IlanaKovalle is an ethnically-Ukrainian born-Kazakhstani singer-songwriter, poet, and writer currently residing in Jersey City, USA.
She's been writing songs and poetry since she was 7, but growing up in rural Kazakhstan, she didn't have access to musical education and didn't see song-writing as something she could pursue seriously.
That changed when IlanaKovalle came to the United States and gave herself permission to try music, regardless of her age, lack of talent, or limited experience.
She's been slowly but devotedly progressing in her musical and writing journeys ever since.
Best Friends Girl Out November 1
Have you ever composed a toast for a wedding you were never invited to? What about turning that toast into a song? According to IlanaKovalle, that is exactly what "Best Friend's Girl" turned out to be: a testament to the fifth (and final) stage of heartbreak - acceptance; the final milestone on one's journey towards moving on and letting go.
To an extent, this song is my idea of would happen if Jason Mraz did a cover of one of Adele's songs (maybe even "Someone like you"). From little sound effects of a vinyl record to the intricately intertwined harmonies (especially in the final chorus), it's a bold pop creation.
The song is also bittersweet in how it shifts its tone throughout the arrangement, while allowing the emanating levity serve as a hallmark to its theme of embracing the reality and welcoming the new chapter that is about to open.
"Best Friend's Girl" is the fifth and final song from IlanaKovalle’s first EP - "Stages of Heartbreak", as well as the final song of separately compiled "The Loml Trilogy".
New Single Out October 1
IlanaKovalle’s latest single, “Half,” is an intriguing exploration of heartbreak and emotional negotiation, presented with a surprisingly light and upbeat touch. Inspired by the profound question of whether one would trade half of their remaining life for a dream, the song delves into the fourth stage of heartbreak—bargaining—in a way that is both reflective and refreshing.
From the outset, “Half” distinguishes itself with its lively tempo and upbeat production, a choice that contrasts with the often somber nature of the subject matter. Kovalle’s approach to turning "un-sing-able" lines into an engaging pop track is a testament to her creative ingenuity. The song balances its emotional depth with a buoyant melody, drawing comparisons to Ed Sheeran’s “Eyes Closed” and Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox’s cover of Olivia Rodrigo’s “Happier.”
The track's self-awareness is another highlight, particularly in the bridge where Kovalle humorously acknowledges the process of writing songs as a substitute for fighting for love. This meta-commentary adds a layer of authenticity and relatability to the song, making it not just a personal narrative but also a shared experience for listeners. As the fourth song from her upcoming EP *5 Stages of Heartbreak* and the second in “The Loml Trilogy,” “Half” represents a significant step in Kovalle’s artistic journey. Its combination of emotional resonance and playful self-reflection makes it a standout piece, capturing both the heartache and the humor that can accompany the process of healing.
In summary, “Half” is a compelling pop single that invites listeners to ponder the nature of sacrifice and recovery with a catchy, upbeat sound. IlanaKovalle’s ability to blend profound themes with an infectious melody ensures that this track will resonate with anyone navigating their own stages of heartbreak. (Press Release by Portal Famosos Brazil)
GoneWithTheWind Out September 1
"GoneWithTheWind" is a delicate piano ballad that beautifully contrasts with the IlanaKovalle’s melancholic vocals, which almost sound like a plea for help. The gentle, flowing melody creates a soothing backdrop, while the hauntingly expressive vocals deliver a sense of profound vulnerability and longing. This contrast enhances the emotional depth of the song, allowing the listener to feel the weight of the artist's introspection and sorrow. The piano's soft, contemplative notes intertwine with the raw, emotional intensity of the vocals, creating a poignant and evocative piece that resonates deeply with themes of loss and hope.
GoneWithTheWind is not a song inspired by the eponymous book or movie, but IlanaKovalle, in a light-hearted act of self-mockery, does compare herself to Scarlett O’Hara, or more specifically, to Scarlett’s failure to timely learn her lesson to secure her happy ending - the simple lesson about noticing the happiness that is right there in front of her, however easy it might be to miss it. GoneWithTheWind was intended to be a simple piano ballad about longing, but in the end it emerged as a raw expression of vulnerability in the midst of coming to terms with one’s regrets, vocalizing at the intersection of sorrow and hope.
This is the third song from IlanaKovalle’s upcoming EP “5 Stages of Heartbreak” (planned release - November 2024) and the first song of separately combined “The Loml Trilogy” (the other two songs of the trilogy to be released on October 1 and November 1).
New Single Out February 18
Thought You Up was originally written a while back, inspired by the illusions we willingly impose on ourselves and others, only to get disappointed when the reality breaks through. Then last year (2023) it materialized into something more else entirely and ended up being a bit of a fun experiment, where pop meets musical theater. There isn't much else that can be added to explain or describe it - it really speaks for itself.
Just one recommendation: Do listen to it in the headphones/earphones, as it was infused with some satisfyingly enjoyable spacial audio effects!
P.S. This is IlanaKovalle’s birthday present to herself:)
Ex-Friend is out now
Ex-Friend is an important song to me and I seriously doubted if I should be releasing it (we all say and write a bunch of profound stuff in therapy but it doesn’t necessarily mean it should be turned into public domain). This song was my equivalent of musical therapy, and even the most honest artists such as Taylor Swift probably don’t air out all of their intricate lingerie, keeping some things private.
So why am I then sharing “Ex-Friend”? Probably exactly because I felt free not to share it - once I could feel that it didn’t matter if I didn’t share it, I knew that it also didn’t matter if I did share it. The blissful freedom of choices unforced! Creators usually run the risk of immortalizing their pain in their artistic expressions, but this song isn’t so much a minor key commemoration of my past regrets as it is a rock ode to the process of healing, of letting go and of moving on.
Singles
From folk ballad of Cerulean Sky to melodramatic soundtrack of Some Words to rock rendition of Happy - IlanaKovalle plays with and tries on various musical genres because "why not?"
Cerulean Sky
Cerulean Sky was inspired by the never-ending violence of the modern world, in particular the gun violence that takes lives of children in high schools around the world, the atrocious war in Ukraine and Israel-Palestine conflict that already cost so many heartbeats, and the racism-fueled cruelty by the people of power. This melancholic song is written from the perspective of one person's last minutes of unexpectedly interrupted life - it's a plea to all people to remember and put first the preciousness of each and everyone's existence. IlanaKovalle hopes that even if it doesn't fit your music style, this song still manages to touch your heart and remind you to be kind and value both your life and the lives of everyone around you.
Some Words
Some Words was the first single IlanaKovalle released. While the song itself has to do with a love story, this release marked IlanaKovalle’s introduction into the music industry that for the longest time she felt underserving of entering, given her lack of musical background or some innate talent. The release of Some Words became a testament for IlanaKovalle that talent might have nothing to do with artistic expression - it’s about work, dedication, and self-permission to go out into the world and just try.
Happy
Happy was born out of the whirlwind of pressures to "just be happy" in the world that values things that often have nothing to do with happiness; in the world that makes "the pursuit of happiness" a right and a goal, looking down on those that struggle with the endeavor; in the world that forgets that happiness is in the subjective perception of each individual. After all, happiness is the journey, not the destination, and we all could sometimes use a reminder about that. IlanaKovalle really hopes you enjoy her version of this little reminder:)