Neringa Siaudikyte — lithuanian pop singer, international voice competition winner, Lithuanian tv show face, the voice of Lithuanian finalist and well known pop singer in Lithuanian music world.

When did you realize that music is your vocation?

From very early age I realize music is something I want to do for the rest of my life. My talents were discovered by my teachers when I was in childrengarden and all my life as far as I can remember I was always singing and performing. Of course, there were times during my teenage period, when I was not sure if I am going to make to a big stage. it was still a dream until I was selected to “ The voice” of Lithuania. My career as a solo singer started to pick up.

Did your family support your choice of profession and did it influence it at subsequent stages?

My family was always supporting. My mother is an ex professional piano player. It’s more as a hobi now, but music is a special thing in our family. But I have to admit, it would be really hard to be doing a career without the support of your family. I think this is a really big problem and the reason why many people have jobs they hate and so many unfulfilled dreams and visions just because their family did not support them.

How did your first success come to you?

There was nothing like first success. I would say, I am a type of person, that needs to put a lot of effort. Nothing happened to me all of a sudden it was step by step proving myself and showing what I am capable of. After the project “ the voice” of Lithuania I could say my career started to take off. This was the first time I could say this is not only something I love to do, but I made this as a main thing I do for a living.

What pitfalls do you have to constantly face in your profession?

I think one of the hardest things for me and probably for a lot of public people is dealing with all the opinions out there. Even if you are strong enough, it can effect you in a negative way. You need a thick skin in this industry to survive and keep believing in what you do.

You have participated in various international competitions. Which of them was the closest and most interesting for you and why?

I would say “ Carpathia festival” in Rzesow, Poland. It was interesting because all the participants were adults and each of us was selected before the competition. We were equally strong vocally, so it was pretty hard to win. But I won Grand Prix in that competition and I am really proud that was the only time someone from Lithuania won Grand Prix. I strongly believe part of the success was my song produced in Los Angeles.

Tell us about your experience of participating in the national selection for Eurovision? Was it useful for you?

I think every performance, competition is very useful in your career. Eurovision was a great place to show my voice and abilities. It absolutely helpt to be more attractive to the audience.

At what point did you realize that you wanted to continue your career in Los Angeles and develop there?

After doing so many things with music I realize there is nowhere to grow for me. Also, in terms of music writers, I wanted to be surrounded by writers who write hits to Ariana grande, Justin Bieber, the weekend and etc. I wanted my music to jump into another level. That’s why I started to search for producers outside my country and I found someone in LA. I flew there just to meet him and this was the start. Few months later we were already filming my first music video in La.

Tell us about your collaboration with producer Andre Ferz. Do you plan to continue working with him?

It was great to work with Andrew. He was the one who pushed me to come and live in LA full time. We did great 3 singles. The third is going to be released in September. He was an amazing start and we are still friends.

The COVID-19 pandemic introduced strict requirements for self-isolation, which affected millions of people around the world, including stars from the world of show business. What did you do during this period?

I had to be creative. I won’t lie, it was very hard at the beginning. I think all of us faced a lot of fear, we didn’t know what will happen, I felt this as well. But then I decided to do best out of it. I started new business in a beauty industry. I opened a new company, became franchise owner of Lithuania for a brand named “ Darcase”. Even though I am a singer I am quite active in social media, sharing my life and routines. It was perfect to become more busy and fulfill performing time with something else. I can say it was the hardest and best year at the same time.

Do you feel excitement before every performance, or are you always 100% confident in yourself?

They say, if you dont feel excited at all before going on a stage your audience won’t get any emotions from you. I would I feel excited before I go on a stage and the first few minutes when I warm up with my audience. After it’s just pure joy…

Can you remember any interesting case related to your fans?

I love my fans. There are many supportive people and they love to show their love sometimes even too much. Once during the concert the fan came out to the stage and grabbed me for a dance it was funny also a bit scary.

A few words about your favorite artist: who was the main inspiration?

I have few artists that inspire me. But one of the biggest inspiration for me is Michael Jakson. I find so much of him in today’s music.

What advice would you give to performers who are at the beginning of their creative path?

To Find a Good team to work with. Its really important to have people who genuine believe in you and help you to find you style. Also, don’t be afraid to be different. It’s such advantage.

What besides music brings you pleasure?

Traveling. It brings so much pleasure to discover the world, see different culture and people. Also, a big part of my life is sports. I love being active. Brings be a lot of joy and energy.

How would you describe your style of clothing?

I am think my style is a mix. I feel that I can be very classy but sometimes I like to dress up fun and sexy. It all depends on a mood and occasion. But I feel the older I become the more I appreciate feminine and classy woman. You can never go wrong with it.

What book would you recommend to read?

I really love self development books. I love Robin Sharma, Tony Robbins books. I feel that I helped me a lot of times when I felt lost and we always need to feed our brain a very positive and motivating information. I really recommend Tony Robbins — unlimited power.

Do you have a motto?

My motto in life is : Never give up and keep going until you reach your goal.

If it’s not a secret, share your plans for the near future. What can your fans expect?

This September I am releasing a new song and music video and super excited about that and I can’t wait to share this with the world.

What would you like to say to InStyle readers — residents of Moldova?

I would like to encourage all the people from Moldova to visit Lithuania sometime. Learn our history, culture, try out food. Travelling is something that changing you as a person. Every time I visit a place I have never been I feel richer and richer. Especially today it’s such a blessing to be able yo see and travel the world even though it’s so much harder. But it really makes us appreciate life we lived before. I wish everyone health. We are all together in this and we going to win!

Model Neringa Siaudikyte @neringasiaudikyte
Photographer  Igor Malakhov @igor__malakhov
Make up & Hair Stylist  Mila James @milajamesmakeup
Fashion Stylist  Adriana Popovic Nassiri @adrianapopovic
Producer Valentina Gurova @valentinagurova