Who Is RILA? The Bulgarian-French Voice Behind 'Life Soldiers'

Some artists have a story that sounds like a movie opening. RILA is one of them: a singer from a small town in the Bulgarian mountains who was spotted as a teenager for her voice and is now making cinematic pop in France. Her song "Life Soldiers" started the project.

Who Is RILA?

According to her Spotify biography, RILA comes from a small town in the Bulgarian mountains and is now based in France. She found comfort in singing from a young age, and her artistic identity grew out of what her bio calls a profound quest for meaning. She channels her Franco-Bulgarian heritage into her sound.

At 16, she was spotted for her distinctive voice, and her bio says she has since appeared on MCM, Virgin Radio, Clubbing TV, and Bulgarian national TV channels BTV and BNT.

The Sound

RILA describes her music as cinematic, with heartfelt pop melodies. Her bio says it carries the emotional depth of artists like Adele, Agnes Obel and Lana Del Rey, and that she draws from spirituality and the natural world.

Her songs focus on human relationships and life's highs and lows, especially moments of reflection, perseverance, and stillness. If you love emotional, atmospheric pop with a sense of space, that's the lane she's working in.

About "Life Soldiers"

"Life Soldiers" launched the RILA project in 2024. Her bio calls it her first single, and the track runs just under four minutes. The title alone fits her stated themes: perseverance and pushing through life's ups and downs.

Since that debut, RILA has released five singles, according to her bio. That's steady output for a project that only launched recently.

A Big Festival Moment

In June 2025, RILA performed at Bulgaria's Francofolies Festival. Her bio says she shared the stage with French, Bulgarian, and international artists, including ZAZ, Alexandra Stan, and KRISKO. For a newer artist, sharing a lineup with names like that is a serious milestone.

What's Next

RILA is opening a new chapter by releasing her first French-language songs, starting with "La Lune." According to her bio, the track blends modern pop production with subtle touches of traditional Bulgarian folk, a natural next step for an artist built on two cultures.

Why She's One to Watch

RILA has the pieces that tend to add up: a distinctive voice, a clear identity rooted in two countries, and early TV, radio, and festival exposure. "Life Soldiers" is where it all started, and it's a great place for you to start, too.

Where to Listen

Stream "Life Soldiers" and her newer singles on RILA's Spotify page.

Sources

Spotify — "RILA" artist biography