Lilia Mai is not just a singer—she is a soulful storyteller, an indie composer, an art therapist in the making, and a cultural bridge between classical tradition and modern emotion. Hailing from the historically rich city of Saint Petersburg, Russia, Lilia’s creative evolution reflects a deep connection to jazz, fine art, art therapy, and human vulnerability. Her music flows with romanticism, introspection, and healing, while her activism boldly addresses vital issues like mental health, domestic violence, and children’s welfare.
Early Life and Musical Roots: Nurtured by Art and Emotion
From the age of four, Lilia’s path was clear—music chose her. She began singing and learning the piano at the prestigious Rimsky-Korsakov music school, and later mastered the harp. She became a soloist with the famed choir “Raduga,” and by 13, she had already recorded her first multilingual tracks.
Her role as Asol in the 2011 musical “Scarlet Sails” marked a significant milestone in her theatrical career. Her educational journey led her to the Guildhall School of Music & Drama in London, where she recorded songs with renowned arranger Nick Ingman at the legendary Abbey Road Studios. Her academic pursuits continued at the International Academy of Music named after Elena Obraztsova and Moscow State University, where she graduated with honors from the Fine Arts faculty.
Discography: A Catalogue of Dreams, Reality, and Artistic Expression
Lilia Mai’s discography reflects a journey of emotional growth, sonic exploration, and lyrical authenticity.
- “Flying in Dreams” (2015): A dreamlike debut that introduced her celestial vocal timbre.
- “From Another Planet” (2018): A poetic album that blends ethereal jazz with surrealism.
- “Love Machine” (2019): A bold step into romantic vulnerability and experimental sound.
- “Surreal” (2022): A collaborative gem featuring Julian Shah-Taylor (Lana Del Rey), this album showcased her command over sonic textures and emotional nuance.
- “Lady in Blues” (2024): A viral sensation, used by over 10,000 users on digital platforms, and charting in Apple Music’s Top 100.
- Upcoming Album (2025): Currently in the works, this will be her 5th studio release, promising a deeper philosophical and musical expression.
Inspirations: A Lifelong Romance with Art and Humanity
Lilia’s artistry is deeply rooted in the jazz culture, romantic classical compositions, and the visual beauty of her birthplace. Her childhood was filled with music, art galleries, and poetic lullabies written by her mother. The cultural wealth of Saint Petersburg and monthly visits to the Hermitage Museum enriched her creative lens.
She draws inspiration from nature, unspoken emotions, personal losses, and global history. Her songs often reflect mythology, antique aesthetics, and poetic introspection, bringing a refreshing blend of soul, jazz, and ethnic sounds to a modern audience.
Musical Identity: A Fusion of Soul, Jazz, and Ethnic Roots
What makes Lilia Mai truly unique is her angelic timbre, emotional depth, and eclectic fusion of styles. Her vocals are described as healing, filled with dreamy tenderness and emotional richness. Her songwriting explores themes of love, nostalgia, femininity, and spiritual reflection.
She composes, writes, and performs her own songs, often in multiple languages, including English, Russian, and French. Her voice is both delicate and commanding, capable of carrying the listener through a range of cinematic emotions and spiritual awakenings.
Art Meets Healing: The Art Therapist in Progress
Beyond her music, Lilia is currently pursuing an MBA in Art Therapy, seamlessly merging her academic background in fine arts with her emotional depth as a musician. Her upcoming book for children and a soothing lullaby project aim to use therapeutic narratives and melodies to aid in child development and emotional healing.
Through her studies and outreach, she is actively bridging the gap between artistic creativity and psychological well-being—a pursuit that distinguishes her as a modern healer through music.
Charity Work and Advocacy: Music with a Mission
Lilia runs a charity radio program at RTR that supports children and artists while advocating for causes such as:
- Women’s Rights
- Children’s Rights
- Mental Health Awareness
- Domestic Violence Survivors
- Peace Initiatives
Through her shows and interviews with cultural icons, she provides a platform for underrepresented voices and raises awareness about critical social issues. Her dedication to empowering others through art is deeply woven into her life’s mission.
Creative Decision-Making: Choosing Purpose Over Popularity
Lilia approaches every project with soulful intention and clarity of purpose. Whether it’s curating radio content, composing an album, or developing educational resources, she carefully selects ventures that align with her vision for a better, more artistic, and compassionate world.
She believes that art is an act of service—a way to give without expectation, to offer beauty, healing, and perspective. Her collaborations are chosen based on authenticity, emotional resonance, and potential to create meaningful impact.
Defining Success: Harmony, Peace, and Purposeful Creation
For Lilia Mai, success is not measured in numbers but in inner fulfillment. She defines it as:
- The courage to face failure.
- The ability to stay true to one’s essence.
- The freedom to create independently and passionately.
- The blessing of family, love, and time in nature.
- The joy of giving—financially, emotionally, and artistically.
Success, for her, is about achieving harmony in life, and maintaining a peaceful balance between work, passion, and personal relationships.
Milestones: Motherhood, Music, and Multilingual Brilliance
Among all her accomplishments, Lilia considers motherhood her greatest achievement. She views her son as her guiding light and emotional anchor. Her music, too, she sees as “children”—born from her soul and crafted with intention.
A standout in her recent work is the acclaimed single “I Am a Work of Art”—a Renaissance-inspired love ballad that marries mythological themes with modern sensibilities. It’s a timeless piece that encapsulates her artistic essence and has resonated deeply with fans worldwide.
She also celebrates her linguistic versatility and ability to connect people across cultures through multilingual compositions—a rare talent that underscores her global relevance.
Upcoming Projects: A Future Fueled by Purpose
Looking forward, Lilia Mai has several significant projects lined up:
- Fifth Studio Album (2025): Promises a deeper dive into philosophical and artistic terrains.
- Therapeutic Children’s Book: Written with emotional intelligence and pedagogical care.
- Lullaby Composition: Aimed at soothing young hearts and minds.
- Master’s Degree Pursuit: Preparation is underway for admission into her dream university.
- Charity Expansion: Focused on supporting more children and victims of abuse through education, art, and therapy.
Lilia Mai is more than an artist—she is a movement of softness, strength, and self-awareness. Her work redefines what it means to be a modern musician, activist, and healer. With every note, lyric, and initiative, she invites us to embrace our inner worlds, celebrate our uniqueness, and heal collectively through the power of art.
Her journey is a testament to how creativity, empathy, and education can together spark change. In a world that often forgets its soul, Lilia Mai stands as a poignant reminder that art, when rooted in truth, can save lives.
