Alfiya Glow interview talks about her brand new single ‘Bittersweet Symphony’ with POLINA, inspiration, production process, and more.

Alfiya Glow and POLINA reimagines the classic ‘Bittersweet Symphony’ with her signature blend of violin and Electronic textures. We sat down to hear the story behind this calm, reflective remix and how they transformed a familiar melody into something entirely new.

Hi, Alfiya Glow! How are you? I am great, thank you for having me.

I am doing great, thank you for having me!

What initially inspired you to create a remix of “Bittersweet Symphony”?

At first, I just had this pull to take such a beautiful, iconic song and flip it into something darker. The emotion in “Bittersweet Symphony” is already so powerful, and I wanted to lean into that mood and see what would happen if I let it live in a deeper, more dramatic space.

How did you envision blending violin with electronic elements for such an iconic track?

Strings are such a huge part of this song already, that melody is instantly recognizable, so bringing in live violin felt very natural. What I really played with was flipping the melody a bit. If you compare the original to the remix, you’ll hear how it’s been morphed into a darker version of itself. And I always encourage people to listen to the extended mix, because it has this really lush string intro and outro that frames the whole track beautifully.

Can you walk us through the production process? Where did this remix begin?

The remix began very musically. I started by reworking the harmony and chords, which are intentionally different from the original. From there, I focused on reshaping the melody, keeping it recognizable, but slightly altered to support a darker emotional tone.

This track was a bit outside my usual BPM and genre. Instead of leaning into melodic House, it moved more into a dark pop space, almost with a Billie Eilish–inspired feel. Because of that, finding the right rhythmic foundation took time, especially choosing drum patterns that felt restrained, cinematic, and emotionally supportive rather than club-driven. Once that foundation was in place, everything else started to fall into alignment.

What electronic textures or sound design choices were most important for shaping the atmosphere?

Atmosphere was everything for this remix. I focused heavily on synth textures and pad sounds that felt cinematic rather than aggressive, almost like something you’d hear in a film trailer. Subtle effects and transitions helped create that sense of tension and emotional depth.

One of my favorite details is a string pizzicato pattern in the second verse, layered with delay and echo. It creates this haunting, rhythmic texture that quietly builds underneath the track and adds movement without overpowering the vocal or melody.

It is the second time you have collaborated with POLINA, can you tell us more about how it is to work with her?

Working with POLINA is honestly such a joy. She’s incredibly talented, but also very thoughtful and detail oriented. What stands out to me is how collaborative she is, she always brings her creativity fully, but she’s also very considerate and always checks in to see how things feel for me creatively. That kind of mutual respect makes the whole process really special. It’s been amazing to co-create together, and I definitely hope we do many more projects in the future.

Did you face any creative challenges while modernizing a classic without losing its essence?

Definitely. Any time you work with a song this iconic, there’s a risk involved. The biggest challenge was trusting that even though the harmony and melody are slightly different, the essence would still come through. I kept imagining how it would land for the listener, would it feel familiar, but also new? That was really the balance we were aiming for. There are already so many versions of this track, so finding a way to make it feel unique while still honoring the original was a challenge, but also part of the excitement.

How does this remix reflect your evolution as an artist?

This remix represents a moment of expansion for me. While House music will always be a foundation and a love of mine, I’ve recently felt a strong pull to explore beyond those boundaries. Working on this track allowed me to step into a darker, more cinematic space and challenge myself creatively in a new way. That process felt very meaningful, and it reaffirmed my desire to keep evolving, not just within one genre, but as a producer and artist overall.

What role does the violin play in your identity as a producer and performer?

The violin is my voice. It’s been my primary form of expression since the moment I picked it up, and it continues to ground everything I do as a producer and performer. In the world of Electronic music and DJing, the violin allows me to move beyond the computer and connect with people on a deeply human level. It brings an emotional immediacy that speaks straight to the heart, and I’m incredibly grateful to carry this instrument and everything it’s taught me into my work today.

What do you hope listeners feel when they hear your version?

I hope listeners feel a sense of permission, permission to feel emotions that are sometimes pushed aside. This version leans into the darker, more introspective side of emotion, not to dwell there, but to allow it to move through the body. Music can be a powerful way to process feelings like sadness, regret, or quiet heaviness without overanalyzing them. My hope is that the track creates space for that release, letting people feel, move through it, and come out lighter on the other side.

Has this project opened the door to more classic reimaginations?

Yes, absolutely, it definitely opened that door creatively. It sparked a few ideas I’m really excited about, but I’m letting them develop naturally. I’ll share more when the timing is right.

What can we expect next from your upcoming releases?

Honestly, I’m excited to say I don’t know, and that feels really good. I’m not creating on anyone else’s timeline anymore, whether that’s an algorithm or an external schedule. I’m letting inspiration come when it comes and giving myself the space to create something that feels new and real.

With this remix, Alfiya turns a beloved classic into a serene soundscape, proving once again her talent for blending emotion, strings, and Electronic sound into something uniquely her own.

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