INTERVIEW | INNA: I never dared to imagine an international career. Dream collab? With P!nk

Hi INNA! You're about to go on your European tour soon - how excited are you?
I’m really thrilled to kick off my European tour - it’s been one of my big goals for 2025 and I am extremely grateful that we get to do it. I had two sold-out shows in Poland back in December, and it was such an amazing experience to connect with my fans and share those special moments. I can’t wait to do it all over again! 

Your tour is called Echoes by INNA. Why “echoes”?
This title is deeply personal to me - it embodies my journey through music and creativity, capturing the essence of who I am as an artist. Each echo is a reflection of the experiences, emotions, and connections that have shaped my path and made me the person I am today. It’s not just a tour; it’s a piece of my soul shared with my fans.

If your life had its echoes, what moments would be reflected in them?
That’s a great question - and a tough one. I have so much to be grateful for and will always treasure the love, support, and incredible people who have been part of my journey, both in life and in my career. From my earliest performances in new territories - across Europe, the United States, Japan, and Canada - to the excitement of my first hit and the joy of collaborating with amazing artists, every experience has been meaningful and deeply cherished.

Can you reveal what your fans can look forward to at your concerts?
What I can only hope to be an unforgettable experience—good vibes, high energy, and a setlist filled with both fan favorites and personal highlights. Every show is a journey through my music, with moments to sing, dance, and feel connected. Expect surprises, raw emotion, and a lot of fun. I can’t wait to share these moments with you!

Touring can be exhausting. How do you take care of your voice?
For me, the most important thing on my days off is getting enough rest and sleep. I prioritize keeping my voice relaxed by limiting unnecessary talking, staying hydrated, and taking care of any strain. If my throat feels sore, I use remedies to help it recover. Maintaining my voice is essential to performing at my best

You'll be performing again in the Czech Republic. Have you ever visited our country privately?
I absolutely love Prague! I’ve performed in the Czech Republic before, but I never had enough time to truly explore. This time, we’ve booked our stay for a few extra days to soak in the city’s vibe and experience it beyond the stage.

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When you're on tour, do you have time to explore the cities? Is there anything you'd love to see in the Czech Republic?
I think it's definitely one of the biggest perks of being an artist. Whenever I'm in a new place, I make it a priority to spend every free moment exploring and immersing myself in the local culture.It’s always exciting to experience the atmosphere of a city, discover great coffee spots, try vegan restaurants, and explore beautiful landmarks and trendy neighborhoods. If you have any recommendations for places to visit in the Czech Republic, feel free to send me a message on Instagram!

What does a typical day on tour look like for you?
My day always starts with a bit of a late wake-up to make sure I feel fresh and energized. Then, it’s coffee - and if I’m in a sunny place, I make sure to soak up some vitamin D. I try to squeeze in a quick workout before meeting up with my team, going for a walk, or heading to soundcheck. After that, I enjoy a good meal, then it’s time to get ready and head to the venue for the show.

I assume fans will get to hear your new single Let It Talk To Me with Sean Paul live. You’ve already collaborated on Up - who came up with the idea for this new song?
After the success of Up, which has become a fan favorites during shows, Sean Paul’s team reached out to collaborate on another song. I’m so excited for you all to hear Let It Talk To Me live – it’s going to be amazing!

You've worked with many artists. Which collaboration do you value the most?
Every collaboration holds a special place in my heart because each one has been an important step in my journey. I truly appreciate every artist who has supported me and helped me achieve my dreams. I’m forever grateful for all of them!

Do you have a dream artist you'd love to collaborate with in the future?
I adore P!nk, she is amazing. I would love to collaborate with her!

You've been in the music industry for over fifteen years. How do you think the dance music scene has changed?
The dance music scene has evolved significantly over the years. With the rise of festivals, digital platforms, and social media, artists now have more opportunities to grow and connect with their audience. Collaborations between artists from different genres have become more common, and remixes are more popular than ever. Overall, I think these changes are positive and offer great benefits to artists.

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If you could travel back in time and experience any musical era firsthand, which one would you choose?
I love dance-pop music, but I believe that a hint of pop-rock is what suits me as well.

You stand out among musicians because you have a university degree. Did you consider it important to have a backup plan?
When I started university, I didn’t think of it as a backup plan. I just felt it was the right path for me at the time. It wasn’t about having a plan B, but more about following what felt right for my personal growth at that point in time.

If you weren’t a singer, what do you think you’d be doing today? What is Elena Alexandra Apostoleanu like in her private life?
If I weren’t a singer, I’d probably still be working in a creative field since I love taking pictures and doing makeup, and I’m pretty good at both. In my private life, I’m just like anyone else—enjoying simple things, staying creative, and focusing on what brings me joy.

Romania isn't a huge country, yet you’ve managed to break through in Europe. Was it always your dream to become famous, travel the world, and perform?
My dream was always to be on stage, performing in front of large crowds. But to be honest, I never dared to imagine an international career. Everything that has happened feels surreal, and as I often say, this is a dream I never want to wake up from.

What advice would you give to young artists who dream of making it internationally?
Work hard, stay focused, and always have faith in your dreams. Surround yourself with people who believe in you and your vision, because having that support is key to making it internationally.

You released an album last year, and next month, you’re heading on tour… Do you have any more plans for 2025?
My main goal every year is to keep creating more music—that’s always my top priority. I already have some amazing releases lined up, along with exciting festival shows this summer, so I’m really looking forward to everything that’s coming.

Text: Andrea Štipčáková, photo: archiv
Key words: INNA, Echoes Tour, dance, Rumunsko