Biography

Ilana Strom Harkavy (ILANA) is a Los Angeles based recording artist and songwriter from Seattle. She began honing her musical talents at the tender age of 4, performing and training with top vocal coaches and choirs throughout the country. In 2006, she attended Loyola Marymount University and studied under industry greats. But it wasn’t until she turned 19 that Ilana began her professional music career.

While studying abroad in London, she made connections within the electronic dance music (EDM) scene and collaborated with artists including Protoculture, Andy Duguid, Airbase, and her own brainchild, Gemini’s Edge. Her songs were signed to prominent labels including Armada Music and Blackhole Recordings. They received support from dance music royalty including Armin Van Buuren, Above & Beyond, and Tiesto. Ilana has performed throughout the world, opening for acts such as Ferry Corsten and Sean Tyas. In 2010 she sang the Nature One Festival anthem, which was featured on German TV and played by some of the world’s top DJs including Armin Van Buuren, Paul Van Dyk, and ATB. 

In 2011, Ilana began creating music for TV and film, licensing her songs to household names such as Disney, AMC, ABC Family, and BBC. 

During this time she started her own business, Nailed it! Media, an organic branding company. With her extensive experience and knowledge in music and marketing, she was able to create and sustain a strong online presence with a fan base of 75,000+.

She has since blossomed into a passionate and dynamic young woman and has decided to return to her first love, Pop music. She just completed her first solo project--a five track pop EP titled Just, Girl. The EP will be the first release from The Just, Girl. Project—a musical movement Ilana has created in order to empower girls to embrace their passions, be blatantly honest, and take ownership of their individual struggles.

Ilana’s journey has only just begun! She plans to continue building her empire, including launching The Just, Girl. Project record label and foundation, continuing to grow and develop Nailed it! Media, as well
as establish herself as a strong female artist. She hopes to inspire those around her to be strong, vibrant, bold and beautiful.

For Management/Bookings Contact:

info@naileditmedia.com

For Media Inquiries Contact:

hello@thejustgirlproject.com

I’m one-third of The Postmarks, and also record under various names like The Magic Bricks, Venice Super, I Am Stereo, Our Man In Pompano, Electralab, The King Makers, and Grand Theft Otto for which I do remixes. I also compose for film and TV, and write/record the audio drama podcast AMERICAN DOOM.

I've played on/produced records for John Ralston (Vagrant), Andy Chase, The Neverendings (Unfiltered), Summer Blanket, Hannah Darling (Riviéra) and Helen Horal.

Some of my favorite sounds are made by John Barry, Lalo Schifrin, John Cacavas, Lilys, AIR, Komeda, Ornette Coleman, Gil Evans, Bernard Herrmann, Johnny Hartman, Donny Hathaway, Shudder To Think, De La Soul, Broadcast, Neu!, Spookey Ruben, The Police, Jason Falkner, My Bloody Valentine, John Williams, Jerry Goldsmith, Jackie Mittoo, Scientist, Steely Dan, Motown, STAX, Teen Beat, Minty Fresh, Verve, Island, Kindercore, K Records, March, Elephant Six, Dischord, Darla, Warp, Creation, 4AD, Unfiltered

Checkout My Music on Youtube: https://youtube.com/@Yerbotti?si=EslyMgkUQcA5jt4Q

Instagram: https://instagram.com/yerbottiwa?igshid=MzMyNGUyNmU2YQ==

I’m a Jill of many creative trades. I’m an author, trained circus performer, artist, painter, cartoonist, mom of grown offspring, and violinist. I fell in love with stringed instruments (the upright bass) when my mum used to take me to jazz clubs when I was a little girl. I saw a boy playing a violin on Sesame Street when I was about 5 years old, and I said, “I want to do that!” I kept saying it, and in 4th grade, I finally got to start learning in school and with a private teacher. I went on to also learn viola and piano (a bit). 

I was a jazz DJ in college. That was so much fun. I loved it so much!

I played acoustic violin for about 25 years or so, and then put it away to start a family. I’ve brought it back out recently, I’m now in my 50s, and I’m accomplishing goals I set for myself over 20 years ago!

My favorite musical tastes & artists run the gamut from jazz, rock, Cajun, swing, classical, blues, independent, hard rock, metal, country, … I love just about all music. In the words of Louis Armstrong, “If it sounds good, it is good.” I love all music that sounds good. There are so many talented musicians “out there,” and I play for my own fun and happiness. Maybe some day I’ll be able to join one or two of my favorite artists on stage for a lick or two. 

I’m working on playing a different song in every single state of the United States. I look forward to releasing a song per week for the next 4-6 months or so! Hopefully I can keep the momentum going for quite a while. You can find my musical journey on many social media platforms by searching for #TheTravelingViolinist 

In June, 2023, I purchased an electronic violin, an amp, and some other fun things, and I’m exploring new sounds with this instrument I love so much. I’ve long fancied myself a Rocker Chick, and I finally get to try being one, now. 

I look forward to sharing my music with you!

Followers of ILANA