1. What first inspired you to pursue a career in music?
AF.: Honestly, music was my passion before I even realized it. I’ve been singing since before I could remember , it was just part of who I was. As a little girl, I would daydream about being on stage, performing in front of people, not even knowing how or when it would happen. But I held onto that dream, and I’m so grateful that it actually came true. Music chose me, and I chose to keep saying yes to it, every single day.
2. Can you tell us about a pivotal moment in your life when you realized music was your calling?
AF: You know, I never had that ‘aha’ moment where I realized music was my calling. It was never a decision; it was just part of me. I didn’t overthink it; I just followed what I felt inside. Music was always there, like breathing. I didn’t say, ‘This is my path’ — I simply kept walking it, step by step, song by song. Looking back, I realize it’s been my calling all along… even if I never called it that.
3. Who are your biggest musical influences, and how have they shaped your sound?
AF: I’ve had so many musical influences over the years, and they’ve each shaped me in their own way. As a kid, Michael Jackson was everything to me — the energy, the magic, the showmanship. I loved Queen’s powerful sound, Roxette’s emotion, Prince’s artistry, and of course, Madonna’s boldness. Celine Dion and Whitney Houston — especially Whitney — were like gods to me. Her voice felt like heaven. Then I connected deeply with Eminem’s raw honesty and storytelling. I’m also inspired by artists like Bruno Mars, Marc Anthony, Michael Bublé — all so different, yet so soulful. For me, it’s never been about genre. It’s about truth. I love all artists who make you feel something — who say what words alone can’t or you don’t understand…That’s the kind of music I’ve always wanted to make. I listen to music in all kinds of languages, even ones I don’t understand. Because to me, music is more than a language. It’s not about understanding the words, it’s about feeling the soul behind them. Music speaks directly to the heart, no translation needed.
4. How has your music evolved from when you first started to where you are now?
AF: When I first started, most of my music lived in the pop/dance world: upbeat, catchy, feel-good songs. But over time, my sound evolved into something more international. Now, I love blending genres: from Latin to reggae, EDM to soul, whatever the song needs to tell its story. I’ve grown a lot as an artist, but I think the biggest evolution has been my openness. I’ve fallen in love with musical diversity, with embracing different cultures and styles, and letting them shape my sound. Music has no borders and I’m LOVING all of it.
5. Can you walk us through your creative process when writing a new song?
6. Do you start with lyrics, melodies, or a concept when creating a new track?
AF: My creative process is never a set formula, it’s all about the moment. Sometimes, a melody and lyrics just hit me out of nowhere; like in the middle of the night when I can’t sleep or woke up from a dream. I’ll jump out of bed and record it on my phone before it disappears. Honestly, some of my best ideas have come to me in the most unexpected places — yes, even on the toilet (I know I’m not the only artist who can say that!). I have thousands of these little voice notes, saved ideas waiting to be born.
When: I go into the studio, I’ll scroll through them and if something speaks to me, I’ll start building from there writing lyrics, feeling the rhythm, deciding on the vibe and genre. Other times, I’ll start completely from scratch with my team. They might play a track they’ve produced, and something just clicks: the lyrics and melody start flowing right then and there. Most of the time, I write both the lyrics and melody myself.
The creative process it’s messy, magical, unpredictable; and that’s what makes it so cool. Like Leonardo DaVinci’s Mona Lisa .
7. How do you handle creative blocks or moments when inspiration is hard to find?
AF: When inspiration’s not flowing, especially in the studio, I don’t force it. If I’m trying to write lyrics and they’re just not coming together, maybe I get a few words but can’t shape the full picture, I’ll simply start working on a different song. I don’t like getting stuck or overthinking. I’ve never been the type to sit on one idea for hours. If it doesn’t come in the first 15–20 minutes, I trust that it’s just not the right moment. I’m actually very lucky; lyrics usually flow really fast for me because they come straight from the heart. My songs are born from my own experiences, feelings, and moments I’ve lived. That’s why I often feel like I’m just a channel , like the words and music are coming through me, not from me. I know it might sound a little mystical, but that’s the truth. It’s not always something you can explain. It’s something you feel.
8. What do you want listeners to feel or take away from your music?
AF: I want my listeners to feel love, joy, connection; all the good vibes. I want them to dance, to smile, to let go, to party like life is meant to be celebrated. But more than that, I want them to feel seen. To know they’re not alone, that someone out there understands exactly what they’re feeling. Whether it’s a high-energy track or something more emotional, I hope my music reminds people that there’s nothing wrong with them, that they are already everything they need to be. If my songs can lift someone’s spirit, help them feel confident, or just give them a reason to dance in their kitchen… then I’ve done my job. Life is short. Press play and party.
Specific Work & Collaborations
9. What’s the story behind your latest single/album?
AF. The story behind my latest album, Dance For Me, is a love story, but not just any love story. It’s my love story. For the first time in my life, I feel what it’s like to be supported at home, to be truly seen, believed in, and encouraged and that’s all thanks to my fiancé. He’s been my number one fan since day one. He believes in my talent with his whole heart, and he’s pushed me to keep creating, to keep singing, even when I had doubts. That kind of love changed me. The first song I wrote for this album, Baby, is literally our story: how we met under a sky full of stars in Redondo Beach, California, and saw dolphins in the ocean the very first night. From that moment on, something magical began. Almost four years later, we’re more in love than ever, and many of the songs on this album are inspired by that journey: by the joy, the connection, and the feeling of being deeply understood.
But Dance For Me, the title track, carries a different kind of message. That one is for me. It’s about the moment you decide to let your true self shine. We all try to present the best version of ourselves, the polished, perfect version. But real beauty is in the raw, the unfiltered. On stage, when I sing, when I dance: that’s when I’m my most vulnerable. That’s when I’m real. And I want my listeners to feel empowered to do the same: to dance, to be seen, to let their light shine without apology.
So yes, this album is a love story; a magical, unexpected one. But it’s also a story about freedom, truth, and what happens when you finally feel safe enough to show the world who you really are.
10. Do you have any memorable moments from working with other artists or producers?
AF: I’ve had so many amazing moments working with different artists and producers, and each collaboration has left a mark on me. Collaborating with Beenie Man was an honor. Working with DJ Manuel Riva, DJ Damon Sharpe, Timeline, Danny Hajj, and Cairo has been truly special. Every session brought something unique, whether it was creative chemistry, deep conversations, or that magical moment when the music just came alive. Some of my favorite memories are the spontaneous ideas that turned into full songs, the late-night laughs, and the shared passion in the studio. I love working with people who see me, who understand my vision, and who genuinely want to create something meaningful. It’s more than just making music, it’s about connection, energy, and the magic that happens when great minds and hearts come together.
11. If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
AF: If I could collaborate with any artist, past or present… oh wow — hands down, Michael Jackson. Just imagine him teaching me some music production, sharing even a piece of his talent, and of course… a few dance moves. That would be a dream. I’d also love to collaborate with Eminem; the dynamic could be so fun. Bruno Mars is another huge one for me, his energy, his versatility, his groove; I absolutely love him. Lady Gaga too.. she’s bold, brilliant, and completely herself. Honestly, I’d love to collaborate with artists from all over the world: Romania, Greece, Italy, France, the Middle East. I’m so inspired by global sounds. Here in the U.S., I’d love to work with Sean Paul (his energy is fire!), Zayn, and Michael Bublé — totally different styles, but that’s exactly what I love. Music has no borders, and I’m always ready to explore.
12. What has been your most memorable performance or tour experience so far?
AF. One of my most memorable performances was in New York City, at the iconic Essex House, during a beautiful charity event organized by the MARA Society — four incredible, strong Romanian women doing meaningful work to support underprivileged children in Romania. The audience was elegant, elite, and incredibly warm. I stepped out of my usual pop/dance repertoire and performed something very special: Over the Rainbow and Smile, accompanied by the brilliant pianist Matej Varga. It was a magical evening that touched me deeply, both musically and personally. That said, I cherish all my stage moments, but two tours will always stand out for me. First, my tours in Romania with my former band: Demmo. We had so much fun…truly so much fun. Every city brought laughter, joy, and unforgettable memories with my bandmates. We were a family, and those moments will always live in my heart. And then there was touring in North America and Canada, especially meaningful because of the connection with the Romanian community. The love and warmth I received from my own people abroad was powerful. There’s something unmatchable about being embraced by your roots, even while standing on an international stage.
13. How do you connect with your audience during live shows or through your music
AF: Music itself is the strongest connection. It’s like a universal love language, and once the music starts, we’re already bonded. But during live shows, I love talking to the audience between songs, nothing scripted, just real moments. I’ll share how I feel that day, maybe something funny that happened, or even ask the crowd a few things. It’s like a conversation, not just a concert. And then there’s the dancing — oh, the energy exchange! That’s where the real magic happens. I give them everything I’ve got on stage, and they give it right back. I think people can truly feel my joy when I perform. It’s not an act, I’m genuinely so happy to be up there. Oh, and sometimes I bring people up on stage too. That’s when it gets really fun and really real. Suddenly we’re singing, dancing, laughing together. I love breaking that invisible barrier between artist and audience. I don’t just perform for people; I perform with them.
14. What do you think is the most rewarding aspect of being a music artist?
AF: There are so many rewarding parts of being a music artist, but for me, one of the most special is the ability to travel. I absolutely love discovering new places, cultures, and people; and music makes that possible in the most beautiful way. But beyond that, the greatest reward is sharing pieces of myself, my joy, my emotions, my story… with people I may have never met otherwise. Music is the bridge. It connects strangers, turns moments into memories, and creates this powerful bond that words alone could never do. That’s the real magic.
15. Has fan feedback ever influenced the direction of your music?
AF: Not really, no. My fans have never been focused on the style of music I make — they’ve always connected more with the emotion behind it. I think they feel what I feel, and that’s what matters most. No one’s ever asked me to change or shift my sound. They’ve embraced whatever I’ve shared, and I’m so grateful for that. It tells me they’re listening with their hearts, not just their ears.
16. What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your music career, and how did you overcome them?
AF. One of the biggest challenges in my music career has been navigating the business side; figuring out who to work with and how to get my music out into the world. As an artist, you know your craft, you know you want to sing, perform, and share your voice but the ‘how’ isn’t always so clear. The music industry can be tough, especially when you don’t have a full management team behind you. It’s easy to run into people who overpromise, underdeliver, or aren’t working with the best intentions. That part has been difficult and honestly, it still is at times. But I’ve learned to stay focused, to trust the process, and to keep believing that the right people and opportunities will align. I pray for my work to reach those who need to hear it and I know that staying true to your vision, even when it’s hard, always pays off in the end.
17. How do you balance staying true to your artistry while adapting to trends in the music industry?
AF:For me, staying true to my artistry has never been a question, the music comes through me. I’ve always felt like a channel, and the songs I create are meant for the people who need them, exactly the way they arrive. If I ever shift genres, it’s because I’m inspired to in that moment, not because of industry trends. Trends change constantly, one day it’s trap, the next it’s rock, then ‘80s disco or even ‘50s throwbacks. If you’re constantly chasing what’s popular, it’s easy to lose the core of who you are as an artist. I create from a place of feeling, not formulas. And I trust that even people who love what’s trending will still connect with my music, because it speaks from the heart.
18. Is there a particular song or project that pushed you outside your comfort zone creatively?
AF: “Yes, absolutely, there was a time in my life when I stepped completely outside my comfort zone and into the world of opera. I was hired by the opera house in Constanța, Romania, and for two years, I had the incredible opportunity to perform in productions like Traviata, Carmen, and other iconic operas. It was one of the most enriching and transformative experiences of my life. Opera is the ultimate fusion of art: it’s music, dance, acting, costume, scenography, huge production, huge emotions… everything. It’s like a musical, but on a grander, more classical scale. It pushed me, stretched me, and taught me so much about discipline, vocal control, stage presence, and the power of storytelling
19. What message or legacy do you want to leave behind with your music?
AF: The message I want to leave behind with my music is simple: love. I hope my music brings joy, dance, courage, playfulness, and self-love into people’s lives. If I can make someone smile, move, or feel seen — even for just a moment — then I’ve done my part. I want to leave behind happy hearts, lifted spirits, and a reminder that life is meant to be felt fully and celebrated.
20. Where do you see yourself and your music career in the next 5 years?
AF: In five years, I see myself creating more than ever, writing, performing, and expanding into a bigger production with a strong team beside me. I want to travel the world not just to share my music, but to build a platform that helps others share theirs. There are so many incredibly talented people out there who just need a space to be seen, to be heard. I dream of creating that: a space where artists, no matter where they come from or how well-known they are, can show their craft and shine. I see myself performing on big festival stages across the globe, meeting people from all walks of life, experiencing new cultures, and yes tasting all the vegan food I can find! Music is my joy, and I want to live my life fully through it, to give back, to share what I’ve learned, and to keep growing both as an artist and as a person. To me, music is rhythm, life, and connection and in five years, I hope to be even deeper in that rhythm, still dancing, still dreaming, and lifting others up along the way.
21. How do you stay motivated and passionate about creating new music?
AF: Now, it’s much easier to stay motivated; because I’m supported, I’m loved, and I feel the kind of encouragement every artist dream of. That love fuels me, and it reminds me every day why I create. But I also know what it feels like to be lost. I’ve had moments in life where I felt completely disconnected from myself, and it wasn’t easy to stand back up, shake it off, and keep going. That’s why I wake up every morning with joy in my heart, thankful to be alive, to be creating, and to have been given this gift. Music is my way of showing gratitude to God for everything I’ve been blessed with. Creating is not just what I do it’s how I say thank you.
CYNX MAGAZINE 