Boss babes, get ready to be inspired. Today, we’re diving into the extraordinary story of BŪŪ—a powerhouse of talent, resilience, and fearless creativity. From folk musician to pop sensation, from mandolin player to stage-commanding performer, BŪŪ has redefined herself time and time again. And in doing so, she’s breaking industry norms, smashing stereotypes, and setting the stage for the next generation of female artists.
From Then to Now: The Evolution of BŪŪ
BŪŪ didn’t just wake up as the artist she is today. Ten years ago, she was a completely different person, musically and personally. She started as a folk musician, backing up other artists and playing instruments. But four years ago, she took a leap—she stepped out of the shadows and into the spotlight as BŪŪ. With her solo project came an entirely new sound, energy, and purpose. It wasn’t just about making music anymore—it was about crafting a movement.
Her music has evolved from folk and blues to a genre-defying fusion that doesn’t fit neatly into one category. But what hasn’t changed is her relentless pursuit of authenticity. BŪŪ doesn’t make music for the mainstream; she makes music that resonates with the soul. And that, boss babes, is the secret to her magic.
Mentors, Movement, and Mastering the Game
Who shapes a star? For BŪŪ, it’s been a combination of personal determination and the right people at the right time. Her father, an attorney specializing in copyright law, equipped her with the knowledge to own her work, ensuring she wouldn’t fall into the traps that consume so many artists. Her dance teacher taught her to move—not just physically, but with confidence, power, and femininity. And the community around her—both supportive and critical—has pushed her to refine her craft and her conviction.
Breaking Barriers: Women in Music
The music industry is still a boys’ club, and BŪŪ knows it all too well. She’s watched festival lineups favour male artists, seen women’s contributions sidelined, and had to fight for every inch of recognition. “We can have one female rapper a year,” they told her. ONE. Let that sink in.
She’s never worked with a female music producer. Never had a female sound engineer in her team. And yet, she continues to carve a space for herself—and for the women who will follow. “I know I can. So I don’t care that you don’t know that I can,” she says. And that’s the kind of audacity we all need.
Burnout, Breakdowns & Breaking Free
Success doesn’t come without scars. For BŪŪ, the grind of being an independent artist—where she wears the hats of musician, producer, marketer, and businesswoman—led to complete burnout. She found herself in an industry where addiction, exhaustion, and self-destruction were the norm. And she hit her breaking point.
But BŪŪ did what few manage to do—she stopped, reassessed, and chose sustainability over suffering. She’s now building a career that fuels her, rather than drains her. She’s stepping beyond Latvia’s borders, expanding into the English-speaking market, and proving that yes, a Latvian artist can make it internationally.
The Fire That Fuels Success
If you take one thing away from BŪŪ’s story, let it be this: use your anger. Society tells women to be soft, to be accommodating, to be pleasant. But anger—righteous, passionate, burning anger—is fuel. It can propel you forward. It can make you fight harder, push further, and stand taller. “Half of what I’ve done has been out of love, and half out of anger,” BŪŪ says. And that, boss babes, is the balance of true power.
Final Words of Wisdom
To all the aspiring female entrepreneurs, musicians, and leaders out there: don’t let the world define your limits. Whether people support you or doubt you, listen to your voice above all else. And if you’re feeling stuck? Let anger be your rocket fuel.
We are witnessing history in the making. BŪŪ is not just creating music—she’s changing the game. And we’re here for it.
Listen to the Full Episode!
If Ilze's journey has inspired you, you won’t want to miss her full episode on Baltic Boss Babes.
💡 Key takeaways you can’t miss:
- Navigating the music industry as a woman—the resistance, the breakthroughs & why Latvian festival lineups need more female artists
- Burnout, recovery & creating sustainably—because success shouldn’t cost your soul
- Using anger as fuel—turning “You can’t” into “Watch me”
- Breaking free from limiting beliefs—why listening to your inner voice is the ultimate power move
👉 Listen now on https://www.buzzsprout.com/2163954/episodes/16785691
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