From her debut appearance to this very day - her unique talent, outstanding voice, authentic style and influential personality has won her unprecedented admiration from both the public and media, as well as highest professional acclaim among fellow musicians and artists of all generations.
Early life
Maria Ilieva was born in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria, in a family of renowned musicians. Her mother, Vanya Moneva, is the choir-master of the Cosmic Voices from Bulgaria choir and her father, Krasimir Iliev, is the conductor of Sofia Wind Orchestra. Maria’s devotion to music was apparent since early childhood. Trained pianist since the age of five, she developed her vocal skills as a member of the prestigious “Petko Stainov” Choir Academy.
Maria excelled in other areas of education as well, graduating with Honours from the elite Sofia High School of Mathematics. She proceeded to receive a Master’s degree in Insurance and a Master’s degree in International Relations. Her career as a performing vocal artist started in the late 90’s, when she was the lead vocalist of the highly successful Kaffe Band – best known abroad for representing Bulgaria at the 2005 Eurovision Song Contest.
Music career
2001: Moon Dream
The launch of Maria Ilieva’s solo career is marked by the release of her first single Moon Dream in the summer of 2001. The groundbreaking album (also titled Moon Dream) was duly released to sensational success later on in the year, having been described as a phenomenon in BG pop music[1]. Awarded singles released from the album (Moon Dream, Nothing) have gone straight to No.1 in all leading Bulgarian radio and television pop charts, while Alright (produced in collaboration with the avant-garde soul-funk band TE), shot to fame by staying on the top of Bulgarian Top 100 chart for an unprecedented 13 successive weeks.
2003: Stereo Room
Maria's next project - Stereo Room - included remixes by top Bulgarian DJs, played at the country's hottest dance venues - regularly featuring a list of renowned world class acts. The single Stereo room is to be remembered as the first completely animated Bulgarian music video produced, accentuating Maria's innovative and experimental style.
2007: I Come To You
After establishing her own record label “MI Productions” in 2003, Maria Ilieva worked in collaboration with renowned Bulgarian and American musicians, songwriters and producers to record her album I Come To You including the massive hits:
What Does It Take - first single released in English /video produced in Los Angeles, USA/, went straight to No.1 as a new entry on MM TV’s TOP 20;
You Come To Me – Maria’s first ballad single, presenting a new sensitivity of Maria’s approach to music;
Born for Love – duet single with distinguished Bulgarian male vocalist/composer Graffa whose video went to No.6 on MTV Europe’s World Chart Express;
Off the Record – Maria’s first collaboration with a hip-hop artist – Knas /Knas&Bacardi/ - 3 weeks at No.1 - Out of 5 chart of Bulgarian National Television;
Past – a single that has gone to No.1 on BG Radio’s TOP 20 chart and stayed there for 5 weeks;
On My Own - a single dedicated to the fight against human trafficking and forced prostitution. Official world premiere - 24.03.2007, at The stars of Europe concert, dedicated to the 50th anniversary of EU, broadcasted on 56 national TV stations worldwide;
Words - the went straight to No1 on MM TV’s TOP 20 three weeks after its release. Premiered on MTV Europe on 24.11.07.
Stereo Room - the record label
In 2007 Maria Ilieva founded her new label to promote young Bulgarian talent called “Stereo Room”. This record label aims at producing and promoting young talented singers from Bulgaria. Special auditions are took place in the beginning of 2008 and the first artist - Krista - was selected. Her debut single, "Tova, koeto iskash", went straight to #1 at all the national music charts and climbed up to #2 on MTV Europe’s World Chart Express. The second artist produced by Stereo Room is B.O.Y.A.N. and his first single's ("It's Over") video premiere is on MAD TV on the 9th of February 2009.
Discography
Moon Dream / Лунен сън
Released: 2001
Label: BMK / БМК
Tracks: "Haos ot mechti", "Shokolad", "Ne tarsya", "Pa-ra-ra", "Men i teb", "I oshte neshto...", "Lunen san club mix", "Ni6to (club mix re-edit Nishto)"
Singles: "Moon Dream", "Nothing", "Alright" with TE
Stereo Room / Стерео стая
Released: 2002
Label: BMK / БМК
I Come To You / Идвам към теб
Released: 2006
Label: MI Productions
Tracks: "The Shit", "All That", "Stop", "Il Destino Con Te" (feat. Leo), "Malko vreme", "Stoy tam", "Past" (Vibeats club remix)
Singles: "What Does It Take", "Born For Love" (duet with Graffa), "Off The Record" feat. Knas, "You Come To Me", "On My Own", "Past", "Words" (feat. YaYa)
Concerts
Billed as a top star at all established regional international music festivals, Maria Ilieva has performed as the opening act for celebrated artists such as George Michael, Simple Minds, Danni Minogue, Atomic Kitten, Garaj Mahal and more. Maria has also performed alongside such greats as Simply Red, Scorpions, Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple), UB40, Gipsy Kings, Zucchero, Kim Wilde, Spike Edney’s All Star Band and Lou Bega.
Awards
2008
Best Female Artist – MM TV Music Awards
Most Stylish Woman Award - Bravo FM Group
2007
Best Album Award ("I Come To You"/M.I.Productions) - MM TV Awards
Most stylish singer as announced by Elle Magazine
Golden Pen Award - for a Special Contribution to Bulgarian Culture - Classic Fm Radio/MAKTA
2006
Best Female Artist Award – BG Radio Music Awards
Woman of the Year Award – Grazia Magazine/Avon Awards
2005
Best Female Artist Award – BG Radio Music Awards
Best Style Award – Bravo FM Group
2004
Best Female Artist – Melo TV Mania, BNT
Best website of the year - International Media Festival Albena
Best Hairstyle – Pantene Beauty Awards
2002 – 2003
Best Female Artist Award – BG Radio Music Awards
Best Female Artist Award – MM TV Awards
Best Female Artist Award – Rhythm Magazine Awards
Best Video Award (Nishto) – Rhythm Magazine Awards Най-добра изпълнителка – BG Radio Music Awards
2001 – 2002
Best Debut Award – Melo TV Mania, Bulgarian National Television
Best Debut Award – MM TV Awards
Best Video Award (Moon Dream) – BG Radio Music Awards
Best Video Award (Moon Dream) – Forte Top 100 Awards, Bulgarian National Television
Best Female Artist Award – BG Radio Music Awards
Best Female Artist Award – Forte Top 100, Bulgarian National Television
Movies
Maria Ilieva is also an accomplished actress appearing in such Hollywood based films like:
2005 – “Undisputed 2”- A Millenium Films / Nu Image Production
2004 – “Submerged” – A Millenium Films / Nu Image Production
2004 – “Locust”- A UFO Production
2004 – “The Mechanic” (aka "The Russian Specialist") - A Millenium Films / Nu Image Production
Bulgarian movie productions include: •2002 – “Emigrants” – A Boyana Cinema Production
Social engagements
Apart from her music career, Maria Ilieva has been dedicated to a number of important social engagements and causes, such as:
2008 - Spokesperson for ICanToo foundation's campaign to help us raising funds for the needs of children with disabilities
2007 – Ambassador of the European Year of Equal Opportunities for All
2006 - 2007 – Official Spokesperson for Face to Face Foundation’s Campaign Against Human Trafficking and Forced Prostitution
2006 – Official Spokesperson for Standard daily newspaper Fund-raiser Initiative for Talented Children
2005-2006 – Official Spokesperson for the Avon Cosmetics’ Campaign Against Breast Cancer, a part of the global initiative for Breast Cancer awareness and prevention.
Brand ambassador / spokesperson
2006-2007 – Official spokesperson for BMW
2005-2007 – Official celebrity spokesperson for Haute Couture designer NEVENA
2003-2005 – Official Pantene Pro-V Brand Ambassador and celebrity Spokesperson
I Like
Maria Ilieva Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
T-Turn it up let me feel it surround...
My heartbeat seemed to the snare...
Show me how to dance it if you dare!!!
Show me the hard I have to play...
Got me call up on in your game...
Maybe feellin' like I won't play, but it's so crazy...
STOP!!!
Look at me right now!!!
Tell me do you like it?
And if you like it gotta let me know...
Want you shout it out?
'Cause I like it when you like it...
Make me lose control... E-e
I am lookin' around…
'Cause I made my wade through the crowd…
And my body's callin' you out…
Oh won't be no time to slow down…
Show me the hard I have to play...
Got me call up on in your game...
Maybe feellin' like I won't play, but it's so crazy...
STOP!!!
Look at me right now!!!
Tell me do you like it?
And if you like it gotta let me know...
Want you shout it out?
'Cause I like it when you like it...
Make me lose control...
Tell me now how shall we play?
You give the orders and I will pay…
Drop me a beat and I'm a slave!!!
Got better-better plans for me boy-boy-boy…
STOP!!!
Look at me right now!!!
Tell me do you like it?
And if you like it gotta let me know...
Want you shout it out?
'Cause I like it when you like it...
Make me lose control...
Maria Ilieva's song "I Like" is a dance track that has simple lyrics. The song describes a person's love for music and the desire to dance. The opening lines describe the excitement of hearing one's favorite music being played by a DJ. The singer's heartbeat matches the rhythm of the music. She wants to dance to the beat of the music and asks someone to show her how to dance.
The chorus of the song is catchy and seeks validation from the listener. The singer wants to know if the listener likes the music she likes. She pleads with the listener to shout out if they like the song. The second verse encourages the listener to take control and give orders. The singer wants to follow the listener's lead and is ready to be a slave to the rhythm.
The song is all about giving in to passion, dancing, and losing control. It is a fun, upbeat track that celebrates the joy of listening to music and dancing. The song encourages the listener to let go and have fun.
Line by Line Meaning
DJ's playing my sound...
The DJ is playing music that resonates with Maria Ilieva's taste.
T-Turn it up let me feel it surround...
Maria Ilieva wants the volume of the music to be increased so that she can experience it in its entirety.
My heartbeat seemed to the snare...
Maria Ilieva is so captivated by the music that her heartbeat is in sync with the beat of the snare drum.
Show me how to dance it if you dare!!!
Maria Ilieva is feeling confident and wants someone to show her how to dance to the music, daring them to try.
Show me the hard I have to play...
Maria Ilieva is interested in testing herself and wants to know what challenges lie ahead.
Got me call up on in your game...
Maria Ilieva is willing to participate in someone else's game, perhaps a romantic pursuit, and is eagerly waiting for a call from them.
Maybe feellin' like I won't play, but it's so crazy...
Despite her reservations, Maria Ilieva is excited about the prospect of playing and surrendering to her desires.
STOP!!!
Maria Ilieva wants the music to stop momentarily so she can make a request or demand attention.
Look at me right now!!!
Maria Ilieva wants to be the center of attention and is demanding to be seen and heard.
Tell me do you like it?
Maria Ilieva wants to know if whoever she is addressing is enjoying themselves, possibly in a romantic or sexual context.
And if you like it gotta let me know...
Maria Ilieva needs clear communication about someone's interest in her so she can proceed accordingly.
Want you shout it out?
Maria Ilieva wants someone to vocalize their attraction or enjoyment loudly and clearly.
'Cause I like it when you like it...
Maria Ilieva takes pleasure in pleasing others and is gratified by their enjoyment of her company or music.
Make me lose control...
Maria Ilieva wants to let go of her inhibitions and give herself over to the moment, possibly experiencing intense emotions.
I am lookin' around…
Maria Ilieva is surveying her surroundings and taking stock of the people present.
'Cause I made my wade through the crowd…
Maria Ilieva has made her way through the crowd with intention and purpose, possibly to seek someone out.
And my body's callin' you out…
Maria Ilieva is signaling her interest in someone through her body language and movements.
Oh won't be no time to slow down…
Maria Ilieva is in a rush and does not want to delay any further.
Tell me now how shall we play?
Maria Ilieva is excited to engage in a romantic or sexual encounter and wants to know how the other person intends to proceed.
You give the orders and I will pay…
Maria Ilieva is willing to follow someone else's lead and is committed to satisfying them.
Drop me a beat and I'm a slave!!!
Maria Ilieva is so captivated by the music that she is willing to submit to its power.
Got better-better plans for me boy-boy-boy…
Maria Ilieva is excited by the prospect of engaging in more intimate activities with a particular person.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Victoria :D
Тази песен заслужава повече гледани и лайкове!УНИКАЛНА СИ ПРОДАЛЖАВАЙ ВСЕ ТАКА!!!
Ella Nicol
This is a great song and video, I've always liked you, since I 1st heard "Lunen san" on the radio heh :))) You're one of few bulgarian musicians that make really valuable music! Cheers from Scotland! xx
Bloo Berry
Oh,people...this is soo GOOD.........Хора,много я харесвам тази песен,трябва да се гордеем с такива песни и такива артисти!!! :Д
Lora Ivanova
Страхотна песен. Аз много я харесвам и слушам само нейни песни. МАРИЯ ! УНИКАЛНА СИ.
ПРОДЪЛЖАВАЙ ДА НИ РАДВАШ С ЪС СТРАХОТНИ ПЕСНИ.
Николай Узунов
Предпочитам я пред онази гавра с Атанас Колев!
Песента е с жесток ритъм. Поздравления. Не ми омръзна откакто излезе.
Vanya Ivanova
И песента и клипа са уникални
Seft3
"I like"-it си е на световно ниво! В личната ми колекция клипчето споделя една и съща папка с тези на Lady Gaga,Katy Perry,Adele,Lorde...Жалко че не е в HD :(
Момчил Иванов
@Magda Draganova не съм съгласен
Magda Draganova
Lorde няма място в папката :D
Мариан Манолов
2018 уникална толкова спомени ми връща уникална нямам думи според мен това е напълно на световно ниво😉