Ksenia, an emerging artist, has been making waves in the music scene, recently opening for Jude York's "Heartstrings" European tour. From the thrill of a direct message invitation to performing on iconic stages like The Camden Assembly, Ksenia's journey is a testament to perseverance and passion. In this exclusive Q&A, she shares insights into her exciting career, the challenges she's overcome, and how her foundational experiences, particularly at Bede's, helped shape her artistic path.

How did it feel the moment you found out you'd be opening for Jude York on his European "Heartstrings" tour?

I actually found out through a DM from Jude himself on Instagram! He asked me to open for his show and I was unbelievably excited! I remember just sitting there in disbelief for a second before the excitement kicked in. It honestly made my entire day! It might not seem like a massive deal to everyone, but to me it was a reminder that the little wins really do matter. They’re what keep me grounded, motivated, and grateful in an industry that can move so fast.

Opening for an artist like Jude York at a venue like The Camden Assembly must have been an incredible experience. Can you describe the atmosphere that night and what it was like performing on that stage?

The energy that night was amazing. The crowd at The Camden Assembly was so warm and welcoming, and it felt like everyone in the room genuinely wanted to be there and connect with the music. During my set, I could feel their support and enthusiasm, which made performing feel effortless and fun. I even got to meet some of them afterwards, and hearing them say how much they enjoyed my set. It was honestly the best part. Camden Assembly had always been a dream venue for me, a lot of great artists played there in the early stages of their careers, so stepping on that stage was special.

Every performer has a journey. What were some of the key milestones or challenges you faced leading up to this significant opportunity?

There’ve definitely been highs and lows. The music industry, especially today, can be incredibly tough and there’s a lot of rejection, second-guessing, and mental exhaustion that comes with putting your work out there. At the start of 2024, I decided to fully commit to my artist project and finally start releasing music, and in October, I released my debut EP called ‘Breaking Point’ has already surpassed 285k streams! That transition from just creating to actually putting it into the world was a huge step and honestly, kind of scary. Being a songwriter often means sharing the most vulnerable parts of yourself and putting your thoughts and feelings out into the world in the hope that others will connect with them. I was lucky to have a manager at the time who really believed in me and gave me that final push out of the procrastination bubble. Being independent means learning everything as you go from promotion to distribution, and it can be overwhelming. I’ve learned that patience and belief in your art is everything.

How do you feel your time at Bede's helped prepare you for a career in music, both artistically and personally?

Bede’s was a place that really encouraged individuality, which is so important in a creative field like music. I always felt supported in exploring who I was, not just academically, but personally and artistically too. Whether it was performing at Cabaret, singing in the Jazz Choir, or collaborating with other students on creative projects, having that space to be expressive helped me build confidence in my voice, both literally and figuratively. On a personal level, Bede’s taught me resilience and how to balance hard work with passion, which is essential in this industry. Looking back, it gave me a strong foundation to trust my instincts and stay true to myself as an artist.

Were there any specific teachers, experiences, or lessons that particularly stand out for you?

All my teachers and housemistresses at Bede’s helped shape me to be who I am today and I’m truly thankful for that. A special shoutout to Roy Hilton, who was incredibly supportive when I made the transition from playing the cello, which I’d played for 10 years, to focusing on singing. Since I left Bede’s, we’ve stayed in contact and I’ve been sending him my music because I really value his opinion. He always encouraged me to keep going after I started taking songwriting seriously and his support was really valuable to me.

What advice would you give to current Bede's students who dream of pursuing a career in the music industry?

I’d say don’t give up on your passion. The music industry can be brutal and it’ll test your patience, your confidence, and your resilience, but if you truly love what you’re doing, it’s worth every challenge. One of the biggest things I’ve learned is how important collaboration is, both in the creative process and professionally. Building a network of people you can grow with and around is essential, strong connections can open doors you didn’t even know existed. It’s also one of the most creatively fulfilling and exciting paths you can take. So stay true to yourself, keep learning, and surround yourself with people who support your vision.

If you had to give your 16 year old self one piece of advice, what would it be?

Honestly, I’d say what I said in my previous answer - sounds so cliche but don’t give up! I’d also remind her to keep her head up and embrace every experience and opportunity that comes her way because life is going to look so different in seven years than what she imagined, and that’s not a bad thing. Stay open, stay curious, and trust that every twist and turn has its purpose!

Ksenia's story is an inspiring reminder that success often stems from a blend of talent, resilience, and unwavering dedication. Her candid reflections offer valuable lessons for aspiring musicians and highlight the profound impact of supportive environments. As she continues to navigate the dynamic music industry, it's clear that Ksenia's journey is just beginning, filled with the promise of more "little wins" and significant milestones ahead.