Yulianna was born in Almaty, Kazakhstan, but she grew up in Santa Barbara, California. She graduated from the California Institute of the Arts (Cal Arts) with a BFA and MFA in Opera Vocal Performance and a minor in Jazz Systematic Improvisation.
It was while studying that she scored her first gig.
After receiving her MFA, she decided to study composition in a community college. There, she was offered the golden opportunity to meet with music producer Robin Nixon, who then went on to produce her first album entitled “La-La-Land” in 2009.
Yulianna then went on to work with multi Grammy winning composer Walter Afanasieff, and later released a single called “Forgiveness”. The video for which was shot on the beach at the Maikhao Dream Resort & Spa, by Oscar winning director Waleed Moursi.
With various nominations under her belt, including a Grammy nomination for the Best Vocal Performance and Best Instrumental Composition for her single “Forgiveness”, as well as a number of exciting gigs, including performing at the Coachella music festival with producer and Dj Frank Royal in California, it’s no wonder Yulianna has quickly made a name for herself.
Her real accomplishment was being accepted into the Academy of Grammy, and although she didn’t win she says she was “so close to her lifetime goal”.
Having worked alongside the likes of Nicholas Ras Furlong, Spencer Nezey, notorious rapper The Game, and many more, Yulianna has learned from some of the best in the music industry.
Yulianna says her inspirations come from all “the natural things in life: love, friendship, struggles and war.”
Yulianna continues to grow and develop her musical sound, which was evident in her third album Popra “Soldier”, released in September 2014. Yulianna says she was thrilled when a blogger of PopDose placed her Popra “Soldier” album at #9 album of the year, and compared the album to Lady Gaga’s new album Artpop.
“She [Lady Gaga] is one of my favourite artists. I am proud of all of my work, after all, each step takes me to a new place or gives me an opportunity to meet someone new. I love collaborating and working with new people.
“In October last year I started my own show, YuliannaTV, on youtube where I interview indie and main stream artists.”
Yulianna has been invited back to Maikhao Dream Resort & Spa ever since filming the video to “Forgiveness”.
“I have been performing here for private parties as well as the New Years Eve concert. I guess after you get spoiled by a five-star resort, you wouldn’t want to go anywhere else.
“I absolutely love the Maikhao Dream team. Everyone is super friendly and will always do their best to accommodate you, whether that’s whipping up your favourite meal or getting you around the city. It’s extra special for me, purely because of its sentimental value.”
So what’s next for Yulianna?
“I hope my music will continue to touch people’s hearts and relate to their life stories.
“When I was travelling recently, a fan stopped me and asked for my autograph. I hope my fan base will continue to grow.
“My main goal is to continue making great music, break even more barriers, and create something new.
“There’ll be a few more tours, and coming soon is the release of my new music, written in collaboration with Jeff Blue.”
For more information visit yulianna.com