Symeon Yovev

Please tell us a bit about yourself and your current career?

Since graduating, I’ve been developing my career as an artist in experimental music composition and performance. Despite it coinciding with the pandemic years, I’ve managed to form an own label and have released several records to date. I am currently working on my latest record and few other artistic projects I’m involved with.

How do you think the skills and knowledge you developed at Leeds helped with your career success?

While the success of my career has yet to come, the skills and knowledge I developed at Leeds have changed my world for the better. It is impossible to overstate their significance in making me into the artist I am today and they have given me all the context and horizon that I will need to make my way forward.

What made you want to apply to your course and to Leeds?

I came across my future supervisor, Professor Scott McLaughlin, whilst looking for a PhD position for my creative project. He was gracious enough to consider my proposal and after few exchanges encouraged me to apply.

What aspects of the course did you enjoy the most?

The freedom to explore my instincts and fields of interest gave me a real sense of agency. At the same time I was guided and constantly encouraged to learn as much as possible about the context of my work, other artists and methods, and where and how what I do fits and contributes to the field.

What would you say about the learning and the support facilities in your School and at the University in general?

I really appreciated the ability to use high quality equipment and beautiful concert halls and instruments to realise compositions.