The Bulgarian alt-pop artist on digital-era identity loss, authentic expression, and finding her voice beyond Eurovision
In a world obsessed with curated perfection, VICTORIA is carving out space for raw honesty. The Bulgarian singer-songwriter has evolved far beyond her Eurovision days, now creating alt-pop that dissects our digital dependencies and emotional avoidance with both vulnerability and sharp wit. Her latest releases don’t just soundtrack modern disconnection – they offer a roadmap back to genuine feeling.
“Over the years, I’ve grown a lot, not just as an artist but as a person. Back when I auditioned for X Factor, I was still finding my voice and learning to trust myself. Today, this shift toward darker and more alternative themes reflects my willingness to explore deeper emotions and truths, even the uncomfortable ones. It’s about being honest with myself and my audience, embracing vulnerability, and discovering new sides of who I am.
I’ve always been proud of my Bulgarian roots, and they naturally influence the way I see the world and express myself. At the same time, I try to make music that resonates universally because emotions, struggles, and human stories are shared across cultures. I focus on authenticity and honesty, and by staying true to myself, I think it connects with people anywhere, whether they know Bulgarian culture or not. It’s about finding a balance between who I am, where I come from, and the stories that are relatable to a global audience.
With my latest works, “We Don’t Get Along” and “Crumbs of a Modern Tragedy,” I wanted to explore how easy it is to lose yourself when your life is constantly measured by likes, views, and online validation. For me, this is one of the most pressing emotional crises today because social media creates pressure to perform and present a perfect image, even when you’re struggling inside. With these songs, I wanted to capture that feeling with honesty — the tension between how we feel and how we are expected to appear — and offer a reflection on reclaiming your own voice and presence in a world that often values surface over substance.
It’s about being honest without overdramatising. I like to show the truth of my feelings, the real struggles, but also recognise the absurdity of certain situations, like the pressure to be perfect online. That little touch of irony gives perspective, makes the story relatable, and sometimes even a bit playful, so it doesn’t feel heavy-handed.
I would describe my artistic identity now as honest, vulnerable, and experimental. Even as I explore new sounds, genres, and themes, the threads that connect all my work are storytelling, emotion, and authenticity. I always aim to create music that resonates on a human level, whether it’s through big ballads or intimate alt-pop tracks.
I’m drawn to whatever format feels true to the story I want to tell. In “Crumbs of a Modern Tragedy,” the words needed to be heard first without melody. It had to be raw and unbound. I often experiment when I feel a song isn’t fully expressing the emotion or idea in its standard form. It’s about trusting instinct and allowing creativity to take its natural shape.
Being a favourite for Eurovision was exhilarating, but not getting to perform reminded me that success isn’t always linear. Victoria – Tears Getting Sober – Bulgaria 🇧🇬 – Official Music Video – Eurovision 2020 Those experiences taught me not to measure myself solely by my own or others’ expectations. It shaped my mindset to focus on my growth, music, and standards rather than external validation. Every high and low has strengthened my character and clarified what truly matters to me as an artist.
The music industry can be particularly challenging for young women, but I stay focused on my art and my truth. It’s tempting to conform or follow trends, but I’ve learned that authenticity is the only thing that lasts. Music is my medicine and my expression, so staying authentic keeps me grounded and makes my work meaningful.
I don’t set out to lecture, but I want to shine a light on experiences that many people go through but may feel alone in. By sharing my perspective, I hope to create connection, awareness, and sometimes comfort for listeners facing similar struggles. Artists can normalise vulnerability and honest expression. When people see musicians openly sharing their struggles and emotions, it gives them permission to feel and speak about their own experiences. For my generation, this is especially important because we live in a hyperconnected world that often prioritises appearances over reality. Music can create safe spaces for reflection, conversation, and emotional honesty.
I see this alt-pop direction as a way to explore deeper emotions, push creative boundaries, and connect with listeners on an intimate level. I hope to spark conversations about self-expression, vulnerability, and the pressures of modern life, especially in the digital age. My goal is to create music that makes people feel seen, encourages reflection, and reminds them that their experiences are valid.
If I could change one thing about how we connect in this hyperconnected world, I wish people could slow down and be more present. So much of our interaction is online and surface-level, and it can be isolating. I would love for people to focus on real connections, authentic conversations, and truly listening to each other, instead of measuring life through likes, followers, or appearances.”
VICTORIA is a Bulgarian singer-songwriter who gained international recognition as Bulgaria’s Eurovision representative for 2020 and 2021. Her debut EP, a little dramatic, garnered over 15 million streams and earned her a spot on Forbes Bulgaria’s 30 Under 30 list. Her latest releases, “We Don’t Get Along” and spoken-word interlude “Crumbs of a Modern Tragedy” mark a creative shift toward alt-pop and deeper social commentary.
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