Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Simply Vika. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Simply, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

I’m incredibly happy to be doing what I love. I genuinely believe that following your heart and passion leads to a more fulfilling life compared to working a job you dislike. Of course, the artist’s path is not without its challenges. There are always compromises, and it often takes a long time to see the seeds you’ve planted bloom. Patience is essential, and I understand why some people aren’t ready to commit to the uncertainties of an artistic life.

But for a true artist, there’s really no escape from that calling. Even if you have a 9-to-5 job for security, you come home and pour yourself into your art, working at it until it can finally become your entire life. Sometimes, when I’m feeling down or exhausted, I do wonder what it would be like to have a simpler routine: going to work, coming home, and having no other responsibilities or worries—just watching TV, taking a walk, and then sleeping. But that thought never lasts long because, deep down, that’s just not who I am.

So yes, living as a creative person and making art has made me the happiest I’ve ever been. It’s simply who I am!

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m a bunch of different things: a lyrical rapper, a multilingual singer, a book author, a poet, a photography business owner, a creative spirit, and an equality activist. But at the heart of it all, I’m just someone who’s passionate about helping others believe in their dreams, no matter how many times they’ve been told those dreams are impossible.

I’ve been a singer my whole life and started writing lyrics when I was 9. But it wasn’t until I went to music college in LA at 23 that I took it seriously and found my artist identity. That’s where I really got into rapping.

Photography came into my life in 2017 as just a hobby. Funny enough, it became a business because of COVID. When the pandemic hit, I had to leave LA and head back to Israel, leaving everything I’d built behind. I didn’t feel like making music, so I picked up my camera and started taking photos of friends and family. People began asking me for shoots and even paying me, which pushed me to learn more and turn it into a legit business. It’s crazy how things work out.

Last year, I mixed my photography and other art forms in a project called Body Image Through Color. I’m excited to start fundraising for it soon and turn it into an exhibit here in New York City.

2024 has been rough, though. I went through a tough breakup, and then October 7th happened, with friends and family finding themselves in a state of war. The stress and anxiety were intense, and being alone didn’t help. Music wasn’t happening for me, so I started writing tons of poetry instead. I shared my poems on Instagram, and people really connected with them, asking for more. Their support pushed me to turn my writing into a book, which is now up on Amazon. It’s wild how life has a way of surprising you.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the most important lessons I learned during my time at the Musicians Institute in Hollywood was to build a strong brand, stick to a clear genre, and, of course, follow trends.

It took me six years to unlearn that because, honestly, I think it’s the worst advice an artist can get. Artistry is about creative expression, in any form and by any means. I chose rap, and for 5-6 years, I struggled to fit into this Hip-Hop box that just wasn’t me. I’d write songs that weren’t ‘Hip-Hop’ or didn’t have catchy hooks, and I’d never release them because I thought they were bad or that I’d confuse my audience.

Those limitations did nothing for me. I was constantly stressed about being ‘Hip-Hop’ enough, trying to keep up with the Billboard top 100, and even forcing myself to stick to a certain rapper look once I decided on it. It was painful to unlearn all of that because it felt like I’d wasted so much time and energy trying to fit in.

Now, I’m finally stepping out of that box I built for myself. I’m working on a new album called Diaries, and it’s got me singing and rapping in all three languages I know, with mixes of conscious rap, melodic rap, R&B, and more. I didn’t care if every song sounded different. What mattered was the message and the lyrics. I let myself follow my heart and do what felt right, no matter what people might expect from me now.

Funny enough, while working on the album, I started sharing snippets with people around me, and the reactions have been way beyond what I expected. Seems like following your heart really is the key to happiness and success. Crazy, right?

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

I read so many books; I’ll try to summarize them here, but I’m sure I’ll forget some. I read a lot.

Here’s my list:

The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin
Beyond Talent: Creating a Successful Career in Music by Angela Myles Beeching
It’s All in Your Head by Russ
Originals by Adam Grant
How To Make It in the New Music Business by Ari Herstand
The Courage to Be Disliked by Fumitake Koga and Ichiro Kishimi
Atomic Habits by James Clear
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Unf**k Your Brain by Faith G. Harper
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fck* by Mark Manson
Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself by Joe Dispenza

Also, make a vision board and manifest as hard as you can! Believe that this future is already here and fill your brain with it! That way, your brain will act like it’s already living the life you want and will lead you to do the things required to make it happen

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.simplyvika.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/its_simply_vika/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SimplyVika
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SimplyVika
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/simplyvika
• Other: Don’t have the link yet, it will be published Nov 12. But check “Pretty (&) Alone” on Amazon!

Image Credits

For first four photos and the main one: Noble Holt