Raya Hadzhieva
The creative world of Bulgarian trumpet player and music producer Raya Hadzhieva is as multifaceted and dynamic as the influences she draws upon. Deeply rooted in Eastern European traditions and shaped by her jazz education in Amsterdam, where she is now based, her music reflects a fearless spirit, a drive for authenticity, and a constant pursuit of emotional expression.
Raya's Adams Gear
Raya earned her Master’s degree in Jazz Trumpet from the Conservatory of Amsterdam in 2009, studying with Ruud Breuls, Jan Oosthof and Charli Green. During her studies, she expanded her musical perspective through an exchange at Temple University in Philadelphia and masterclasses with leading international artists, shaping a broad and versatile musical foundation.
Early on, Raya developed a strong interest in Bulgarian and Balkan folklore, which she began to merge organically with jazz. This distinctive blend led her into the Dutch world-music scene and later into Latin and Caribbean projects, performing as both section player and soloist. Her work has taken her to stages and festivals across Europe and beyond, while also collaborating on jazz, soul and pop projects.
Alongside her work as a trumpeter, Raya evolved into a composer and producer. In 2015, she released her first solo productions, reimagining traditional Bulgarian songs through cinematic and electronic soundscapes. These projects later grew into immersive live performances, combining acoustic instruments with electronics.
In 2019, Raya founded two vocal-led projects as arranger and producer: Desperate Daughters and Mermaid Radio. Desperate Daughters gained national recognition by winning the Music Elevator contest in 2021, followed by the release of their debut album Analogue Girls in 2022. Mermaid Radio released a self-titled EP in 2020, receiving praise for its inventive blend of jazz, indie pop and electronic music.
Whether performing or producing, Raya Hadzhieva explores the space between tradition and innovation, East and West, analogue and digital, always in search of new musical possibilities.