The frontman of the rock group Korol and Shut, Andrey Knyazev, spoke to Socialbites.ca about artists who imitate the style and stage presence of The King and the Clown. He shared his perspective on the topic with thoughtful candor, reflecting on his own artistic journey and what drives him to create.
“This path isn’t clear to me,” he admitted. “I have always been drawn to making something personal, something that can surprise listeners. The core drive has been to live inside my own world. If that inner flame isn’t there, I don’t see the point of stepping onto the stage and performing to others.”
Knyazev emphasized that there is nothing inherently wrong with drawing inspiration from The King and the Clown. He acknowledged that the work has left a mark on the culture and that many artists have found their direction by following a similar impulse.
“We already built a culture, and it is now part of public consciousness. Still, I struggle to understand the artistic choices and the sense of personal expression of those who chase a similar path,” he added, offering a candid look at creative differences within the broader scene.
Andrey Knyazev is a founding member and the vocalist for the punk rock band Korol and Shut, a project he started with Mikhail Gorshenev. He also wrote the majority of the band’s lyrics, shaping a distinctive voice for the group. In 2011, he launched the solo project KnyaZz, expanding his creative footprint beyond the first band.
On October 12, 2023, the animated almanac Making Smeshariki Movies premiered, presenting four short films associated with the beloved cartoon characters. The soundtrack to the closing fantasy feature featured Knyazev performing the track Tavern, adding a new dimension to his creative catalog.
The musician discussed the recording process for the composition in a discussion with Socialbites.ca, offering insights into how the piece came together and the ideas behind its arrangement and mood [Socialbites.ca].