– Yaroslav, tell us why you took the nickname SHAMAN? As I understand it, you only debuted in 2020 under this name.
– The nickname SHAMAN was given to me by fans – they constantly called me in the comments. It also helps separate stage and real life: looking at yourself from the outside and developing your character. This is important because I handle the entire creative part of the project by myself.
– You have changed a lot since you joined the sound project. Yaroslav Dronov then and the SHAMAN now seem like two different people, especially in terms of clothing. What caused you to change your image?
– For 15 years I was in an active search for myself: I tried, fell and got up. Now the puzzle is finally complete. Under this hairstyle, music and the nickname SHAMAN, people accepted me and fell in love. So, I’m doing everything right – and nothing needs to be changed.
— How is SHAMAN different from Yaroslav Dronov?
“He’s the best part of me, my superhero, and the power that awakens on stage. With this energy, the SHAMAN sweeps away anything that gets in his way.
– Do you write the songs yourself?
– Of course! I wrote about 200 songs and continue to write. As long as I have something to say to the world. This is great!
– You have a professional education. What do you think about the fact that now the top of the charts are occupied by artists who have received a professional microphone?
– True, I have three musical educations: a music school, a music college and academy of the Russian Academy of Music. Gnesins. For me, being a musician is a big responsibility like being a doctor. Music has a great impact on people, their souls and spirits, so being educated is very important. We don’t go to an inexperienced and untrained doctor, do we?(smiles)?
STRAW
Artist’s press service
– Has your training as a “populist” influenced your current work in some way?
– Of course, because I have devoted more than ten years to the study of folk music, singing, instruments and traditions. This is the basis that I actively use in my work, skillfully weaving ethnic notes and tones into my vocals. It is so subtle that it acts on a subconscious level – just like the memory of ancestors. This hallmark of my work resonates in the hearts of millions at the genetic level.
– You are collaborating with Viktor Drobysh. do you have a contract
– We immediately agreed on a pairing relationship, I stay here as an independent artist and he acts as my representative and helps to develop creativity. I wouldn’t sign a producer bondage contract. Now I collaborate with the team of the First Musical label in partnership with Viktor Yakovlevich.
– Do you have a purely professional relationship with him or are you in a friendly relationship?
– More like the latter. We have very warm human relations. I come to his office from time to time, just to sit comradely, talk and, which is especially pleasant, not just about work.
— Did the social networks you actively use help you promote?
– Yes, I manage all social networks myself, otherwise there will be no such closeness with my local fans. I guess this is just a continuation of the scene where I give and receive real feelings. I’ve gained over 2.5 million subscribers in the last six months and I’m not going to stop here.
– You took part in television projects such as “Factor A” and “Voice”. Have they helped you grow as an artist in some way?
— This part of my life path is in the past. To be honest, I never liked the concept of television projects. There is something wrong, unnatural and cynical about it. People who join there of their own free will cannot be blamed for anything: they do not know all this and come with open hearts and hoping to be noticed. But in the end, they are of no use to anyone and serve as little cogs in a gigantic mechanism.
Let’s get back to solo work. You recently released the song “Until the Sky”, which has more than 10 million views on YouTube today. Tell us how it was created?
I wrote it in September last year. I have a tradition: After the song is written, I give it a few months to reach out. Then I go back and listen. It helps to understand whether the emotion I put forth while composing the song is alive or not.
– You also recently released a beautiful video for the song “You are mine” directed by director Alina Veripya. Is this your first music video?
— Yes, this was my first full-fledged video work. We [c Алиной] We wanted to create a fairy tale – I think we succeeded.
STRAW
Artist’s press service
– Filmed in the mountains of Vladikavkaz. Was it scary to climb rocks?
– Spirit, of course, caught, but it was worth it! We were at one with nature and it allowed us to touch it. It was an exciting journey that will remain in my memory forever.
By the way, you are currently on a solo tour in Russia. What are the emotions?
– Recently, I performed in the cities of the Far East with a full house. And this is wonderful! This is what I have walked long and stubbornly for these 15 years. I am happy that I finally managed to reach people’s hearts with my songs. I am satisfied not only as an actor, but also as a writer.
– Recently St. Petersburg, are you planning a solo concert in Moscow in the summer?
– My concert in Moscow will begin on July 7 at the VDNKh Green Theater at 20:00. I am waiting everyone!
– Tell us about the song “Let’s get up”. How was he born?
– I unexpectedly wrote for myself on January 2 of this year. A word came to my mind, “Let’s get up” and that formed the basis of the whole song. I released it on February 23 and then people actively took it and now it is heard all over the country. It’s a miracle!
– Do you like to travel?
– I like to travel in my dream world. For me, this is much more interesting than enduring long flights to lie aimlessly on the beach by the sea. I can’t sunbathe, so I hide from the sun at home and only appear in the spotlight at concerts.
What do you do in your spare time apart from music?
“Usually, my rest is really doing nothing and just lying on the couch. At such moments, I feel like a phone connected to a charger. If I read a book or watch a movie, my brain is actively working. From the last thing I read – Jack London, “Martin Eden”, I recommend.
– And finally, what qualities do you appreciate in people?
– Be like children. Unfortunately, we become stale, overgrown with armor, spikes, and we lose the opportunity to see the world through a child’s eyes. But I know that somewhere deep inside each of us hides this beautiful creature.
Source: Gazeta
Barbara Dickson is a seasoned writer for “Social Bites”. She keeps readers informed on the latest news and trends, providing in-depth coverage and analysis on a variety of topics.