An Independent Voice in Modern Classical Piano Music

The Time Before Us (2025), by Lena Natalia

I’m thrilled to share that I’ve just released a new modern classical piano single — the first piece from my upcoming album, The Time Before Us, which arrives in full on July 4.

This album stays true to my voice and ethos: creating music rooted in mindfulness, emotional resonance, and relaxing neoclassical music experiences.

Why This Album Matters

An “Unpopular” Genre with Healing Power

This album is deeply personal to me. It’s the result of staying true to my creative voice in a world that often feels overwhelmed by noise — both literal and figurative. I know many of you feel that, too. We live in a time when things move quickly, where trends come and go overnight, and where deep, contemplative music is too often shuffled into vague categories like “ambient” or “new age” — even though it doesn’t quite belong there, either.

Stepping Away from Flash-In-The-Pan Trends

The music industry, in many ways, has reached a cultural crossroads. Labels pour significant budgets into artists whose careers are often built around moments instead of music — flash-in-the-pan fame designed for algorithms and fads. And while there’s nothing wrong with enjoying what's fleeting, I believe there’s also space — and need — for music that lingers. Music that heals. Music that’s made by musicians who write, not just to be heard, but to feel. 80's Music was pop music back in the day but today is its own distinct genre because it was just really, really good music!

The Time Before Us was written in that spirit. It’s my way of contributing something hopefully lasting, meaningful and restorative to the moment we’re all living through — a moment that feels simultaneously disorienting and hopeful.

The Title: A Dual Meaning

The title has a double meaning that I really love: it refers both to the time that came before — our memories, our past selves — and to the time that lies ahead. It’s a reflection on where we’ve been and where we might be going. And I hope it becomes a companion to your own moments of pause, creativity, and reflection.

Science Backs the Soundtrack

I know this kind of music doesn’t always fit neatly into industry boxes. But I’ve never been interested in boxes — I’m interested in music that soothes and strengthens, music that makes space for emotion, music that helps us all find a little quiet in the chaos. I know this music works because it helps me. And if you’re reading this, I imagine you’ve felt that, too.

Numerous studies show that listening to classical music for mental health can reduce anxiety and cortisol, improve memory, and enhance well-being. Writing it soothes my own brain—and I hope it touches yours, too.

The benefits of classical music extend even to listeners who aren’t familiar with the genre. A 2024 study showed it can stimulate dopamine and synchronize brain waves, offering emotional relief—even in those with treatment‑resistant depression thescottishsun.co.uk.

BBC’s Radio 3 Unwind program emphasizes classical music’s mental health benefits too, embracing it as both art and therapy. 

What You Can Do

So today, I invite you to take a moment — just a few minutes — to listen to the new single. Let it wash over you. Let it bring you stillness, or hope, or simply a breath of calm.

Wishing you a peaceful, joyful summer ahead. And thank you — always — for listening.

🎧 Listen to the new single on your favorite music service here.

📅 Full album “The Time Before Us” releases July 4.