Ada Pasternak has lived all over the world. Born in Russia, her parents immigrated to New York when she was six. After living in LA For a while, she has now relocated to Nashville.

Pasternak was trained as a classical violinist. Both of her parents were violinists and brought her into that world. Considered a child prodigy, she had a very successful career going for her. And then she developed tendonitis. She was told she could no longer play. While devastating news at the time, Ada keeps a positive mindset. “I believe things happen for a reason because if I didn’t experience that injury at the peak of my career as a violinist I wouldn’t have discovered my passion for songwriting.”

When asked about how being a songwriter compares, she tells me that the two worlds are very different. As a classical violinist she would practice anywhere from 3-6 hours a day and go to competitions, all while being in school. “It’s tough in a lot of ways because it was a lot of starting over. I was very successful as a classical violinist as a kid. I went from performing at theaters and orchestras in front of 20,000 people to playing at bars for drunk guys watching TV in the background. So, it’s a little traumatic in that way but I’m learning a lot. I’m growing a lot as an artist and person.”

She became interested in music therapy after her mom took a course at a New York University. She’d come home and tell Ada how rewarding her experiences were. “She would go to a nursing home and play songs for some of these patients that have lost their memories. Some of these melodies would completely transform the room. They would get up and dance and sing all the lyrics and suddenly remember their loved ones. I was like wow music is powerful” shares Pasternak. This was before she started writing songs. As someone who adores helping people, Ada applied to Berklee because of it. She wound up getting a scholarship and thinks back fondly on the amazing adventure. She had only ever known classical music and suddenly there were all these different genres. She was influenced and started improvising and playing different styles of music. She considers performing and songwriting a form of music therapy.

She believes we need more light in the world right now and wants to be that. “My main goal is to help people with my music. Let people know that they are not alone and we’re all the same. I want to encourage people to be themselves and follow their dreams. Keep going no matter what, never give up. There’s always a rainbow on the other side of things”

Her newest single titled “One Way Ticket”, tells the story of her journey leaving Los Angeles after a traumatic incident, and moving to Nashville. Walking into a hair salon and chopping all her hair off and starting over. She’s been enjoying Nashville, finding everyone here to be nice and collaborative.

Ada is also working on a concept album to be released later this year. She’s very excited for people to hear it. There are two other new songs out “When you know you know” and “I wish I never” She also has a self-love anthem out that went viral called “Perfectly Imperfect”.

When asked what sets her apart from other artists, the violin is the obvious answer. “The fact that I have an instrument that’s unusual in country. and the fact that I play it not only traditionally with a bow but that I always do a lot of strumming and waltzing.” She adds in her ability to improvise and write songs on the spot.

All of Pasternak’s music is brutally honest, songs about pain and heartbreak. This songwriter puts it all out there. She always knew music would be a big part of her life in whatever aspect. “It was inevitable. It’s in my blood”.