QUESTIONS WITH STAMINA
In this interview,
1. Can you tell us about your upbringing in Moscow and how it has shaped your identity as an artist?
Moscow is a unique place, and while it offers countless opportunities, I can’t shake the feeling that everything here feels unreal and contrary to my ideals. It is deeply painful to acknowledge that this city does not align with my values, yet it remains the only place where I can expedite the acquisition of the resources necessary to seize those opportunities.
2. What does a typical day look like for you? How do you balance your music career with your personal life?
I have no life outside of my career. I constantly think about how to organize myself to write music. I work a regular job solely to fund my music endeavors. When I have a day off, I often rest for half the day, and by the evening, I usually have the energy to record a track. I try to schedule filming for myself and make plans; having obligations helps keep me disciplined.
3. Who are some of your biggest musical inspirations, both from Russia and internationally, and how have they influenced your sound?
There are few truly creative artists in the Russian entertainment industry; most are focused on meeting mass demands for entertainment. Those who actively seek innovative solutions in music and presentation and find success within the industry are regarded as even more valuable, as our environment is not particularly inclined toward experimentation. The audience generally shows little interest in anything new. Artists like Scriptonite, Black Cumin Oil, and Husky are quite distinctive and intriguing. In 2017, there were many artists who inspired me in their own unique ways (such as Pasosh, Vulgar Molly, and Pain Festival), but now I struggle to name any current inspirations. From the West, the collaboration between Drain Gang and Yung Lean has been particularly influential and original; their DIY approach has truly captured my attention.
4. Your music often touches on deep personal and emotional themes. What personal experiences or struggles do you draw from when writing your lyrics?
I write extensively about love—sometimes through fictional stories, sometimes through personal experiences, and often through events happening around me. For some reason, this topic has become the essence of what I find important; it serves as a powerful tool for conveying emotions. Love isn’t always about a romantic interest; often, my words mask what I’m truly writing about. The underlying emotion is what matters most. Frequently, behind my narratives about relationships lies a deeper exploration of entirely different themes, such as friendship, one’s attitude toward life, or introspection. It seems that the feeling of love is so fundamental that we all seek it in some form. Yet, I sometimes wonder if I should focus more specifically on important social issues.
5. Can you walk us through your creative process? How do you go from an idea or emotion to a fully formed song?
The key to writing a song is mastering control over your body, hormonal balance, and emotions. There are times when I feel a strong desire to write, but something holds me back; this is a common experience I’ve shared with many others. I often begin with an idea, freestyle on the guitar, or play along to a beat. I then work out the structure of the track. Starting can be a struggle for me, so I use a bit of a trick on my brain: I tell myself I’ll set up all the equipment and then take a break. Once I’ve set everything up, I allow myself a 5-minute rest and then promise to record just a couple of lines before taking another break. After that initial recording, I’m often motivated to write more, even though I tend to get distracted every 30 minutes. If I find it difficult to get started, it sometimes helps to do nothing for a few hours before I begin recording. Despite the challenges, I often manage to finish a track through this process.
6. Have you collaborated with other artists? If so, how have those experiences contributed to your growth as a musician?
I mainly record with my friends, but I draw inspiration from Kanye West's approach. I believe that with the right mindset, you can get the best out of the person you're working with, reveal their strengths, and identify what they excel at, which is beneficial for the song. My first album, consisting of five tracks, was recorded with a diverse group of musicians from different genres and backgrounds, each with their unique tastes. As a result, every track on the album features a different musician, contributing their skills in varying capacities - a guitar here, a beat there. Working with outside perspectives can always enhance and complement the composition.