In this interview we are excited to spotlight Stacy Ievgrashyna, a multi-talented music professional. Originally from Ukraine and raised in Berlin, Germany, she is currently the Label Operations Manager at Laboratorium Records, a label she co-founded with two other remarkable women. Beyond this impressive role, Stacy is gearing up to launch SPILCO, a start-up, at the beginning of next year. She is also a songwriter and a DJ! Join us as we delve into her experience, ambitions and what drives her creative journey.
What are you studying at university?
I am a student at BIMM University, where I completed a Bachelor's degree in Songwriting and now pursuing a Master's in Popular Music Practice with a focus on Entrepreneurship.
How did you get started in songwriting and what inspired you to pursue it as a career?
I have been a musician since childhood. I started playing piano at the age of 5, began singing at 8 or 9 and started writing songs at 9. Interestingly, no one in my family was a musician; it all started when my grandma decided to send me to piano lessons. From that point on, I was completely engulfed in music. While songwriting has evolved into a cherished hobby over the years, it remains very close to my heart. Every time I wanted to pick up a new hobby, it was always related to music. After exploring various aspects of music, I guess another thing left to experience was the world of the music business.
Why did you decide to get more into the business and entrepreneurial side with your postgraduate studies and current experience?
During my Bachelor's in Songwriting I encountered a variety of subjects, including Music Business, in which I had a mandatory class in my first year. Sometimes, all it takes is a small spark to ignite a passion. I was fortunate to have a great lecturer who inspired me to pursue a career in the music business. At the end of 2020 I started working at a very DIY label but it was more of a learning experience than a serious venture. The turning point came in 2022 when I had the incredible opportunity to delve into the world of Sync and Licensing, working with Patrick Joest. This experience fueled my motivation to explore further within the music business. For over a year now I have been co-running a techno label, Laboratorium Records, with two friends. I still have many plans and exciting avenues to explore in this field!
As a songwriter do you have a specific songwriting project you worked on that you particularly enjoyed and what was your typical approach?
I had the pleasure of collaborating with many talented people from my university, which was always a fun and enriching experience. Writing my own songs has always been particularly enjoyable for me, as it feels almost like a therapeutic outlet. With my education in songwriting, I have a variety of techniques and approaches that I use, making each writing session unique and creatively fulfilling.
You are also a label operations manager. What are your main duties and what’s your favorite part about it?
As a Label Operations Manager my primary responsibilities include digital distribution, contract creation, artist communication and some A&R duties as we make team decisions about who and when to release. As a co-founder of Laboratorium Records, I find joy in every aspect of the role. I love implementing new technologies and strategies and providing opportunities for new artists to release their work. Although our label is Ukrainian, our focus is on giving a platform to young and emerging artists from around the world which is incredibly inspiring!
Have you ever noticed any inequalities as a woman in the industry?
Surprisingly, in the realm of the music business, I have not yet encountered many inequalities. The younger generation working in the music industry, especially in vibrant German cities like Berlin and Hamburg, is noticeably more aware and thoughtful about such issues. However, apart from everything mentioned above, I am also a hardtechno DJ and I often observe inequalities within this specific area of the music industry. It's common to see all-male lineups or just one woman included to appear non-sexist. Given that the techno scene is a significant part of the music industry in Berlin and Germany, I believe this is an area where change is needed. While there are many individuals striving to make a change, they often do not receive sufficient support.
How would you describe the current state of the German music industry?
Oh, Germany's music industry is continually growing. While it has historically been somewhat slower compared to other global markets, this has notably changed over the past year. Germany has always been renowned for its electronic music scene, but other industry sectors are now also developing rapidly. The situation reflects the broader music industry in terms of challenges and opportunities. Social media and digital distribution and all the other digital opportunities have made it easier for independent artists to succeed, offering platforms for broader exposure and creative freedom. However, this also leads to increased competition as more artists choose this path. The ease of access can result in market saturation, making it challenging for individual artists to stand out. Despite these challenges, it is still possible to achieve success as an independent artist with the right strategies and persistence.
Since you moved abroad, how was this process and how is the music industry of your home country different from the one of the city you are now based in?
I moved from Ukraine to Germany when I was 14. Although I was already involved in music before the move, my experiences were limited to my childhood. The music industry in Ukraine has certainly evolved over the years, but Ukrainians have always had a strong foundation in music education. I am incredibly proud of the music coming from Ukraine nowadays. The move was a significant transition which opened up new opportunities for me in Berlin where there is a vibrant and diverse music scene. I started finding myself more and more emerged into the electronic music scene and now most of my work is in this sector.
Who are the artists that inspire you?
Usually the artists who inspire me the most are independent ones!
What advice would you give to someone who would like to enter the music industry with a similar job as yours?
Don’t doubt yourself. Know your worth but always remain humble. Networking is crucial in the music industry so it's important to learn how to present yourself effectively. However, it's essential to find a balance. Take every opportunity you have to connect with people from the industry and beyond. To finish it off, the best advice I can give is: if you’re scared, do it scared, you have nothing to lose anyway!
What are your future projects?
Right now I am working on an exciting startup, SPILCO, a platform designed to connect musicians with creative industry professionals and vice versa. Many creatives are eager to break into the music industry but unsure where to start and numerous musicians need services from photographers, videographers, visual artists and more. SPILCO’s aim is to support cross-industry collaborations and empower independent artists from both fields by providing a streamlined, reliable way to connect and collaborate.
Do you have a song in your native language to suggest?
There are so many great Ukrainian songs, making this question the most difficult one to answer! 😂 I’ll go with a popular choice and suggest this year’s Ukrainian song from Eurovision: Teresa & Maria by Alyona Alyona and Jerry Heil.
You can follow Stacy here and listen to the song she suggested here: