In our final episode of the debut season of The True North Podcast, we get to sit down with Simona Smirnova, Lithuanian vocalist, performer, composer and global ambassador of kanklės, the traditional Lithuanian zither. In this extra long and insightful episode we dig deep into her inspiring story, taking us from a small Lithuanian town to the red carpet at the GRAMMYs. This conversation, spanning creative freedom, authenticity, the importance of fun, and necessary artistic rebellion, is a teachable moment to anyone in the arts.
Simona's new single with Alec Hutson, called "Nekirsk" is released in Dolby Atmos Immersive Audio on August 13th 2026. You can find it, and more of Simona's music, via simonasmirnova.com or her Instagram, @simonasmirnova
EPISODE MUSIC:
The True North Podcast Theme "Voices from the North" is composed by Finnish singer-songwriter and composer Eeppi Ursin. You can find her music on eeppiursin.com or your favourite music streaming platform.
Excerpt of "Nekirsk" by Simona Smirnova & Alec Hutson.
MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:
Alec Hutson https://www.deathbycomet.com/alec-hutson
Berkeley College of Music https://www.berklee.edu/
Boston Foundation for the Arts
Franz Kafka’s "A Hunger Artist" and Simona’s multidisciplinary work "A Hunger Artist" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bH2th4Z-R_w
Boston Ballet School
Lithuanian Foundation Chicago
Evergroove Studios in Evergreen, Colorado https://www.evergroove.com/
Northern Manhattan Alliance https://www.nomaanyc.org/
Learn more about us at Nordic Artists of New York and join the community at nordicartistsofnewyork.com
BOOKING NOW FOR SEASON 2 OF TRUE NORTH PODCAST - APPLY AS A GUEST BY EMAILING nordicartistsofnewyork@gmail.com
