With a voice that’s as radiant as her energy, Tamara Lova is quickly proving she’s one to watch in the pop landscape. After years of honing her craft with Ukrainian pop group Open Kids, the singer, songwriter, and performer is stepping into her own spotlight — bringing together sharp storytelling, irresistible melodies, and a love for the small moments that make life shine.
Her latest single, “All I Need,” is a breezy, feel-good anthem born out of journaling about life’s little joys, from sunsets on the beach to fresh nails and favorite playlists. Paired with a sun-soaked video she shot alongside her mom in Los Angeles, the track cements Lova’s vision: music that feels both intimate and universal, uplifting yet authentic.
As she records her next single and dreams up even bigger stages, Tamara Lova is letting her passions guide the way. In this edition of 1883’s 18 Questions With, the rising star talks creative beginnings, rituals before hitting the studio, and why her path is all about embracing every moment.
Congratulations on your new single “All I Need“! What inspired it, and how does it feel to see it come to life?
Thank you! After dance rehearsal one evening, I opened my notes app to do a simple journal prompt: “write down all the things you love.” It could be anything, going from your family to your favourite coffee syrup. I wrote: sunset on the beach, fresh nails, headphones on, and more. And then it hit me – what if I turn this into a song? What if I write about all the little things that make me happy?
From the start, I knew I wanted this single to be different. No mentions of boys or relationships—just pure love for the everyday moments that make me and the girls happy. In three days, the song was finished, which is very fast for me, considering I’m very indecisive when I write. Seeing it come to life was the best thing ever. Hearing the demo for the first time, I was so excited. Normally, the first demo is rough and I have tons of notes, but this time I didn’t change a thing — it was almost perfect. I didn’t even have to rerecord the song; just recorded some background vocals for layering. Otherwise, it came together exactly how I imagined, and that was the most amazing feeling.
You’ve been performing since you were 5. Do you remember a moment when you realized music and performing were your true passions?
I always loved performing as a kid, but the moment it really clicked for me was during one of our Open Kids concerts. It was one of our biggest shows, with over a thousand people in the audience. When my girls and I walked onto that stage, we all looked at each other in shock. We couldn’t believe how many people were really there. Being on stage, with so many people watching and supporting, it was surreal, like a fever dream. That was the moment I knew this is what I wanted to do.
Moving to Ukraine to join Open Kids was a huge life change. How did that experience shape you creatively and personally?
That experience taught me so much. During Open Kids, I had amazing training in vocals, dancing, acting, performing, and more. But beyond the technical skills, it really pushed me out of my comfort zone and made me more confident as an artist. I learned how to work as part of a team, handle the pressure of performing, and connect with audiences.
How did your time in Ukraine influence the way you tell stories through music?
While living in Ukraine, I was able to work with many professionals in the music industry, which taught me so much about the process of creating songs and songwriting as a whole. I learned how to shape real experiences into lyrics, I learned how to mix real feelings with clear songwriting. That time really helped me understand that storytelling through music isn’t just about words, but also about how melodies, rhythms, and performance all come together to make people feel something real.
The idea for All I Need“ came from journaling about the little things that make you happy. Do you still keep a running list of “little loves”?
Yes! I still jot down little things I love, either in my notes app or, if I’m feeling fancy, in my actual diary. What’s one small, everyday thing that never fails to make you smile?
Music. Honestly, music is what keeps me going every day. I manifest with music, write music, work out with music, do homework with music, do everything with musi,c haha.
The music video for “All I Need” was filmed with your mom. What was the most memorable or fun moment from that experience?
The most memorable moment from filming “All I Need” with my mom was shooting in Beverly Hills. The aesthetic and energy there were incredible, and everything was so beautiful. But the funniest part came afterward, when my mom and I took a Waymo self-driving car back to our hotel. Neither of us had ever been in one before, and it turned into such a fun and unforgettable experience. It kind of felt wrong seeing the steering wheel turn on its own without a driver, haha.
Which artists are inspiring you most right now, and why?
Tate McRae. She’s one of my biggest inspirations and honestly, the reason I started writing songs. She’s so hardworking, talented, beautiful, and amazing, it’s impossible not to be inspired by her.
If you had to describe your sound in three words, what would they be?
Melodic, Catchy, Rhythmic.
You balance singing, acting, and dancing — how do those disciplines influence each other in your music?
For me, they all come together. Take “Supposed to Know” as an example: I had to record the song, choreograph and dance for the music video, and also bring a character to life. Each part is essential to who I am as an artist.
You recently finished a USC summer program. What’s a lesson from that experience that you carry into your work now?
That everyone has their own path. You should never compare yourself to others. It’s something I struggle with sometimes, too, but I always remind myself that there’s something out there waiting for me. I have my own path and my own story.
What’s the last book, show, or song that inspired your creativity?
The last thing that inspired me was Tate McRae’s Miss Possesive World Tour. I saw her perform at Madison Square Garden, and it felt unreal, like another fever dream. Seeing her there made me realize one of my biggest dreams: to perform at MSG myself one day.
Where was the last place you traveled, and did it spark any new ideas for your music?
The last place I travelled to was Los Angeles for USC, and it left such an impression on me. The energy there, especially on campus and when we visited the Warner Bros Studio, is something you can’t describe with words, but it felt like I belonged there.
What’s one favourite memory from growing up that still inspires you today?
One of my favourite memories growing up that still inspires me today is when I found out I got into Open Kids. That exact moment showed me that dreams really do come true. I had worked so hard, and seeing it all pay off gave me so much motivation. Now, whenever things get challenging, I remind myself that with hard work and dedication, the results will always come.
If you could host a dream dinner party, who would be there?
Tate McRae (no surprise there!).
Do you have any rituals before performing, recording, or filming a music video?
Yes! I like to manifest. I’ll put on my headphones, listen to the demo of the song I’m about to record, and really visualize it coming to life.
What’s one exciting thing happening in your life or career this week?
I’m recording my third single! I’m so excited about it. Hint: its going to be a 2000s autumn aesthetic.
Finally, what do you hope listeners feel when they hear “All I Need“ for the first time?
Even though it’s the middle of September and everyone is starting to transition into the fall aesthetic, I hope All I Need gives listeners the feeling of summer again. I want it to bring out that carefree aesthetic LA vibe, almost like an escape back into the sunshine whenever you press play.
“All I Need” is out now.
