Biography
Regina Spektor was born on February 18, 1980, in Moscow, Soviet Union, into a Russian-Jewish family deeply involved in music. Her father, Ilya, was a photographer and amateur violinist, while her mother, Bella, was a music professor. Spektor began classical piano studies at age six, practicing on a Petrof upright piano inherited from her grandfather. In 1989, her family emigrated to the Bronx, New York, fleeing ethnic and political discrimination, and she continued her musical education despite having to leave her piano behind, often practicing on tabletops until she found a piano at her synagogue.[2][1][3][6]
In New York, Spektor studied classical piano with Sonia Vargas, a professor at the Manhattan School of Music, and later attended Purchase College's Conservatory of Music, graduating with honors in 2001. Her exposure to Western rock and pop through her father's bootleg tapes, as well as the works of singer-songwriters like Joni Mitchell and Ani DiFranco, inspired her to write her own songs starting at age sixteen. Spektor's career developed through the anti-folk scene in downtown New York City, where she performed at venues such as SideWalk Cafe and self-released her first albums, '11:11' (2001) and 'Songs' (2002).[2][1][4][8]
Spektor's musical style is eclectic, blending elements of anti-folk, classical, punk, rock, jazz, and Jewish folk traditions. Her distinctive voice, inventive piano work, and quirky, personal songwriting have earned her critical acclaim and a dedicated following. She is recognized for her contributions to the anti-folk movement and for expanding the boundaries of singer-songwriter music, influencing a new generation of artists with her originality and emotional depth.[2][8][1]
Fun Facts
- Regina Spektor practiced piano on tabletops after emigrating to the U.S. because her family couldn't bring their piano from Moscow.[2]
- She wrote her first songs while hiking in Israel as part of the Nesiya Institute program for Jewish American and Israeli teens.[1][2]
- Spektor briefly worked at a butterfly farm in Luck, Wisconsin, before her music career took off.[2]
- Her father introduced her to Western music by trading bootleg tapes of The Beatles and Queen in the Soviet Union.[1][8]
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Sonia Vargas - Classical piano teacher at Manhattan School of Music (Classical piano studies) [Teenage years until age 17]
- Joni Mitchell - Stylistic influence; inspired Spektor's songwriting (General inspiration, not direct collaboration) [Late teens]
- Ani DiFranco - Stylistic influence; encouraged belief in self-expression (General inspiration, not direct collaboration) [Late teens]
- Billie Holiday - Influenced Spektor's approach to blues and jazz (General inspiration, not direct collaboration) [College years]
Key Collaborators
- Trachtenburg Family Slideshow Players - Performed together at local colleges and anti-folk venues (Live performances) [Early 2000s]
Artists Influenced
- Sara Bareilles - Cited Spektor as an influence on her own piano-driven songwriting (General inspiration, not direct collaboration) [2000s–present]
- Ingrid Michaelson - Inspired by Spektor's anti-folk style and lyrical approach (General inspiration, not direct collaboration) [2000s–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Far | 2009-06-19 | Album |
| Begin to Hope | 2006-06-13 | Album |
| Begin to Hope (Special Edition) | 2006-06-13 | Album |
| Soviet Kitsch | 2004-08-17 | Album |
| Far (Deluxe Version) | 2009-06-19 | Album |
| What We Saw from the Cheap Seats (Deluxe Version) | 2012-05-25 | Album |
| Ben Folds Live with The National Symphony Orchestra | 2025-07-04 | Album |
| Kubo and the Two Strings (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) | 2016-08-05 | Album |
| Way To Normal | 2008-09-29 | Album |
| Songs (2024 Remaster) | 2024-11-29 | Album |
| What We Saw from the Cheap Seats | 2012-05-25 | Album |
| Home, before and after | 2022-06-24 | Album |
| Remember Us to Life | 2016-09-30 | Album |
| Mary Ann Meets the Gravediggers and Other Short Stories by Regina Spektor | 2004 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Two Birds (Far)
- The Call
- Fidelity (Begin to Hope)
- Samson (Begin to Hope)
- Two Birds (Far (Deluxe Version))
- Us (Soviet Kitsch)
- Modern Girls & Old Fashion Men - Reptilia B-Side (The Singles - Volume 01)
- Eet (Far)
- On the Radio (Begin to Hope)
- Fidelity (Begin to Hope (Special Edition))
External Links
Tags: #alternative-rock, #american, #anti-folk
References
Heard on WWOZ
Regina Spektor has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 22, 2025 | 09:44 | My Manfrom Boardwalk Empire Volume 1 : Music From The HBO Original Series | Traditional Jazzw/ Big Pete |