INNA’s real name is Elena Alexandra Apostoleanu and she grew up in Neptun, Romania. She studied political science during her university years, and she’s been interested in music from a very young age. Then, in 2008, her whole world turned upside down compared to her years spent in a quiet, seaside town, when her debut single, Hot came out, and she became a worldwide sensation in the blink of an eye. Since then, she never stopped!
She has released six studio albums and countless hits so far, as well as toured the whole world. Though she has experimented with various genres, she’s still working on her music with the same enthusiasm and diligence as she did 12 years ago, when her career started. INNA told us about her hobbies, new music, her passion towards fashion, and even a message for her Hungarian fans! – exclusive interview with INNA.
How have you been coping with the current situation? We noticed you’ve been skateboarding a lot lately! Is that your new hobby?
I tried to keep myself active, doing a lot of stuff I love in the house or close to the house, for example taking a walk or running. I shot videos with a small crew, and I did photoshoots. Regarding skateboarding, it’s something I’ve been doing for a while, I started years ago. I love it!
What else do you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy reading books, listening to music, spending time with my friends, and writing music.
She released her latest album last summer, titled Yo, which means ‘me’ in Spanish. The title is very much on point, as it meant a departure from the commercial EDM/pop sound, and she revealed a more experimental and personal side of hers. The entire record is in Spanish, and she cowrote every single track on it. However, she returned to her musical roots with her new singles Not My Baby, which is very popular on TikTok, and Sober. What inspired this switch, you’re asking?
I just felt it was right to do it, it felt natural, and I’m super happy I did that! My fans love the songs and I’m really excited about their feedback.
Staying at home during the last few months taught Inna some new experiences. In her music videos, we usually see exotic and tropical places, however, she shot the video for Sober in her own house.
What was this experience like?
Unusual, but fun, nice, I had a great time. It was a new experience to shoot a video with such a small crew. Also, it’s a special song, it’s close to my heart.
You’re working on your 7th album. How would you describe it in 3 words?
It’s a work in progress album, it’s a process, so I cannot describe it accurately. For the moment, there’s no release date and name for the project. But for sure, it’s all about love, passion, and joy of life.
She also told us some fun facts about her music. Bet you’d never guess which singer is her biggest musical influence!
I love P!nk! She is amazing, she’s my favourite artist!
You’ve collaborated with several huge names from the industry, including Pitbull, Alexandra Stan, Daddy Yankee, and Saweetie. Which artist would you like to work with the most in the future?
I would like to do another song with J Balvin, a bigger hit than Cola Song.
What’s your favourite and least favourite song that you’ve ever released?
Right now, one of my favourites is for sure Not My Baby. Least favourite… don’t know… I prefer not to think of my least favourite songs, but to accept them as part of my career and my path.
Something else is playing a huge role in her life besides music, and that’s fashion. On stage, she’s a real diva and wearing the coolest outfits ever, but what style does she prefer in her everyday life?
I’m passionate about fashion so it’s a pleasure to work on my outfits by myself or together with my stylists. I shop online and create my outfits. For my daily life, the style is different. I’m mostly very grungy, loose outfits, rockish, sexy, sometimes elegant. It depends on my mood.
You have a whole online magazine called INNAMag! How did that project come by?
I wanted to express my passion for photography this way, but also develop a bigger project with all the stuff I like, people I admire.
If you weren’t a singer, what job would you like to have?
Photographer, the voice of cartoon characters.
INNA has always been outspoken as an activist. Among others, she took a stand against domestic violence, even signed a petition asking the Romanian government to strengthen its laws regarding the matter. She participated in UNICEF’s No More Invisible Children campaign about children’s rights, as well as Cartoon Network’s anti-bullying campaign. Four years ago, she showed support to the LGBT community by signing an open letter that dealt with the community’s rights.
I feel it’s important to help and support the causes I truly believe in, I strongly think it’s my responsibility to join in and spread the love this way.
12 years into your career, you’ve basically toured the whole world. How did you learn to cope with this hectic lifestyle?
It came up naturally with time. It’s a crazy hectic life, but I love every moment of it!
What’s your favourite part of touring?
Meeting my fans, feeling their energy from the stage, but also travelling and discovering new places!
INNA gave several concerts in Hungary: we could see her 3 years ago in Szeged, 2 years ago in Győr, and last year in our capital city, at Budapest Park. We asked her if she knows any Hungarian words, and she gave us the best answer possible:
Szeretlek!
And what’s her message for her Hungarian fans?
I miss my Hungarian fans and I really hope to come back to Hungary and see you all! Love you, stay safe!
