How did you become interested in music?
I was surrounded by music since I can remember. I grew up in ballet and opera house and I couldn't imagine my world without music. Music became my world. I started playing piano at five and harp at seven. My parents were classical musicians and my path was very predictable. It was such a privilege to be able to watch the most amazing classical pieces. My first time on stage was when I was two. I remember this moment so vividly! I was playing a role of a girl in one of Tchaikovsky's operas.
You were born in Russia. Does having these roots influence your musical sound?
Absolutely. I'm very influenced by classical music and grew up in symphony orchestra watching my mom play. I believe every singer should be a musician first and have all the knowledge of composition, music theory and play instruments. It's a huge benefit. I'm grateful for the environment I was raised in. And believe the classical music gave me a real foundation for songwriting and expressing my artistic nature.
You have also toured in Russia. What was that experience like?
Every tour I've done I had amazing experiences. It's special for me to be able to share my gift on stage and express my deepest thoughts through my songs and story. It was really hard for me to grow musically in Russia because the culture was so conservative. I always wanted to sing American music and at some point I realized I'm not able to do what I love in my country so I decided to move to the U.S. chasing my love and passion for real music. Overall the audience in Russia is very loving and giving, and appreciative of art and talented people. I cant wait to go back and perform there this fall as part of my European tour. Titled "Home Away from Home".
When you moved to New York, you were a teenager and had it pretty rough. What inspired you to keep going?
My goal and curiosity inspired me to keep going. I'm a perfectionist and not doing it for fame. I wanna open up my potential and express myself. New York was the best experience of my life. Looking back now I can't believe I survived it, that's how hard and rough my life was. But I learned so much and it's the most precious time. I'm grateful for this.
Have you any advice for someone who might want to become interested in music but is struggling?
I would say do not be afraid to express your true self. What I'm learning right now is the meaning of honesty. It's not easy to be completely honest with yourself and overcome fear and mental limitations but when you push yourself out of your box it's the best feeling ever. Every time I get out of my comfort zone I learn so much about myself.
Tell us a little bit about your most recent single, "Speak In Tongues." What inspired the song?
I always write about what I feel and think about in this moment.This record is dreamy and sensual. It takes you to a different place emotionally and opens up a new feeling of reality. It's about living through the feeling of love, passion and capturing this state of mind - love that has no drama, no tension, and no limits. The writing process was fascinating, full of experiments with melodies and backgrounds; the lyrical structure came together quickly. I love classically written songs with classic structure. Harmonization prose was inspired by Enya pop-Celtic artist from the late '90s. I call her songs angelic pop.
What was it like recording the video for the song?
Shooting the video was the most amazing experience for me because I got a chance to produce the video. I am so lucky for my team and the director Alexey Figurov who came from Russia for just this project. This song inspired him so much and we shot everything in one day without a script. We had an amazing contemporary ballet dancer and choreographer Olga Sokolova who came up with all the movements on the spot.
What is coming up next for you?
After this release I'm going on tour in Europe with ten shows in six countries. I also teach an amazing and very rare breathing method that helps singers with control, stamina, flexibility, and ability to sing healthy always. I'm very passionate about sharing that knowledge and will be lecturing over 500 people in Russia, Ukraine. and UK while I'm on tour in October. There's another video that's coming out later this year but I'll keep it secret until then :)
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