What drives an artist to turn their innermost struggles into music that transcends boundaries? For Zofia Bielak, it’s a journey marked by defiance, vulnerability, and a relentless pursuit of authenticity. From the structured world of Poland’s classical music education to the boundless realms of jazz improvisation and cinematic soundscapes, Bielak has carved her own unique path—boldly defying tradition while embracing the raw power of emotion at every turn.
In celebration of her debut album Therapy, Bielak reveals the personal battles, the inspirations that haunt her, and the characters that inhabit her music. With fearless honesty, she opens the door to her creative universe, where each note echoes with the depth of a story begging to be revealed.
Step into her world, and prepare to be challenged, moved, and inspired by an artist who refuses to settle for anything less than the truth.
Can you share a bit about your background and how you got into music? What led you to pursue this path?
My journey to where I am now has been quite long, but I’ll try to keep it brief. I didn’t always know that I wanted to compose music. It all began when my parents, following a suggestion from my kindergarten friend’s mother, Anna Domżalska (a vocal teacher who has since passed away), enrolled me in a music school. After a year of private lessons, I was accepted to study piano. Although my first choice was the cello, I didn’t qualify, so I started my classical music education in public school, continuing from primary all the way through secondary school.
During those 12 years, I faced many challenges. Music education in Poland, especially at the state level, is in need of significant reform (but that’s a conversation for another time). I encountered a lot of judgment and pressure and had to sacrifice other passions to focus on music. I also struggled with the piano; I never felt completely comfortable playing it. Eventually, I realized that my true passion was the cello, which is why it now plays a prominent role in my compositions. However, I’ve grown to appreciate the piano, as its familiarity helps me think in terms of harmony.
After finishing music school, I didn’t immediately pursue a degree in music. However, after a year away from it, I realized how much I missed it. I applied to study rhythmics, spending three years learning dance and choreography. During that time, I returned to the piano and began writing my first compositions. Still, I felt I wasn’t fully reaching my potential. I was drawn to jazz improvisation and wanted to approach music more creatively.
After three years in rhythmics, I was accepted into jazz piano studies. The beginning was difficult. Coming from a classical background, I struggled to silence the inner critic that questioned almost every note I played. Therapy, along with the guidance of my wonderful mentors, Dr. Sławomir Jaskułke and Professor Włodzimierz Nahorny, was instrumental in helping me shift my mindset and approach to music. By working on myself—my emotions, and trusting my intuition—I gradually realized that what truly fulfills me is expressing myself through music, not just on the piano. Over time, I began to feel that I had much more to express musically. As a result, in my final two years of study, I decided to focus on composition. I still have one year left in my program.
Your music evokes a cinematic feel. Were there any particular films, books, or personal experiences that inspired you while composing this album?
The album itself is more a reflection of my personal experiences. The music was composed over several years of therapy. Some pieces are tied to specific themes or moments, while others emerged from improvised motifs or spontaneous inspiration. A few tracks are, in fact, illustrations of images that came to my mind.
In film scores, music often reflects the emotions and personalities of characters. Did you create any musical motifs or themes on this album to represent specific characters or feelings?
It wasn’t always intentional, but I did have characters and images in mind that accompanied me while composing. Among them was a barefoot girl dancing in the forest, and a wolf-woman inspired by the book Women Who Run with the Wolves.There was also a girl with a warrior’s heart, and another, fragile and heartbroken. I envisioned Slavic spirits, Kashubian nature, the sun, the wind, and the overwhelming sense of being unable to catch a breath in the modern world. I believe all of these elements intertwine in the music, because these characters are a part of me, and at times, I feel as if I embody them.
Is there a particular song on your debut album Therapy that holds special meaning for you? What’s the story behind it?
It’s hard to choose, as each piece is important in its own way. However, looking back, I’d say Latałam (“I Flew” – In Flight) stands out. I wrote it with Ksenia Witek—poet, actress, and a close friend of mine. The song was created during a pivotal time in my life when I began to explore deep emotions and desires I hadn’t previously acknowledged. It was a process of accepting and embracing them.
At that time, Ksenia and I often talked about releasing emotions, as we were both going through similar experiences. So, we decided to write a piece together. I sent Ksenia a musical motif, and she responded with a poem she had recently written, which deeply influenced the composition. You could say Latałam is the natural result of our friendship, born from the closeness of two hearts that truly understand each other.
We also filmed a music video for the piece with Maciek Rybicki, which is still available online. I feel a deep connection to it and highly recommend watching it—it perfectly captures the essence of the song. Musically, the entire band (Michalina Sokołowska, Jakub Klemensiewicz, Magdalena Kuraś, Maciej Chrzęszczyk, and Julia Przybysz) is involved, and the piece features open improvisation, allowing each musician to contribute something personal and intimate as they interpret the text in their own way. This, to me, adds tremendous value to the piece.
Watch the music video for Latałam below and read the full lyrics of the song, written by Ksenia Witek:
And I’ve been flying
So free
released
un-held
Alone
Flight and me
And nothing else in my head
Nothing else
Mouth open in a silent scream
Higher
Higher still
You’ll fly
Or you’ll die
Go
Until you’re not here
Nowhere even
And I felt
That I feel
Not right
Not wrong
Amiss
And here amiss is not right
And there I am allowed
everything
And I’ve been so afraid
That I’ll be found there
And won’t be recognized
And finally will
And they will see what I can contain
Everything is clawing out
Everything is spilling out
I want deeply and more of everything
And I have found me a myself
In worry, in want, in anger
In a scream, in tears, in joy
Underground and overhead
I’ve found myself
And I saw myself so beautiful
All “yes-no, no-yes”
Divinely inside out
And I’ve been
Shining
Shouting
Burning
Crying
Flying
Laughing and laughing
Running
Hiding
Shrinking
Fading returning
Raging
Shining
Shouting
Burning
Flying
I’ve found me a myself
So alive
So mine
What do you hope listeners take away from your album after they’ve experienced it?
I hope it helps listeners connect more deeply with their hearts and emotions, encouraging them to pause and create space for themselves. I also hope this experience might inspire meaningful changes in their lives. I truly believe that by listening to the voice of your heart, you can make your life—and the lives of others—more fulfilling and joyful.
What artists or genres have influenced your sound, and how do you incorporate those influences into your music?
Classical music has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, and it certainly influences my sound. Jazz and improvised music have also played a significant role. Additionally, folk music, especially the simple melodies of Slavic folk traditions, deeply moves me and has a strong influence on my compositions.
Do you have a dream collaboration in mind with another artist (musician, filmmaker, etc.) who could help you further explore the jazz/film fusion?
There are many people I’d love to collaborate with, but no one in particular stands out as the most important. I’m drawn to working with inspiring individuals from whom I can also learn—people with curious hearts and an openness to whatever might emerge when our worlds collide. I’m more inclined to embrace what life brings than to follow any specific plan.
What musical direction do you see yourself exploring in future projects? Are there any new sonic landscapes you’re itching to create?
I definitely want to continue developing the Zosia Bielak Squad project, potentially bringing in more musicians and dancers over time. My vision is to create large-scale interdisciplinary events where music intertwines with words, dance, and visual art, showcasing a full spectrum of colors and rich sounds that evoke a range of emotions, including subtle, unnamed ones. I dream of continuing my collaboration with the band and hope the musicians will choose to stay with me. I also have a separate duo project with Ksenia, where I’m open to exploring entirely new creative spaces, and we’ll see where that journey takes us. Additionally, I try to stay open to opportunities as they arise. I feel that sometimes our fixed dreams can limit us; often, the most amazing things happen spontaneously when we’re ready and willing to take risks.
How does your approach to performing live differ from creating in the studio? Do you enjoy the interaction with the audience?
I don’t particularly enjoy working in the studio. It feels like there’s pressure for everything to be perfect. Concerts, however, are entirely different. The connection with the audience, the exchange of energy, and the building of a relationship—these moments happen in a live setting and are far more exciting for me. Studio work, by contrast, sometimes feels more like a necessary task.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians who are just starting out in the jazz/film fusion genre?
I’m not sure if I’m the best person to give advice, especially when it comes to music. But I can share what I would have told myself a few years ago: Follow what brings you joy and energizes you. Surround yourself with people who uplift you and bring positive energy. Pursue what strengthens you. Be brave and aim high. Listen to your inner voice, embrace vulnerability, and always follow your heart.