Orly Bekiri Discusses Strawberry-Sweet Pop, Sunlit Nostalgia and the Confidence to Grow Out Loud in An A&R Factory Interview –

“Strawberry Girl” gave people such a clear first taste of your personality as an artist. What do you think that song showed listeners about you that they may have missed from just seeing you perform?

“Strawberry Girl” showed a playful, bubbly, and confident side of me. When people see me perform, they mostly see the singing, but the song allowed me to share more of my personality. It reflects who I am as a positive, enthusiastic girl who loves music, imagination, and having fun. I think it showed listeners that I’m not only passionate about performing, but also about creating music that makes people smile, feel confident, and enjoy the moment.

“Dear Summer” has that nostalgic, sunlit feeling of wanting a moment to last forever. Were you trying to bottle any memories or emotions when you made it?

Yes. I wanted to capture that feeling of summer that everyone looks forward to all year. When I think of summer, I think of vacation, freedom, warm sunny days, spending time with family and friends, and taking a break from school. There’s something special about those moments because they feel carefree and full of adventure. At the same time, summer always seems to go by so quickly, and before you know it, it’s over. I wanted “Dear Summer” to capture both the joy of those memories and the wish that those wonderful moments could last just a little longer.

Your songs celebrate growing up, friendship, confidence and adventure. Are the themes in your singles reflective of your perspective of the world?

Definitely. I try to focus on the things that bring people together and make life exciting. I think the world can be challenging sometimes, but there is also a lot of kindness, friendship, and beauty around us. Those are the things I enjoy writing and singing about.

You started performing from a young age. Do you remember the first moment when the stage felt like a natural home for you?

I do. I started performing when I was seven years old, and I still remember one of my very first moments on stage. At first, I felt nervous, emotional, and a little shy because performing in front of people was something new for me. But once I started singing, I focused on the story and meaning of the song instead of my nerves. That helped me relax and express myself more freely. From that moment on, the stage began to feel like a place where I could be myself, share my emotions, and connect with people through music.

You’re building your career while still being young enough to be living the experiences you’re writing about. Does that make the music feel more immediate for you?

I think so. I’m experiencing these moments right now, so the feelings are very real and fresh. Whether it’s friendships, school, dreams, or adventures, I can relate to what I’m singing about. That helps me connect with the songs in a genuine way.

How do you keep the joy in your music honest when life still has its awkward, stressful or confusing moments?

I think everyone has difficult, awkward, or confusing days, and I do too. Music is one of the ways I stay positive. I don’t try to pretend everything is perfect, but I like focusing on hope, happiness, and the things that make me grateful. I’m also someone who is inspired by the world around me. Whether it’s people, experiences, nature, music, or everyday moments, I always find inspiration in what I see, learn, and create. That’s where a lot of the joy in my music comes from. I hope my songs can encourage others to focus on the positive things in life too.

You’ve already had national radio exposure, media features and a growing fanbase. What has been the strangest or most exciting moment so far where you realized people were really paying attention?

One of the most exciting moments was seeing people I had never met singing along to my songs and leaving messages online. It was amazing to realize that music I recorded could reach people in different places and make them feel something. That was a really special moment for me. I also love hearing encouraging feedback from listeners. Sometimes people compare me to artists I admire, like Ariana Grande or Taylor Swift, and while I know I’m still at the beginning of my journey, those comments are incredibly heartwarming. Knowing that people see potential in me and connect with my music motivates me to keep working hard and growing as an artist.

As you keep releasing music and performing more, what kind of artist do you hope fans see when they think of Orly Bekiri in a few years?

I hope people see someone who stays true to herself, works hard, and brings positivity through music. I want to keep growing as a singer and songwriter while creating songs that people can connect with. I also hope to bring something unique through my own style, creativity, and perspective as an artist. Most of all, I want people to connect with my music in a genuine way and feel inspired to be themselves. If I can make people smile, feel understood, or brighten their day through my songs, that would mean a lot to me.

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Dig into Orly Bekiri’s discography on Spotify.

Interview by Amelia Vandergast