Lydia Salnikova

Singer/pianist, GRAMMY nominee

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466 Reviews (463 Verified)
Lydia Salnikova on SoundBetter

I've been a professional vocalist/musician/songwriter for 15+ years, I am a GRAMMY nominee, and I have recorded with the likes of Kenny Rogers, Bering Strait, Sir Christopher Lee and John Ford Coley. Throughout my professional career, my work has been heard on ABC, CBS, NBC, CMT, Animal Planet – and even in outer space!

I work in multiple genres: pop, rock, folk, country, Christian, alternative, EDM and others. I specialize in recording vocals (lead and/or BGV), keyboard tracks, piano/vocals, topline/songwriting (with vocals), string arranging, midi song production, etc. If you'd like to hear more samples than posted, in any specific genre, just ask.

For recording vocals, I use Neumann TLM103 mic and Universal Audio Apollo Twin MKII mic pre. When contacting me about vocals, please specify if your song is fully written – both melody and lyrics – or whether you need songwriting services too.

I don’t offer partial song rates (for a single chorus/hook), all my rates are per song up to 5 minutes in length.

On songwriting jobs, I initially record a rough work tape of my ideas as a voice memo. After client signs off, I then record keeper studio quality vocals and send a preview for final approval. Finalized raw tracks are delivered after project is marked complete.

I ask all my clients not to release, list or promote recordings under my name as artist / featured artist. While I’m proud of all work I do, I ask this simply to separate music I work on as a hired musician/singer (which varies greatly stylistically and conceptually from project to project) from music I write, produce and release as an artist.

Looking forward to hearing all about your project and making some music together!

Send me an email through 'Contact' button above and I'll get back to you asap.

Languages

  • English
  • French
  • Russian

466 Reviews - 56 Repeat Clients

Endorse Lydia Salnikova
  1. Review by Paul Kevin
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    Another day, another 5.0 review for Lydia! One of the constants in life. I keep throwing different genres her way and she keeps adapting to everything, this time a 1957 themed song! Wow, she gave it a definite time period background vocal extravaganza and more. She belongs back at the Grand Ole Opera and yet she gives us her gifts instead, much like her personality both giving and unselfish. And let us not forget a talent for the Ages!

  2. Review by Steven F.
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    Working with Lydia was easy and fun. She took my idea from concept to complete without any issues. Her voice is beautiful, production was great and instrumentals were superb.

  3. Review by Steve W.
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    Lydia is the finest musician I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. Vocalist, arranger, pianist, all the very best. This is why the SoundBetter platform is successful, period.

  4. Review by Matt P.
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    Professional with quick turnaround!

  5. Review by David Tolson
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    One of those very special moments in your life, you know, when everything is effortless and falls completely into place! Well, that's exactly how things went, working with Lydia. Lydia's whole approach, positive attitude, professionalism and not least, stunning voice and piano playing, were simply a delight to experience. I look forward to working with her again. Thank you for everything : )

  6. Review by Rich D.
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    You know that song by Tina Turner, "The Best?" Well, if you hire Lydia for your project, you'll realize she is simply the best choice you possibly could have made: A polished, skilled incredibly talented vocalist/pianist who delivers a top-notch performance time after time without fail. You want The Best? Look no further...

  7. Review by Colin T.
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    Another excellent set of backing vocals and harmonies. Lydia used her own judgment and came up with some great parts that I would never have thought of, and that really add a lot to the final song. Great work.

  8. Review by Kyle M.
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    Lydia was fantastic to work with and went above and beyond what I requested of her! Her communication, file management, gear, and singing were all top notch. A great collaborator!

  9. Review by Matt P.
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    This is the third time Lydia and I have worked together. Three different projects with one end result. Lydia has exceeded my expectations every time. I can’t recommend her enough.
    I look forward to working with her again!

  10. Review by Rich D.
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    Lydia has been the pianist/vocalist on six of my songs and there's a simple reason why I hire her: She's really, really good at what she does. And maybe just as importantly--puts great care and thought into a project each and every time. Can't say enough wonderful things about her. Give Lydia a try and find out for yourself.

  11. Review by Andre Galiano
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    Lydia is my singer of choice, simply put.

    I have released 12 albums, and ever since iI started working with her a few years ago, I can't imagine not having her do BGV in my recordings.

    For this current job, she tackled the challenge of creating different vocal tracks for a live track/medley, making it seem like my band had the most amazing background vocalists ever!!!

    She is super quick, professional, and I don't even need to provide any instructions. I completely trust her.

  12. Review by Alex M.
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    Lydia is a pro and really delivers great performances. Lydia even delivered within a very short amount of time. I highly recommend

  13. Review by Steve W.
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    Another beautiful song by Lydia - this time, I asked her to re-arrange and re-imagine the song, which she did beautifully. Both the arrangement and her performance are stellar. Most highly recommended. It is a joy to work with Lydia, an amazing vocalist, pianist, and overall musician.

  14. Review by Richard O.
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    It is always so wonderful working with Lydia. She always notches up the production with her incredible professionalism and talent. Awesome communication and helpful advice. I love her voice on this track. So inspiring and moving.

  15. Review by Rich D.
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    Want to take your project from ordinary to extraordinary? The solution is simple: Hire Lydia! I have. Five times. Five songs. And I certainly wouldn't hesitate a sixth time and beyond. Huge talents (vocals/piano), vast experience and a wonderful communicator all rolled into one--that's Lydia. Do yourself a favor and find out for yourself. You'll be glad you did...

  16. Review by Steve W.
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    Lydia's vocal and piano interpretation of this song is absolutely exquisite and divine. She has the voice of angels and there is no person in this world better to work with. Phenomenal voice and musician.

  17. Review by Paul Kevin
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    Writing a song with Lydia in mind to play the piano and sing/bgv is not a simple endeavor. First off you better bring your A game cause she is the "real deal" and I simply don't want to embarrass myself. haha Her talents are that immense, but on the other side of the coin she is such a humble soul...so makes the process seamless and easy. You could give her chopsticks for the piano and sing happy birthday and she'd still give you a HIGH quality lovely song in return. She NEVER disappoints!

  18. Review by Ryan C.
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    Pleasure to work with. Lydia really went above and beyond!

  19. Review by Austin B.
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    Lydia produced another phenomenal vocal performance.As always she gave a great vocal interpretation from the piano melody I provided, giving the song fantastic warmth and depth. She also adds her own creativity to the song elevating it to another level. We’ve worked together numerous times now and I can’t recommend Lydia highly enough. Lydia really takes care in making sure she provides you with the best vocal performance possible.

  20. Review by Jashua M.
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    Lydia was outstanding to work with! Great communication which is key and was transparent every step of the way. Definitely looking forward to work with her more in the near future

Interview with Lydia Salnikova

  1. Q: What are you working on at the moment?

  2. A: In addition to working for hire, I’m currently finishing recording a full-length album of original songs titled “The Idea of You”, which I also wrote. It is set for 2026 release. Stay tuned!

  3. Q: Analog or digital and why?

  4. A: Digital! Possibilities are limitless. But you gotta have a good mic and a good preamp.

  5. Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

  6. A: In my studio, I record in Logic Pro. For vocals I use Neumann TLM103 mic and Universal Audio Apollo Twin MKII audio interface / mic preamp. I also own various UA plugins such as Neve 1073, UA 610 tube, Avalon VT-737 tube and Manley VOXBOX tube – for different tone color options. For my piano sounds, I use Ivory by Synthogy, as well as Ravenscroft and Modern U by VI Labs. For my string sounds, I use LA Scoring Strings by Audiobro. I have recently acquired several guitar sound libraries, as well! Ask me about my full midi production.

  7. Q: Can you share one music production tip?

  8. A: Check out 2 of my articles published in SoundBetter "Tutorials": "Key your song well!" and "Are we in sync?"

  9. Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?

  10. A: I was very proud to sing the part of Hildegard in "Charlemagne: By the Sword and the Cross" by Christopher Lee (2010). One afternoon, I got the call to do this duet remotely, without much information provided about the project. Recorded it that same afternoon. Only months later did I realize who that rich raspy voice I was singing against belonged to! It was a thrill.

  11. Q: What do you like most about your job?

  12. A: Getting to make music for a living. It's a joy and a privilege.

  13. Q: What do you bring to a song?

  14. A: I see my main job as a musician/singer-for-hire in realizing the client's vision for their project. I check my ego at the door. I bring to the table 15+ years of recording experience, rooted both in Nashville music scene and my original classical music education.

  15. Q: What type of music do you usually work on?

  16. A: I work in multiple genres, such as pop, rock, alternative, dance/EDM, as well as country and Bluegrass.

  17. Q: What's your typical work process?

  18. A: First, I receive any and all materials and instructions from a client. I try to get as much guidance upfront as possible, to minimize revisions later. After I do the work, I send a reference mix for the client to review and approve. I allow one round of minor revisions, if needed. Upon job approval and project marked "complete", I finalize and deliver all tracks in WAV format specified.

  19. Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.

  20. A: Most of the time, I get hired to record lead vocal tracks, background vocal tracks, piano tracks and string arrangements. I also produce/program full midi recordings for some of my clients, as well as offer songwriting/toplining services.

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Vocals #1: rock/country/pop/EDM

I was the Singer in this production


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    Vocals #1: rock/country/pop/EDM
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    Vocals #2: alternative/Christian/metal rock/country pop/R&B (5 clips)
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    Topline writing (4 clips)
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    Piano/vocal production (4 clips)
Terms Of Service

1/2 of payment is non-refundable. Clients may request 1 round of minor revisions (not a full redo) after hearing my work. Typical turnaround is 6-7 days due to job volume; can also offer rush service.

GenresSounds Like
  • Amy Lee
  • Sarah McLachlan
  • Alison Krauss
Gear Highlights
  • iMac
  • Mackie HR824s
  • Logic Pro
  • Universal Audio Apollo Twin MKII
  • Baby Bottle mic by BLUE
  • Yamaha S90-ES
  • Ivory by Synthogy
  • LA Scoring Strings by Audiobro
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