Irina Mikhailova sings to us from the heart of her indigenous roots, deeply rooted in the rich traditions of Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East.

Born in Kazakhstan, she joined the folk-rock band “Yablaka” in St. Petersburg, embarking on tours across the Soviet Union and the Eastern Bloc. In 1997, she released her second solo album, Russian Twilight. The track “Zarya” from this album would later be featured in the 2010 film Salt, starring Angelina Jolie. Following that, she began touring internationally with the tribal fusion group Medicine Drum.

A diverse, eclectic, and fascinating musical journey. We’re happy to have the chance to speak with her.

Interview by Shantiago on 03/03/25.

Hi Irina, how are you? Thank you so much for taking the time to chat with us.

Thank you for having me!

Where are you currently? How is the start of the new year going?

I am near San Francisco, and the start of the New Year has been very inspiring and busy.

Who is Irina Mikhailova as a musician?

A passionate explorer and independent freelancer. Freelancers have the freedom to set their own hours, choose their work locations, and select projects that excite them. This flexibility allows for a better work-life balance and the opportunity to take on a variety of projects simultaneously.

As a singer, composer, and producer, you embody an inspiring combination of talents. Could you share your musical background and journey with us?

Thank you for your kind words. Growing up in Asia, I later realized I had an innate ability to sing Eastern scales, along with Tuvan overtones—skills I never learned but seemed to have been passed down by the land itself. When I moved to the Slavic part of the country, I started composing distinct Gaelic and Viking melodies. It wasn’t until I took a DNA test that I discovered I have ancestral roots from those very lands as well.

Have there been particular life experiences or moments that you feel have had a lasting influence on your sound?

Of course, there have been many synchronistic moments of both joy and grief, such as the loss of my mother, alongside profoundly moving experiences of connecting with my ancestral roots.

How do you approach the process of creating new music?

I love the feeling of music—it’s about sensing it, letting it flow, and allowing space for improvisation while simultaneously creating structure. For me, it’s all about the initial emotional connection, the way the music resonates within me. Once that feeling is captured, the logical part naturally follows, as I refine and shape the piece, perfecting its structure. It’s a balance between intuition and precision, where both aspects work together to bring the music to life.

Let’s talk about your collaboration with Kaya Project. How did you first meet, and how do you typically work together?

It was truly magical: I met Seb in Mexico in 1998, and while doing some warm-ups with the mic for soundcheck, he overheard me. On our way back to the hotel, he asked if he could play a snippet of his new music project and if I’d be interested in singing on it. When I heard it, I was completely still—so moved by its beauty that my inner child froze with joy right where I was sitting. “It would be a dream,” I replied, and the rest is history.

You’ve also collaborated with quite a few musicians. Do you find it easy to connect with other talents and create art together?

I find it very easy to collaborate with other musicians. If it weren’t for scheduling conflicts and location challenges, I’d still be making music with some people I’ve lost touch with.

Would you like to share a bit about the range of documentaries and feature films your music has been featured in?

One of the highlights of my career includes working on the movie Salt, starring Angelina Jolie, as well as Halo, the multi-billion dollar science fiction video game. I’ve also contributed to films such as PURE, Moments Utopia, Full Moon and Magnus. In addition, I’ve worked on a variety of documentaries, including High Ambitions in the Himalaya, biographies of Michael Jackson and the Olsen sisters, and projects for National Geographic, the History Channel, etc.

And now a broad question. What does music mean to you?

Music has always felt timeless to me—time stands still as a wave of something unpredictable, fluid, and magical sweeps over.

What’s in store for you next? Do you have any plans for the near future?

I’m in the process of releasing a project I’ve kept under wraps, along with recording a new album. I’m also collaborating with Danish composer AYO, and we’re aiming to release an album in 2025-2026. And of course, I continue to provide vocal samples for Seb Taylor of Kaya Project, who, as you might know, is always creating and dropping new music.

What is Irina’s daily life like? What are some of your interests outside of music?

I have a deep love for nature and often go on nature trips to reconnect. I also rescued a dog who was poisoned at the shelter, and I’m working on healing him with organic food and medicinal herbs. In addition to my music career, I’m also a natural medicine practitioner. I’m passionate about blending knowledge with intuition to help people heal from complex illnesses.

Before we wrap up, would you like to share a message with the readers and followers of psybient.org?

Thank you for being a part of this incredible music, art, and dance family! I wish you the journey of discovering your unique creative path in life and living it to the fullest.

Thank you so much for your words. We’re excited to keep listening to and enjoying the versatility of your musical creations. A big hug and see you soon!

Listen and follow Irina Mikhailova:

https://irinamikhailova.bandcamp.com/
https://soundcloud.com/irinamikhailova
https://www.facebook.com/irinamikhailovamusic
https://www.instagram.com/irinamikhailovaofficial/