Meet Aydin Ramadan, a 54-year-old talent from Bulgaria with a truly inspiring story. By profession, Aydin is an international truck driver, spending countless hours on lonely roads. However, his true passion lies in music. As a self-taught pop singer who discovered his vocal gift seven years ago, Aydin has turned his truck cabin into a space for reflection, while choosing professional recording studios to track his music. Despite facing recent severe health challenges, he continues to dream big, aiming to record up to 250 songs in over ten languages for TikTok and eventually release his own single. In this interview, Aydin shares his journey, his musical inspirations, and the healing nature of art.
Aydin, your profession is an international truck driver. It is hard work and constant travel. Does music help you on the road? Do you sing right behind the wheel, and can we say that your truck cabin is your main rehearsal base?
Being an international truck driver is not an easy job. I spend many hours alone on the road, and music is my best companion. It helps me stay positive and keep calm. Sometimes I may sing in the truck, but it’s definitely not my rehearsal studio. And when a studio is needed, I rely on the services of “Ivem beats” recording studio.
You noted that you are a self-taught singer and have never performed on a professional stage. What are the main difficulties faced by an artist who learns everything on his own, and what is the main advice you would give to those who also want to start singing "for themselves" after the age of 50?
That’s true. I have never studied singing professionally or performed on a big stage. Everything I know, I have learned by listening, practicing, and believing in myself. The biggest challenge is that you have to be your own teacher and critic at the same time. And I hope I am doing well so far.
You came to singing 7 years ago. What exactly served as the main trigger or inspiration back then? Was it a specific song, a life event, or a long-held dream that finally came true?
Music has always been close to my heart. I have always admired good singers and listened to many different styles of music, and one day I realized I wanted to express myself through singing as well. And over the passing years, music has become an important part of my life. Every new song motivates me to keep improving.
At the beginning of this year, you faced serious health problems and spent more than three weeks in German hospitals. Did your passion for singing help you cope with this difficult period emotionally? Can we say that music has become your medicine?
Yes, that is one of the difficult periods of my life. I spent 3 weeks in two hospitals in Germany, and I am still not 100% recovered. I truly believe music has a healing power. It may not replace the medicine, but it can certainly heal the soul.
For many, singing is a way to express what cannot be said in ordinary words. What is music to you personally today? Is it a hobby, an outlet, a way of communicating with the world, or something more?
For me, music is much more than just a hobby. It has become a way of expressing myself and connecting with people without needing many words. Whenever I sing, I can share my emotions, experiences, and feelings in a way that feels honest and natural. Music also gives me peace of mind, inspiration, and motivation to keep growing — not only as a singer but also as a person. If even one listener feels touched or finds comfort in my performance, then I know my music has achieved its goal. That’s what makes singing so meaningful to me.
In your playlist, the legendary The Beatles and Elvis Presley coexist with super popular Euro-disco like Modern Talking and Bad Boys Blue. How does this music of past years affect your own style of performance? What do you try to adopt from these great artists?
I believe every artist I listened to has influenced me in a way or another. “The Beatles” taught me the importance of melody, while Elvis Presley showed me how charisma and emotions can make music unforgettable. Modern Talking and Bad Boys Blue inspire me with their catchy melodies, energy, and unique sound. I always try to learn from the best — their passion, stage presence, vocal expression, and ability to connect with listeners. I get inspired by different singers while developing my musical identity and image.
Your musical taste is incredibly wide — from Yuri Shatunov and Sofia Rotaru to modern Eastern pop music (Janob Rasul, Shebnem Tovuzlu). In which languages do you sing most often, and what style of songs, in your opinion, best reveals your voice and soul?
I enjoy singing in several languages because each one has its own beauty and charm. I often sing in English, Russian, and Turkish, and I am always open to exploring other languages as well. I believe pop music suits my voice the best because it allows me to express my emotions and melody quite naturally. I like Italo disco and retro hits from the 70s and 80s. For me, the most important thing is not the language itself, but the feeling and the message behind the song.
You mentioned that you sing mostly pop songs. In your opinion, what is the main secret of a good pop composition? What is more important in it — a catchy melody, strong lyrics, or the emotion that the performer puts into it?
I think a good pop song is a combination of these three elements — a memorable melody, meaningful lyrics, and genuine emotion. When a singer performs with sincerity and connects with the audience, people can feel it. I try to sing with honesty and let the emotions of the song speak for themselves.
If you compare yourself in your very first year of vocal practice and now, in 2026 — in what do you feel the greatest progress? What vocal "peak" or song was the most difficult for you, but you are proud of it?
When I compare myself to the singer I was 8 years ago, I can see a huge difference. In the beginning, I lacked confidence and experience, but with regular practice, I gradually improved my vocal technique and breath control. Every challenging song has helped me to grow, so it is difficult to choose only one. I am proud of every song that once seemed beyond my abilities but eventually became part of my repertoire. Those moments remind me that patience, dedication, and hard work always pay off.
Do you remember your most vivid or exciting performance? What feelings do you experience when you take the microphone in your hands and share your creativity with the listeners?
I know every performance is special for a singer, since every audience is different. Seeing people smiling, singing along, or simply enjoying the music gives an artist great happiness and motivation. When an artist starts singing, he focuses only on the music and sharing genuine emotions. That’s one of the most rewarding feelings for me as a performer.
You voiced an amazing goal — to record 200 to 250 songs in 10–13 languages for the TikTok platform! How is this plan going?
Yes, that dream is still alive. My goal is to reach 200–250 songs in 10–13 languages on the TikTok platform, hoping by the way of finding a producer that may take an interest.
What creative goals do you set for yourself for the near future? Perhaps there is a song that you have long dreamed of learning and performing, or are you thinking about recording your own single?
My main goal is to keep improving as a singer and to challenge myself with new songs and different musical styles. I always look for opportunities to learn something new and become a better performer. There are still many songs I’d love to perform one day, especially those that require strong vocal expression and emotional depth. Recording my own original single is definitely something I’ve been thinking about, and I hope to make it happen in the future. For now, I am focused on enjoying the journey, growing with every performance, and sharing my love for music with as many people as possible.
