Early Life and Initial Career Path
Transition to a Music Career
Ilya Volynkin, known by his stage name leadwave, began his professional music career in 2022, though his connection to music traces back to early childhood. A graduate of a music school with a specialization in piano, he demonstrated a passion for composition and improvisation from a young age. Despite considering studies at a music conservatory, he chose the profession of journalism, to which he dedicated over two decades.
After 22 years in journalism, he made the decision to fully devote himself to music, largely inspired by his son, musician Øneheart. His debut track, “memories” (2022), became his signature work, amassing more than 200 million streams across digital platforms.
Key Releases and Success
Collaborative Album and Current Focus
He went on to release several notable compositions, including “unfortunately”, “fairytale” (with Øneheart), “haze” (with suffershade), “moments”, among others, each resonating with millions of listeners worldwide.
In 2025, together with Øneheart and Dean Korso, Ilya released the album “Samsara Passengers”, a project blending classic ambient textures with the richness of ethnic instruments. The album featured collaborations with the artists such as Moby, Medasin, Younger Brother, Antent, Kiran + Nivi, and many others. Today, leadwave continues to develop his musical project, combining academic training, journalistic experience, and a modern electronic sound. His creative path demonstrates that new beginnings are always possible, and music can serve as both inspiration and a source of strength for future discoveries.
