*When did you really get involved into music in general and into metal specific? Who was responsable for your interest in (metal) music?

I decided to study music when I was 6. Since then I haven’t doubted for a moment what profession I’d choose. My father is a fan of classic rock and Heavy metal. I guess I absorbed classical music along with my dad’s influences of Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple.

*Which artists or bands did influence you the most?

I will highlight a few: Lacrimosa, Therion, Nightwish, Within Temptation and Evanescence.

*Which instrument do you play and how and when did you learn to play? Did you had lessons in school or private lessons? If so, was that because your parents expected that from you? Or did you learn to play the instruments by yourself? Do yo still follow some lessons?

As I said I was 6 when I started to learn music. It was a music school. I studied piano along with music theory, sol-fa and choir for 8 years. There are no musicians in my family. I was very motivated (I even can say possessed 😉). My parent had no expectations – that’s for sure. They wanted me to choose a different field, but when my mind is stuck with something, there’s no way to talk me out of it. So I went to a university and got my master degree in music arts (singing specialization). I believe there’s always something to learn so I always keep my eyes (and ears) open to new educational content.

*Do you listen to or are you intrested in other styles of music beside metal? If so, what is the kind of music you prefer to listen to?

I listen to a lot of Rock music: Classic Rock of 60th and 70th, gold hits and gothic of 80th, alternative 90th, underground 00th, metal of different kind, sometimes blues and soul for the lighter mood. If music resonates within me I don’t care much for genre borders.

*Is music a full time job for you now or do you have a job beside music? If so, what kind of job are you doing? If you would be really succesful with music, would you quit your other job?

I’m a music teacher, and no – I wouldn’t quit it as it’s a blessing to see how my students grow musicaly and personaly. And honestly I grow with them.

*If you could start a complete new band (something like an all star band) with other musicians on other instruments, which artists would you pick for wich instrument and why? Would you still go for a symphonic / gothic metal band?

I’ve never thought about “all stars” dream band… I love to collaborate with different musicians, and I’m always looking for “like minded” artists to work on my own music. I’ve just started my real solo journey so yes, I’d stay in symphonic gothic metal genre as I have more to say and explore there.

*If you had been banned to an uninhabited island and you may pick 5 albums to listen to, wich albums would you choose and why?

I would take my own album ‘Shadows And Signs’ for obvious reasons! Also I think I’d choose some classical music “hits” compilation, Nightwish ‘Decades’, Lacrimosa ‘Lichtjahre’ and greatest hits collection of soviet band Nautilus Pompilius.

*Every new album of a band or an artist is the best one, so they say. – We do know it’s the first album for APOLINARA. – So here is a chance to promote your album. Why should a music lover buy your album? What are the standout tracks for you on this new album and why?

I’m an independent unsigned artist, and I want to stay this way. It gives me a freedom to be genuine, honest and vulnerable through my songs. That’s why I guess buying my album is a great opportunity for symphonic gothic metal lovers to support an independent music. My songs are personal, it’s my story about fighting the inner demons, about overcoming, about healing. I hope “Shadows And Signs” will help someone to see the Light through a Darkness. That’s my greatest hope.

– See “CD-Review” for a review (written in Dutch) for the new APOLINARA album ‘Shadows & Signs’ (Independent Release) –

*Is there a chance that you will promote these songs through live concerts? If so, would you prefer small clubs or big festivals? And is there a chance we can see APOLINARA in Belgium?

At this point I can only promise live streams on my social platform. But my ambitions don’t stop here. I hope to gather proper musicians for live concerts and visit many countries including Belgium! Everything starts with a dream…