When you first meet Lica you will be immediately intrigued by her almost ice-queen vibe and goddess visage. My first impression directly reminded me of Athena. This well-known Greek goddess that represents many things including wisdom, mischief, courage, skill and the arts in general. In classical art, she’s depicted wearing the full armor of a warrior. She often appears with an owl on her shoulder, which is her sacred animal and symbol of esteemed wisdom. Although Lica describes her spirit animal as being a Fox, I can still imagine her playing her sets wearing a full Athena armour.
Going back to my first impression, I felt like she had some kind black magic powers or feel that was hard to describe in that moment. Almost like she had something mischievous on her mind. I couldn’t quite tell…. But, as soon as I heard her music, it all made sense and I suddenly felt connected to her and her artistic style. Her music is described as deep, melodic and eclectic, that always experiments with new sounds to inspire and surprise the audience. She started playing music 8 years ago in Estonia. At that time, she was well-known for her Drum and Bass sets and underground music projects. Getting to know her overtime makes me thankful, as many don’t have the privilege of knowing her personally. It’s different when you go see someone’s set versus sitting down with the artist and actually having a conversation about their creative process and life.
For the past year, Lica has travelled and spread her energy to audiences in numerous countries that include; Brazil, USA, Israel, Egypt, Greece, Lebanon. If you catch her around the world, make sure to stay present and discover her world of beautiful tunes and melodies. Every summer Lica is based in Mykonos, being a resident DJ for venues such as Scorpios and Void. She also brought Live acts to play during her sets as well as sharing decks with other artists in her field. I asked her a couple personal questions so you can get a glimpse into her musical universe.
What does nature mean to you and how does it intertwine with your music?
Music and nature go hand in hand, we are surrounded by its presence. They are both transformative of our emotional and psychological states, imposing a release into peacefulness and create a chartist for escapism. They balance us by giving us a moment with ourselves and ground us to return to an untarnished perspective of life.
Is there any DJ/musician that currently inspires you?
I am constantly inspired by artists/musicians. It could be the sound that connects with the current state of mind or it could be a fascination by something completely new that opens new doors and inspires me to dig deeper. Also an artists’ beliefs and principles in a musical world I relate to, that encourage me to stay true to myself and never give up.
Three words you would use to describe your music
Melancholic, eclectic and energetic.
“Both nature and music balance us by giving us a moment with ourselves and ground us to return to an untarnished perspective of life.”
Any favourite place around the world that you played at thus far?
Every place left special memories behind. But I have to say it’s an incredible feeling to play by the sea, feeling the breeze and getting lost in the view of endless horizons.
You are currently based in London. What does this city mean to you?
I live in London for the past 6 years now. London is filled with opportunities and guidance, but also confusion and obstacles. It purely depends on an individual how to react and take all what London has to offer. London has become my home. Every time I travel somewhere, I return back to London with joy.
How did you discover your passion for music?
Music was always within me. I knew from an early age I will be involved with it somehow. My passion for Djing arose when I found myself in this underground club back in Estonia. I heard Drum and Bass and fell in love. I started going again all by myself every other week, just to dance to it until I decided it is not enough, so I learned how to DJ.
What do women in the music industry mean to you?
There are still many speculations with regards to females in the music industry. I think in the end, it all comes to one’s talent and personal drive. I admire the strength of these women and how they keep on going no matter what. Constantly being prepared to hit back to criticism and feeling like you are under the spotlight can be truly exhausting. For some reason, there is an extra focus on females in the music industry as if we still have to prove ourselves. In my case it only adds more to the challenge I so love.
“There are still many speculations with regards to females in the music industry. I think in the end, it all comes to one’s talent and personal drive.”
Song you can’t stop listening to in this moment
Nowadays it happens rarely I could name one track that took my heart. Nandu – Without A Doubt is definitely one of them at the moment..
What’s your spirit animal?
Fox. Even my name Lica is related to it. Curious, cunning and mischievous.
Besides music, how else do you express yourself?
I love writing poems, mostly universal poems about life.
Are you an introvert or extrovert?
I Think I am an introvert who acts like an extrovert.
Any quote that inspires you right now?
There is no particular quote that comes to mind, however I believe in the mantra of self improvement and constantly learning and progressing, having a flexibility towards change.
Interview by Eva Davidová
www.instagram.com/ilona.lica
Photography by @studioalabern
Make-up Artist @muamarta
Clothes @toomuch_
