In an interview on the show 'Heli nälg', Leelo Tungal reflects on her beginnings as a songwriter, which started with a poem she wrote during her childhood. She recalls Valter Ojakäär as the first musician to set her words to music, marking a significant turning point in her early artistic life. Tungal reminisces about her school days when she unexpectedly heard a song that drew from her youthful creativity, showcasing the lasting impact of early influences on her career.

During the interview, Tungal shares charming anecdotes about her first encounters with prominent musicians, including how she met Andres Valkonen, who encouraged her to submit her lyrics for a competition. This led to her writing her first song, 'Las jääda ükski mets', which won an award from Lahemaa National Park. Tungal notes the importance of these collaborations in shaping her songwriting journey and emphasizes how much these experiences enriched her life and career.

Additionally, Tungal expresses her admiration for the singer Tõnis Mägi, who presented many of her songs. She believes that Tõnis is the best interpreter of her work, attributing his unique performance style to an innate connection with Estonia's musical roots. This perspective not only highlights the significance of her collaborations but also underscores the artistic bond between songwriters and performers in the Estonian music scene.