat, she opens up about her creative process, her life journey, and her thoughts about breaking norms — in music and in life.

1. "Never Fit In" is a strong personal statement. When did you realize that being different could actually be a strength and work for you?

I guess it happened when I first started performing live with my band back in 2013. We didn’t fit into the music landscape and existing genres, but we never cared for it. We were just three girls who managed to take it to the point that we started making good money, left our day jobs and started touring around Europe. No producers, no labels, no intense social media promo - we were simply ourselves and worked hard. Instead of trying to fit in, we created our own thing that was a perfect fit for us. I cherish that experience and this is what I am doing for myself now.

2. We love the fact that you’re describing your sound as “Elegant Punk” — it’s a great way to put it! Could you tell us how you came up with this term and what it means to you?

As an artist, you are allowed to play with any aspect of your work, including how you describe your music. Rather than compare my sound to any other musician’s, I always go for my own definition that feels authentic to me and sparks natural interest. This song is definitely punky, meaning it is straightforward and bold both musically and lyrically, but it also shows restraint and vulnerability, which is elegance, in my humble opinion.

3. You’ve lived in the Soviet Union, Ukraine, and now London — that’s quite a unique path. How do you think these cultures have impacted your identity and your art?

Growing up in a bad economy and contant instability makes you gritty. It teaches you that you shouldn’t rely on anyone or anything. You learn early in life that you can’t wait for people to grant you success – it is something you have to create for yourself.

Interestingly, when I moved to London after Russia launched a full-scale war in Ukraine, I didn’t have a culture shock. London is also raw and intense; she doesn’t play with you. It is a place of challenges and possibilities. All these experiences give me drive and hope I need for my personal growth and music.

4. The music industry’s always trying to categorize artists, put them in boxes however your song "Never Fit In" fights against all that. How do you stay true to yourself when there’s so much pressure to conform?

Yes, we are made to think that artists have to find a reference for their sound first, then “learn the craft”, and only then are they granted a chance to follow their heart and “indulge” in asking who they are and what they want to say.
I do it in reverse. I start by owning my story and my values, then I translate those into songs, and after that… I couldn’t care less about references.

5. When you write your songs, how do you make sure that they stay personal but still have this ability to connect with people?

I’m just being selfish, I guess, but I write about what’s happening to me. However, I’m going through the same stuff as everyone else, which makes my songs kinda relevant for other people too.

6. There’s still much talk about women often facing double standards and additional barriers in the industry. What’s your take on that? Do you think things are improving, or do you think there’s still a lot to do?

Yeah, it’s pretty much the same “we make her paint her face and dance”, as John Lennon sang back in the 70s. I have been in an all-women band before, and I know exactly how women are expected to behave in this industry and in the world in general. There is room for improvement, for sure.

The good news is that we have access to our audiences globally, and we have organisations and media like yours that support women. We are also resilient in our fight because we are not delusional — we know exactly the price we pay for letting other people control our lives. So, we will never stop shaking up this world.

7. Feeling like an outsider is something many people can relate to, no matter where they’re from. Why do you think that’s such a universal feeling? And what would you say to someone who’s struggling with that?

It is so universal because the lies we are told are universal too. At some point in life, both you and I were made to believe that we are not enough, that we need to be ashamed of ourselves, and so on. Sad irony, but the parents who loved us were the same people who instilled guilt in us. It just how they were raised too.

The lesson here is probably to accept the fact that you will never be loved by everyone on this planet, that there will always be someone who will try to manipulate you and cross your boundaries. And the only way to win in this battle is to allow yourself to be who you are and create your own power circle of people who support you.

Declaring who you are may feel like a risky thing to do, like a freefall, but you will see that you will meet people who will fall in love with your personality and be happy to support you. If there is anything certain in this uncertainty, it is that your people already exist and they can’t wait to meet you, my friend.

8. Your new single is about to drop! What do you want people to take away from "Never Fit In"? And what’s next for you? Anything exciting you can share?

I’m so excited about this release! I’d like listeners to soak in the vibe and let my message, “We never fit in – we’re lucky!” imprint in their minds.

In 2025, I will release at least two more singles and perform live more. Right now, I’m in the middle of recording sessions for singles and an EP at the same time, so wish me luck, ladies!

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