Conversations with Victoria Lekson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Victoria Lekson

Hi Victoria, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My parents had a harpist at their wedding before I was born and when I was five years old they asked if I wanted to start harp lessons. It was an enthusiastic “yes” from me. As a child I was drawn to the grandeur and beauty of the instrument. I studied classical harp performance in college at Pepperdine University in Malibu, CA and earned my degree in 2016. Since then, I have focused my career on writing and performing original harp compositions. I love collaborating with local creatives from musicians to photographers to tattoo artists. I am fortunate to be a part of such a vibrant and welcoming arts scene in Cincinnati. The artists here are crucial to my sound and I feel so supported in this scene.

I adore the harp’s magical, ethereal quality and that is why I have continued to center my artistic output around this wonderful instrument. The harp sounds otherworldly and I love to utilize it as a texture that evokes feelings of earthly presence while contemplating the expansiveness of the universe.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The biggest challenge that I currently face as a freelance musician is the business side of things, specifically carving out time to study how to effectively manage the many aspects of marketing and selling my craft. Artists trying to make money have to be good at so many things – marketing, social media, pricing, strategy, etc. all while needing to nurture the most important element for the art itself: freeform space to dream and create. Artists have to pay their bills, pay for expanding their available tools (equipment, paying collaborators, etc.) while walking a delicate balance of making the art financially accessible in the market. Personally, I have found it invaluable to lean on fellow creatives/mentors to discuss business-related aspects and what is currently working for them.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am primarily a harpist and I enjoy making soundscapes utilizing a range of techniques to create sounds that people may not have heard before with a harp. I love collaborating with musicians in my compositions and bringing unique voices to my work. I am most known for the ethereal, cinematic quality of my music and performances. I enjoy bringing the harp into new spaces and genres.

My first release of an original composition will come out on 11/1/24. This track is called “Afterglow” and features violinist Eric Bates of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. I composed this work immediately following a music festival where I performed and camped. There was a massive storm overnight that broke with the most beautiful sunrise. The morning birdsong touched my spirit in a deep way and I felt deeply in tune with the magic of nature. Follow me on Bandcamp or wherever you listen to music – artist name Victoria Lekson – for future releases.

I also am collaborating with Jess Lamb for a harp-forward remix album of Jess Lamb’s “You Are”. Currently, the track “Explosions in the Sky: Reborn” is available on streaming and Youtube. Check out the gorgeous video directed and filmed by Mariana Ianovska featuring aerial footage of Cincinnati.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
One lesson I have learned is to know your worth and how to advocate for yourself. This transcends throughout all aspects of life but as a freelancer you have to be confident in ensuring that the work you are doing is aligned with spiritual, community building, creative, financial, and/or emotional needs (some combination of those elements is great!) If the work is not nurturing you in some way, you have to be comfortable walking away from it to make space for the opportunities that are nurturing and fulfilling.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.harpbyvictoria.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harpbyvictoria/profilecard/?igsh=MWk5aTRrbzdnbWo4ag%3D%3D
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@harpbyvictoria
• Other: https://victorialekson.bandcamp.com