STRN6 MAGAZINE
STRN6 INTERVIEW - CPSL
From the raw, wild soul of the Russian scene to the immersive world of a magical forest festival. We delve into the creative mind of Maria Veretennikova, also known as CPSL, where darkness meets light, roughness and fragility.
What was the moment you knew you wanted to make music, not just listen to it?
I’ve always listened to a lot of different music. I also graduated from music school. However, I started listening to electronic music much later, and at some point, I became curious about how it works. I believe that my love for music and my curiosity led me to start creating it.
Imagine you need to create a track that represents your life right now. If it were to be translated into a sensory experience, how would it feel?. Could you describe its structure or atmosphere in terms of colors, textures, or even flavors?
I think it could be something fast, sharp, and energetic, just like me. It would be a combination of roughness and hardness, with a hint of fragility and vulnerability.
Stepping away from the studio, if you could be any superhero, not for their musical talents but for their core philosophy or personality, who would you choose and why?
I am a big fan of David Lynch. I have always been captivated by his worlds. His philosophy of darkness to light is close to me, where even in the darkest and gloomiest story, there is hope for something good. I think he has greatly influenced me and my creativity.
Which country or city's audience would you love to perform for the most, and what is it about the energy or culture there that draws you in?
I really want to perform in Japan and Asia in general. I am not familiar with their culture and people, which is why I am interested. I dream of visiting there and interacting with them through music.
The Russian electronic scene has a powerful and distinct identity. If you had to describe its essential soul or emotional core to an international audience, what would you say defines it?
For me, the Russian scene is raw, intellectual, strict, wild, marginal, and eccentric.
Beyond the well-known clubs in Moscow, are there any particular, perhaps smaller, cities in Russia that have surprised you with a vibrant and passionate audience for the kind of music you play?
To be honest, almost all of my tours in Russia are always a surprise. The audience is always so lively, and there is a sense of sincerity and interest in music. I always leave with strong impressions and a feeling that I am doing something worthwhile. My favorite cities include Yekaterinburg, Kazan, Nizhny Novgorod, and Rostov.
You've been active since the end of the 2010s, a period of significant growth and change. From your perspective, what has been the most positive evolution within the Russian underground community, and what is a challenge it still faces?
With the onset of isolation since 2020, there has been an opportunity for many young artists to express themselves. The focus has turned inward. There has been an opportunity to perform at interesting and large events, and those who have taken the time to develop themselves have made significant progress over the years. On the other hand, due to the same isolation, there is a significant lack of fresh perspectives and external development. We are all stewing in our own juices. And sometimes there is a feeling that it is not clear where to move on to, but I think that this is temporary and, in any case, if you are engaged in the development of yourself, in any conditions, the result will not be long in coming.
Festivals in Russia often have to create their own unique worlds. Is there a particular Russian festival, past or present, that you feel perfectly encapsulated the spirit of the community? What made it so special, was it the location, the curation, or the crowd?
This is definitely Outline. I haven’t seen anything like it in Russia or abroad. I can’t even call it a music festival. It’s so amazingly designed. It’s like a magical forest creature that lives its own life. The music, installations, nature, and industrial structures all come together to create an immersive experience. I’m so glad I got to be a part of it this year.
What's the most electric connection you've ever felt with a crowd during a set?
It’s a feeling when there is a third entity between you and the audience. The feeling that you are moving in one internal rhythm. It’s like sex. In general, I can compare my best performances with sex, by the feeling. Very similar energy.
Let's soundtrack your day. If you were to choose three tracks to define the arc of your day today, from a moment of calm focus, to a burst of creative energy, to finally winding down. What would they be and why?
I would start the day with any composition Miles Davis from the album Kind of BlueFor me, this is the best way to take a break from electronic music and switch.Next, I would probably continue with something electronic, as I often spend my days either creating music or searching for new tracks to perform. Today, I would choose the track Blawan Fires. I would end with one of my favorite albums, Brian Eno’s Ambient 1: Music For Airports.I love listening to this music while taking long walks.
If you could bring one painting into space with you, which one would you choose and why?
I would take a painting by Marc Chagall with me into space because his work understands gravity. My choice would be Paris through the Window (Paris par la fenêtre).
Pic. Kira Tumanova
Credits:
Interview - live photos & videos: Malcolm Roxs. Strn6 Magazine. October 2025